Job Title: Historic Farm Manager

Organization: Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, soon to be Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead 

Location: Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $35,000-40,000

Time Commitment: Full Time

Manages: Farm Assistant/s, Animal and Site Maintenance Volunteers

POSITION SUMMARY

The Historic Farm Manager is responsible for year-round management of all historic farm operations including animal care, planting and harvesting crops, preservation and site maintenance, and historic agriculture interpretation. Working alongside a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, the Historic Farm Manager will educate, interpret, and encourage active participation in historic farming practices and skills that made 18th century life possible. The Historic Farm Manager will also assist in the management of site partnerships, build connections with community organizations, and be committed to researching and sharing diverse perspectives.

SITE OVERVIEW

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, soon to be Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead (CPF) is an 18th century living history farm located within Ridley Creek State Park.  Featuring heritage-breed animals, period-appropriate crops, and five historic buildings, CPF represents a typical mid-size colonial-era property. The site is currently engaged in a strategic planning process and, acting as good stewards of the land and historic property, is committed to recognizing and sharing the diverse cultural narrative of all peoples of the 18th century as well as a sitewide name change.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care 

• Daily care of all animals including, but not limited to sheep, poultry, horses, and cattle. All animals must be cared for and adhere to the ALHFAM Position Statement on the Use of Livestock in Museum Settings.

• Regularly assess and maintain animals’ health and living spaces, including, but not limited to fencing, mucking, and sanitizing water tanks and feed dishes.

• Schedule and coordinate with veterinarians at New Bolton Center to ensure well being of all animals including annual vet visits and medications. Oversee farrier visits and ensure regular hoof care for horses. 

• Monitor and manage the purchase of the necessary supply of feed, hay, straw, bedding, fly spray, and other equipment needed. 

• Administer animal first aid and medical care as needed and directed.

Interpretive Farm Development and Management 

• Oversee the planting, weeding, and harvesting of field crops which may include wheat, barley, rye, flax, corn, potatoes, and hay as well as native plants as part of the natural landscape. Ensure the continuation of seed supplies and coordinate with other sites as needed to obtain or exchange heritage-variety seeds. 

• In coordination with the Program Director, research, develop, and implement seasonal agricultural interpretive programs including weekend programs, special events, summer camp, and skills workshops. 

• Work closely with the Education Coordinator to support all aspects of on-site, weekday (and occasional weekend) educational programming including participation in field trips, upkeep of all public spaces, and supply of program materials such as split wood, charcoal, etc.. Educational programming seasons cover September- November, March - early June, and typically five weeks of summer camp.

• Manage the farm budget, including project specific or grant funds. Oversee the purchase of supplies and equipment needed for regular agricultural work. 

• Supervise and manage farm staff including Farm Assistant/s and animal and site maintenance volunteers, including training and scheduling. Assist with recruitment of farm volunteers in coordination with the Volunteer and Program Coordinator as needed. 

Site Maintenance

• Identify, prioritize, schedule, and manage repair work on the buildings and grounds including basic repairs to fencing and maintenance of equipment, both historic and modern. 

• Interact as appropriate with the Ridley Creek State Park Manager, maintenance personnel, and Park Rangers.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Passion for farm-based education and teaching diverse groups. Knowledge of, or willingness to research, learn and practice, 18th century agricultural history and associated skills, tools and methods required. 

• Experience with animal care, preferably working with draft animals. 

• Ability and personality to effectively interact with the public.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working with or managing staff and volunteers is strongly preferred. 

• Must be dependable, take initiative, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and be an efficient worker. Comfortable with working both independently and with a team.

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions; walking or standing for extended periods, stooping, kneeling, crouching and lifting 50 pounds. 

• Willingness to wear 18th-century attire for interpretive programming and learn new skills strongly preferred. 

• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required.

Benefits include $100 monthly for health insurance reimbursement, 10 days paid time off and 5 days paid sick leave yearly, period clothing stipend, and paid training opportunities. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Sarah Lerch, Program Director at programdirector@colonialplantation.org.

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is an Equal Opportunity employer. We will not discriminate on the basis of  race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.