Farmer

Job Summary

Operates a livestock and dairy farm that produces dairy and horticultural products and supports educational programming, including animal care and welfare. Maintains and operates farm machinery and oversees planting and harvesting of crops. Manages animals and maintains an inventory of agricultural supplies to support the educational programs. Works directly with students, develops positive working relationships with community members and industry leaders. Maintains records of production and supplies and ensures that the farm operates within the budget.

Essential Functions

• Manages production inputs to minimize waste, maximizes best use of budgeted funds for farm and animal production.
• Uses best approved practices to manage soils for crop production and crop timing for planting, growing and harvesting.
• Harvests hay at the appropriate times for maximum production; establishes a 3-year plan for hay production to meet educational programing needs.
• Implements best practices for pasture management.
• Follows, implements and contributes to the Nutrient Management Plan.
• Maintains animal inventory on a monthly basis; tags all animals with radio frequency identification (RFID) or most relevant animal management system to feed into inventory management and support educational experiences.
• Maintains accurate record keeping skills for animal health treatment and maintenance.
• Works with industry representative to provide best practices for maximizing animal health and budget.
• Conducts quarterly fecal testing; collaborates with the veterinarian during the bi-yearly veterinarian inspections.
• Recognizes and aligns appropriate animal needs to educational program.
• Operates, maintains and makes repairs to tractors and cultivators; maintains milking machines, barn-cleaning machines and all other dairy related equipment.
• Maintains the safety, cleanliness and working ability of equipment; documents and reports any issues with equipment.
• Maintains proper inventory accountability: tags equipment, logs inventory, identifies equipment for removal; works with team members to appropriately remove inventory items.
• Researches and communicates equipment needs that fit the operation of the farm and supports educational programming.
• Maintains pastures, orchard trees, weed control and spraying.
• Ensures that the facility is maintained for public viewing at all times.
• Develops a working relationship with educators to build and support educational programing; provides instructional support to students on farm operations.

 Demonstrated ability to:
o operate farm machinery such ad tractors, cultivators, milking machines, and barn-cleaning equipment.
o respond appropriately to current animal and farm production issues.
o identify cull animals.
o select appropriate breeding stock and to breed and birth animals.
o calculate feed by species for ordering purposes.
o administer medications for each species.
o perform minor repairs on farm equipment and buildings.
o follow oral and written directions and keep accurate records.
o instruct agricultural students in the operation of farm equipment and growing crops.
o instruct agricultural students in caring for livestock.
o work extended hours outdoors, outside of normal business hours, endure hard manual labor under varied climatic conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.
o walk two miles in forty minutes without stopping for purposes of walking pastures and moving cattle.
o communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
o report needs and ideas for program improvement.
o instruct agricultural students in caring for livestock.
o interact with the public and represent the School District in a positive manner.
o work with volunteer groups, organizing, setting up and planning volunteer events.
o attend industry related trainings to keep abreast of modern farming and livestock techniques with the approval of the supervisor.
o maintain a yearly Professional Development Plan with the approval of the supervisor.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Special Note:
• So that the farmer may be available to deal with issues (especially with animals) which may not occur during "typical" work hours, The School District of Philadelphia provides housing as a fringe benefit.
• Weekend and holidays may be required.
• Rotational on-call responsibilities during the time substitute farmers are working, serving as back-up