Farm Manager (park/rec Specialist I)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a farm manager at Frying Pan Farm Park (FPFP) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters , eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. FPFP in Herndon, is a park where every day is different. FPFP is a 135-acre park, which includes a 1920s-1950s working farm, equestrian facilities, Visitor Center with museum, rental space, working antique carousel, wagon rides, nature trails, historic buildings, summer camps, educational programs, and school fieldtrips. FPFP welcomes more than 750,000 annual visitors to the park. Works as an integral team member to operations in this resource rich park. Works under the direction of park management and has the primary responsibility for Kidwell Farm, primary duties include animal care, hay making, draft horse driving, dairy production, birthing, and breeding. Other duties include program support, event logistics, safety oversight, natural and cultural resource management, as well as leading volunteer projects. Supervises merit and limited term employees. Manages, coaches, evaluates, and ensures that staff have been trained in and follow safety requirements for animal care, equipment operation, and maintenance procedures on the farm. Successful candidates will demonstrate working knowledge and a breadth and depth of experience with farm management.

Due to the nature of the position and the responsibilities associated with the position, the incumbent must be able to work varied shifts and hours including weekends, nights, early mornings, and holidays. Emergency callback for bad weather and animal emergencies.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)
General Duties

• Plans, coordinates, schedules, supervises, and evaluates the operations and maintenance of the assigned facility or facilities;
• Hires, trains, supervises, schedules, and evaluates staff;
• Plans, schedules, and conducts specialized on-site staff training;
• Completes and submits various financial, administrative, and statistical reports;
• Identifies, recommends, and writes justifications for budget components such as capital equipment submissions;
• Adheres to revenue and expense limits, goals, and guidelines for specialized areas of supervision;
• Authorizes purchase requests and invoices for payment;
• Inspects facilities and grounds for safety hazards and operational deficiencies, recommends improvements, and initiates corrective measures;
• Responds to public inquiries and concerns;
• Participates in the development and implementation of community outreach plans to target underserved populations and to increase overall program participation;
• Analyzes and evaluates service in terms of individual and community needs;
• Performs administrative functions at a facility, including budget preparation, recruitment of volunteer staff, maintenance of records necessary to the operation and evaluation of center programs, and report preparation;
• Manages operation, staff, maintenance and vendors of a Park or Athletic field mowing crew within a geographic area of Park facilities;
• Manages operations, maintenance, safety and staff associated with park forestry; Inspects tree conditions for safety and proper maintenance and report required corrective action.

Programming

• Plans, organizes, supervises, and schedules specialized activities and programs sponsored by the park, recreation, teen, community, or senior center in cooperation with residents and related agencies;
• Schedules, coordinates, and evaluates class, camp, and tour programs held at parks, centers, schools, government facilities, and private vendor locations;

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list).

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation center and /or park management;
• Knowledge of fiscal record keeping and inventory procedures;
• Knowledge of aquatics, grounds maintenance, horticulture, agriculture, cultural or historic resources, or other specialized area as appropriate for the duties of the position;
• Ability to use a personal computer, applicable software and peripheral equipment;
• Ability to direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff and volunteers;
• Ability to plan, develop, and administer recreation programs or community activities;
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with employees and citizen groups;
• Ability to prepare a variety of administrative reports;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”) Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with an associate degree in recreation, park management, therapeutic recreation, or a closely related field; plus two years of related experience in recreation center, park, athletic field, golf course operations, or community-based program coordination or a related field, as applicable to the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with managing a farm.
• Experience with working with the public and giving presentations on various topics.
• Experience with maintaining fence.
• Experience with animal science and artificial breeding of livestock.
• Experience with crop science.
• Experience with antique farming equipment.
• Experience with event logistics.
• Experience managing staff and/or volunteers and/or scheduling staff.
• Experienced with safe use of power tools, tractor, mowers and other farm equipment.
• Virginia pesticide technician or applicator certification.
• Experience managing mowing operations in a natural setting, including equipment maintenance.
• Small equipment repair experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with working in a park setting.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's license (required)
• Pesticide Applicator License (within 6 months of hire)
• Fertilizer Applicator License (within 6 months of hire)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Eye hand coordination necessary to perform driving operations with draft horses. Work requires performing tasks in adverse weather conditions. Agility, stability, and mobility required to perform plowing operations with farm equipment. Ability to lift 50 pounds. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.

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