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 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.

Frying Pan Farm Park (FPFP) in Herndon, is a park where every day is different. FPFP is a 135-acre park, which includes a 1930s-1950s working farm, equestrian facilities, Visitor Center with museum, rental space, working antique carousel, wagon rides, nature trails, historic buildings, summer camps, and an on-site preschool. Plays a vital role as part of the operations team in this resource-rich park. Reporting directly to park management, takes primary responsibility for overseeing Kidwell Farm. This hands-on position involves working both in the barns and fields, while also managing staff, attending meetings, and developing daily and long-term plans to ensure smooth and efficient farm operations.

Key Responsibilities :

Farm Operations :

• Care and maintenance of up to 100 farm animals, including birthing, breeding, nutrition, and facility cleaning and repair.
• Crop management, such as hay production, corn planting, small grains, and pasture upkeep.
• Draft horse handling, including team driving and care.
• Dairy production and processing.
• Budget and scheduling of staff and volunteers and outside vendors for animal care.

Management and Oversight :

Secondary Duties :

Successful candidates will possess strong working knowledge and diverse experience in farm management, including animal care, crop production, team leadership, and operational planning. This demanding yet rewarding position empowers you to make meaningful contributions to the park while fostering innovative ideas and sustainable practices in farm operations

Additional Requirements : Given the nature of the position, flexibility is essential. Must be available to work varied shifts and hours, including weekends, nights, early mornings, and holidays. They must also be prepared for emergency callbacks related to severe weather or animal-related 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

Programming

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).

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 :

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED :

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 :

Ability to bend, twist, turn, stand, sit, stoop, and walk for extended period of time. Ability to climb on and off equipment. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to operate grounds equipment. Ability to operate motor vehicle and trailer. Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time. Ability to traverse uneven ground. Ability to work in variable weather conditions while performing physical labor. Eye hand coordination necessary to perform driving operations with draft horses. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE :

Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian / Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for 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. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO / AA / TTY.

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