What are the responsibilities and job description for the Draft Animal Coordinator position at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill?
Position: Draft Animal Coordinator
Status: Hourly, Full-time
Reports to: Farm Manager
Approved by: President/CEO
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.
Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
The Farm Department
The Farm supports the mission of Shaker Village by demonstrating the thoughtful stewardship of land and livestock through sustainable agriculture practices, and by partnering with the Trustees Table to champion the use of The Farm’s products for our guests' dining experiences.
Draft Animal Coordinator Position Summary
The Draft Animal Coordinator at Shaker Village will oversee the care, training, and use of draft animals like horses, oxen, and mules for tasks such as transporting guests, plowing, cultivating, mowing, logging, and hauling. The DA Coordinator will work with the Farm Manager to present a unified agricultural experience for guests and serve as a strong draft animal advocate with project and people management skills. The Coordinator will focus on draft animal work but will assist team members (as needed) in daily chores. The Coordinator will be asked to perform a variety of tasks related to The Farm or events at Shaker Village. Suitable applicants will be interested in learning all aspects of diversified farming
Responsibilities
Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions
Status: Hourly, Full-time
Reports to: Farm Manager
Approved by: President/CEO
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.
Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
The Farm Department
The Farm supports the mission of Shaker Village by demonstrating the thoughtful stewardship of land and livestock through sustainable agriculture practices, and by partnering with the Trustees Table to champion the use of The Farm’s products for our guests' dining experiences.
Draft Animal Coordinator Position Summary
The Draft Animal Coordinator at Shaker Village will oversee the care, training, and use of draft animals like horses, oxen, and mules for tasks such as transporting guests, plowing, cultivating, mowing, logging, and hauling. The DA Coordinator will work with the Farm Manager to present a unified agricultural experience for guests and serve as a strong draft animal advocate with project and people management skills. The Coordinator will focus on draft animal work but will assist team members (as needed) in daily chores. The Coordinator will be asked to perform a variety of tasks related to The Farm or events at Shaker Village. Suitable applicants will be interested in learning all aspects of diversified farming
Responsibilities
- Daily Care: Providing daily feeding, watering, checking on the animals' health, and coordinating vet support as needed.
- Animal Training: Training animals for specific tasks using positive reinforcement and understanding their behavior and physical needs.
- Health and Welfare: Monitoring health, providing proper grooming to keep pores open for sweating, and ensuring they have access to fresh pasture or exercise areas.
- Operations: Managing daily operations like fencing, moving livestock, and cleaning pens or stalls.
- Equipment: Inventorying, maintaining and using the necessary equipment for the animals and their tasks.
- Safety: Implementing safety protocols for both the animals and handlers, as well as maintaining biosecurity to prevent the spread of disease.
- Public Engagement. Speaking with guests and serving as a draft animal ambassador for the larger community.
- Village Collaboration: Collaborate with marketing, public relations, and programs teams to identify opportunities for draft animal programming and interpretation.
- External Collaboration: Collaborate with vet tech and outside farm technicians.
- Animal Handling: Expertise in handling large animals, including their behavior, body language, and how to work with them safely.
- Animal Husbandry: A strong understanding of animal nutrition, health, and welfare.
- Farm Operations: Knowledge of general farming practices and how draft animals fit into a sustainable agricultural system.
- Business Management: Understanding the financial aspects, such as keeping costs down while potentially creating new income streams from the animals.
- Public Speaking and Writing: Capacity to speak before small and large audiences and to write blogs, essays, and grant proposals, etc.
- High school diploma required
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working with and training draft animals for agricultural engagement.
- Able to pass a criminal record background and reference check
- Must be capable of standing for long periods
- Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds
- Must have excellent manual dexterity
- Must be comfortable with and skilled at working with animals
Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions
- Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions
- This position requires working a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends and some evenings
- Available to work any shift as needed, including weekends, evenings and holidays.