Henry White Farm Manager/Program Coordinator (Exempt/PSC)

Position Overview

 Under supervision and direction from the bureau chief, this position assists in developing, organizing, and implementing farm activities at the Henry White Farm located in Millstadt, Illinois (St. Clair County).  Duties will include: 1) care and maintenance of farm resources and various administrative tasks; 2) preparing plans and schedules for planting and harvesting of farmland; 3) collaborating with senior staff to prepare budgets and financial reports; 4) coordination of volunteer projects and industry partnerships; 5) leading and assisting with demonstration and education initiatives; and 6) building professional networks and keeping abreast of developments in agricultural and conservation science.  The position will assist in all aspects of conducting various types of farm operations, including: 1) regular service, repairs, and cleaning of equipment; 2) coordinating field operations, wetland preservation, and upkeep of forest reserve; 3) maintenance and repair of farm trails and demonstration plots; and 4) creating and maintaining a safe and orderly working farm.  

Job Responsibilities

 Farm Management/Oversight

• Responsible for daily farm management under strict regulatory guidelines.
• Performs variety of unskilled and routine site tasks required for site maintenance.
• Operation of farm equipment of less than 80 h.p. tractors without attachments.
• Coordinates all aspects of harvesting crops and coordinates custom harvesting and grain hauling.
• Maintains building interiors; sweeps, mops, cleans and disinfects washrooms and fixtures, dusts and cleans furniture.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance of agricultural equipment by changing oil, fluids and filters, changing spark plugs, sharpening blades and changing oil.
• Maintain and perform minor repairs on farm equipment.
• General maintenance of demonstration center grounds and landscaping (i.e., rake leaves, mow grass and cut brush and tress using such equipment as hand mowers, bush hogs, and chainsaws; operate tractors for maintenance and improvement of the grounds, trails, and waterways, applies pesticides and herbicides and plants trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass.
• Responsible for practicing farm safety.

Job Responsibilities (con't)

Demonstration/Education/Outreach

• Interprets various phases of the demonstration and education programs to local agricultural educators, leaders and groups
• Prepares and delivers presentations on farm related topics
• Supervises and assists in setting up and maintaining exhibits and field days at the Henry White or other Department of Agriculture events; responsible for content in displays, signs, posters and publications.

Departmental Support

• Create a welcoming atmosphere for community participation, keep accurate records, cultivate community partners and supporters, provide material and logistical support regarding IDOA farming endeavors.
• Interprets departmental rules and regulations. 
• Acts as the liaison between the Department of Agriculture and other entities that are conducting research on the Henry White.
• Works with other entities to share research results with the Department of Agriculture.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Requires minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Requires at least five (5) years of experience in agricultural production.
• Requires proficient experience operating farm machinery and mechanical garden/landscaping tools.
• Requires thorough knowledge in the performance of routine maintenance on farm equipment and facility equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers elementary knowledge in working with and applying pesticide and herbicides.
• Prefers elementary knowledge in identifying invasive plant species and removal of plants in an outdoor environment.
• Prefers elementary knowledge in preparation and presentation of materials in an educational format.
• Prefers elementary knowledge of offering instruction and guidance to working volunteers.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
• Requires the ability to lift fifty (50) lbs.
• Requires ability to walk on uneven, soft and hard surfaces found in an outside environment.
• Requires ability to successfully pass a background check.