Job Description

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:

• Supervise merit, limited-term employees and volunteers, providing coaching, evaluations, and safety training.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols for equipment operation and maintenance.
• Attend meetings and collaborate on both daily and long-term operational plans.

Secondary Duties:

• Support park programs, events, and logistical coordination.
• Oversee safety procedures and ensure compliance.
• Outreach for educational and off-site events.
• Manage natural and cultural resources on-site.
• Lead volunteer projects and initiatives.

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.(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;

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;
• Coordinates planning, scheduling, and billing for day and overnight trips and tours.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list).
Basic knowledge of mission, goals and objectives of the organizational unit, program or activities to which incumbent is assigned;

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(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:

• Preferred Qualifications Experience with managing a working farm.
• Experience with maintaining fence.
• Experience with draft horses, animal science, and farm animal reproduction.
• Experience with crop science to include pastures, grains, and hay production.
• Experience with antique farm 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.

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:
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 .) 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. EEO/AA/TTY.
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