About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Assistant Farm Superintendent will work closely with the Farm Superintendent and Equine Barn Manager to support the daily operation of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) Hadley Farm Research and Education Center. Duties include conducting daily facility inspection, maintenance, and repair, serving as a primary support person for federal capacity-funded research, daily maintenance of animal health and well-being, Veterinary and Animal Science Program curriculum, and public outreach programs conducted at the Hadley Farm.
Essential Functions
Facility and Grounds / Pasture Maintenance:
- Conduct daily inspection of facilities, including barns, fences, shelters, and pastures. Maintain professional standards for biosecurity, organization, and safety.
- Assist in the repair and maintenance of facilities (barns, fences, roadways, paddocks, etc.) and grounds (lawns, pastures, etc.).
- Operate farm equipment and motor vehicles, including but not limited to tractors, loaders, truck / trailer, mowers, utility vehicles, etc. to conduct maintenance and travel to work sites.
- Apply pesticides / herbicides as needed and directed.
- Assist with the development and implementation of pasture management programs-based on the needs and goals of the equine operations and best management practices.
- Assist with facility snow removal and grounds treatment for ice and related hazards.
- Assist with hay and forage production and the transport thereof, manage and spread manure, apply pesticides/herbicides as needed and directed.
- Troubleshoot and repair problems with electric fencing, shelters, watering systems; perform basic carpentry and plumbing. Perform facility maintenance / repairs / improvements and notify supervisors of required work orders.
Animal Care:
- Coordinate and participate in the daily care and watering / feeding of horses and livestock, including cleaning stalls and paddocks, turning out horses, and related tasks.
- Assist in the maintenance of equine animal health, including daily observation, administration of prescribed treatments, and participation in monitoring programs (such as body condition scoring).
- Provide day – to – day handling of horses, including stallions and foals, to ensure safety of animals and students.
- Assist with the breeding and birthing of university horses.
- Assist with the coordination of veterinary and related appointments, assisting as needed. Maintains barn calendar for upcoming appointments.
- Implement standard operating procedures based on evidence-based best management practice protocols provided by the facility.
- Assist in the organization and preparation of horses, livestock, and the farm facilities for classes, research, sales, and public outreach events.
- Respond to routine and emergency animal health situations.
Administrative Duties:
- Maintain detailed census, production, and medical records.
- Regularly inventory supplies, feed, and medications. Notify supervisors when supplies need to be re-ordered.
- Schedule, train, and supervise student and temporary / seasonal workers, review and submit weekly timesheets as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all University Farm Protocols and Biosecurity Guidelines, IACUC and Animal Care Guidelines, and FDA, USDA, and State Laws.
- Support classroom and laboratory education and research programs that directly involve the Horses, Equine Barn, and / or the Hadley Farm.
- Assist in the development of curriculum.
- Coach students and employees in the daily routine management chores of the Equine Facilities.
- Purchase supplies as needed and directed. Works with supervisors and Director of Farms and Facilities to develop and implement annual operating budget.
- Provide support for and assist with coordination of student and outreach programs at Hadley Farm.
Other Functions
- Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
- Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Minimum one (1) year of full-time direct experience with the care of horses.
- Experience in equine handling, husbandry practices, and related management practices including assessing animal health and administering prescribed treatments.
- Knowledge and experience in the implementation of equine feeding regimens based on best management practices.
- Experience with pasture and manure management best practices.
- Basic mechanical operative and maintenance skills, including the use of hand/power tools. Experience with the use of agricultural equipment necessary to support equine operations.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organization skills and the ability to use software such as word processing and spreadsheets.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, work productively with a diverse population, and to resolve problems or conflicts. Prior experience working independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities.
- Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator Private Certification or ability to obtain certification withing one (1) year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
- Three (3) years’ experience with horses, including one (1) year full time.
- Experience with the direct supervision of staff in an agricultural setting.
- Experience in setting goals, formulating plans and objectives, and working with colleagues to identify and implement process improvements.
- Enthusiasm, interest, and experience in teaching and public outreach.
- Experience answering agricultural questions from farmers and other stakeholders.
- Experience in the development of equine feed regimen, pasture management, and manure management plans.
- Demonstrated Experience in the operation of farm equipment: tractors, skid loaders, bush hogs, sprayers, mowers, and weed whackers. Experience in the calibration and maintenance of this equipment.
- Experience with the harvesting of forage (hay), including the use of mower, tedder, rake, and round baler. Experience with the calibration of this equipment.
- Experience with snow removal and the use of front-end loaders.
- Knowledge of biosecurity principles and common diseases the affect horses.
- Experience in the collection of biological samples from horses including blood.
- Experience in the attaching, driving, and reversing a horse truck and trailer.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- The ability to balance, carry, push/pull, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, and perform repetitive motion.
- The ability to lift 50 pounds.
- The ability to work in adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and precipitation.
Additional Details
- This position is designated as essential personnel.
- Incumbent must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
- Incumbent must have reasonable availability after normal working hours for emergencies related to weather, animal care, or student/employee injuries.
- This position will report to the Hadley Farm Superintendent and receive functional supervision from the Equine Barn Manager and Equine Faculty for duties related to equine care.
Work Schedule
Friday – Tuesday; 7AM – 4PM with 1-hour scheduled lunch period.
Salary Information
USA Non-Exempt, Grade 14.
Additional Instructions to Applicants:
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan).
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.