Shepard Farm Manager

Position Description

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a nonprofit organization providing quality environmental education across its 460+ acre nature preserve in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge provides environmental and outdoor education experiences for thousands of people every year through school programs, outreach, public programs, events, and a nature-based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool).

The Shepard Farm Manager is responsible for the management and implementation of farm operations at Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm property in Cottage Grove. This role includes management of property, crops, orchard, beekeeping, sugarbush, livestock, and garden programs. Responsibilities also include working as part of the farm department team, training and working with interns and volunteers, and some agriculture and environmental education teaching.

This role is based out of Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm property in West St. Paul and is expected to be in person five days a week.

Dodge offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include health and dental insurance options, retirement plan contributions, and paid time off.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities

Care and Management of Farm Animals – 35%

• Responsible for the care and maintenance of farm animals. This includes purchasing, feeding, cleaning, and basic vet care.

Facilities, Vehicles, Grounds Maintenance, Equipment Care and Repair – 30%

• Coordinate maintenance and repair of farm structures, equipment, and vehicles in partnership with Farm Director.
• When appropriate, personally perform maintenance, building repairs, and cleaning.
• Perform landscape maintenance and plowing cross the property.

Agricultural Crop Management – 25%

• Plant and manage crops.
• Manage, maintain, and care for gardens, including the community garden.

Managing and/or Teaching Agricultural Programming – 5%

• Apiary: maintain and manage bee colonies, equipment, and supplies.
• Facilitate agriculture education programs as needed.

Personnel & Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• Supervise personnel assigned to work at Shepard Farm.
• Work with farm team to complete operations needed for farm programming.
• Work in partnership with Buildings & Grounds team as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational Background
  Degree in agriculture, biology, education, environmental studies, horticulture, or other field related to the primary functions of the position or minimum 3 years of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to perform manual tasks related to farming operations and maintenance activities.
• Ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
• Comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities, shifting priorities, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly learn and use company-specific software and technology tools.
• Commitment to Dodge Nature Center’s mission, vision, and values.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Some evenings and weekends will be required.
• Physical Requirements
  Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including bending, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to 6 hours per day outside in inclement weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and/or experience in sustainable farming practices and animal care.
• Understanding of ecosystems, natural history, and an educational setting.
• Ability and motivation to study reference materials and incorporate that information into operations.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.

How to Apply

Application deadline: Monday, August 31. Please send your resume and cover letter to:

Don Oberdorfer, Farm Director
[email protected]
365 Marie Avenue W
West St. Paul, MN 55118