Agriculture Coordinator

Frost Valley YMCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Job summary

Frost Valley YMCA is seeking an Agriculture Coordinator to manage a 3-acre garden and ~65 seasonal animals, integrating farm activities with guest programs at both the Farm and East Valley locations. You will lead livestock care, garden operations, and field projects, while coordinating with East Valley teams to design engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather.

Qualifications

• Experience in livestock management and garden management.
• Ability to work long hours, including evenings.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Strong leadership and ability to work with a team.
• Multi-task and handle pressure well.
• Enjoy working with children, teens, families and staff.
• Possession of a clean, valid US Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily animal care including feeding, watering, pasture rotation, and sanitation.
• Manage veterinary care coordination, and procurement of feed, bedding, and farm supplies.
• Direct farm greenhouse operations, field cultivation, and crop propagation.
• Design and lead educational farm programs for campers and guests.
• Train and supervise seasonal staff and coordinators.
• Collaborate with East Valley and Program teams to enhance farm activities.

Skills

Livestock management

Garden management

Leadership

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Job description

Description

Operating out of Frost Valley’s Farm and East Valley, the Agriculture Coordinator oversees the daily management of a 3-acre garden and approximately 65 seasonal animals, including ~20 year-round livestock. In this role, the coordinator works with both the East Valley Coordinators and the Associate Director of Specialty Camping to weave the farm’s agricultural assets and operations into engaging activities for visitors of all age groups. Key responsibilities include care for livestock and garden operations, facility support, program design and leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Farm Operations

• Oversee the daily feeding, watering, pasture rotation, and sanitary care for all animals.
• Ensure comprehensive veterinary care, including wound treatment, vaccinations, hoof trimming, deworming, shearing, and assisting with birthing and young stock rearing, collaborating with external veterinarians when necessary.
• Handle procurement and inventory management for animal feed, bedding, and essential farm supplies.
• Oversee livestock selection, purchasing new animals, and managing the sale of seasonal or cull stock in coordination with the East Valley team.
• Direct farm greenhouse operations, including crop propagation, seeding, and spring ordering.
• Execute field cultivation tasks such as tilling, discing, harrowing, row shaping, applying fertilizer, and planting cover crops.
• Perform routine garden maintenance including planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and implementing pest control strategies.
• Design and manage chore schedules to guarantee proper maintenance of the garden and livestock, ensuring staff members fulfill their duties.
• Train and mentor staff, including the garden managers for both Main Camp and East Valley, to support daily operations and uphold high standards of space care.
• Supervise seasonal agriculture assistant to support farm operations in peak season.

Facility Support

• Provide facility and operational leadership and support for East Valley locations, including both the Farm and East Valley Ranch:
  • Managing waste disposal, including trash, recycling, and food scrap collection
  • Assist with clearing snow throughout all East Valley locations
  • Handling comprehensive grounds upkeep such as trimming, mowing, mulching, tree care, rough mowing, and landscape enhancements
  • Conducting routine farm inspections, repairs and general maintenance tasks
• Partner with the Watershed Agricultural Council to execute soil sampling, field upgrades, BMP implementation and maintenance, and Frost Valley’s Whole Farm Plan.
• Direct the gathering, composting, and spreading of manure following the guidelines of Frost Valley’s Nutrient Management Plan.
• Work alongside the equestrian and facilities departments to maintain site efficiency and ensure properties remain in optimal condition.

Program Design & Leadership

• Collaborate with the Camping Services and Program Quality teams to create activities that elevate the program experience both at Farm Camp and at the Main Camp garden/greenhouse.
• Deliver educational, high-quality programming for campers and guests.
• Train year-round instructors and seasonal counselors on proper utilization of garden and barn areas to ensure exceptional program delivery.
• Design educational curriculum for campers and guests that focuses on skill acquisition and progressive learning within the barn and garden environments.
• Hire and oversee two seasonal program specialists, one dedicated to the barn and one to the garden, offering regular supervision and coaching.
• Partner with the Camping Services and Program Quality teams to integrate evaluative feedback and upgrades into program environments.

Organizational Leadership

• Ensure that Frost Valley achieves the highest standard and meets the mission and goals of the organization.
• Embrace the YMCA’s character values. At Frost Valley YMCA we are inclusive and diverse, caring and connected, honest and respectful, responsible and accountable.

Requirements

• Required education and/or experience in livestock management, garden management and operation of farm machinery
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and organic gardening
• Ability to work long hours, including evenings
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Be a strong leader and be able to work well with a team of others
• Be able to multi-task and handle pressure well
• Enjoy working with children, teens, families and other staff
• Strong and independent work ethic
• Possession of clean, valid US Driver's License is required

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Employee may be required to traverse on rough terrain.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

RATE OF PAY: $16-18 per hour, $44,500 to $47,000.00 annualized including overtime allowances, plus generous benefits and housing.