Farm Property Specialist- Fox Chase Farm

aa080; Walnut Hill (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The School District of Philadelphia is seeking a Farm Property Specialist to maintain barns, equipment, and grounds at Fox Chase Farm, supporting educational farm needs and student programming. The role requires hands-on maintenance, operation of tractors and machinery, and adaptability to weather conditions.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, repairs, and coordination with the Site Administrator; a high school diploma and five years of related experience are required, along with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Five years of full-time, paid experience in farm property and grounds maintenance is required.
• Knowledge of farm production functions, machinery, and maintenance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain farm buildings and livestock facilities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on farm structures and equipment.
• Operate and maintain tractors and other farm machinery.
• Keep logs of work orders and coordinate with Site Administrator.
• Support educational programming and student internships.

Skills

Farm maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tractor operation

Farm equipment

Job description

Title: Farm Property Specialist

Department: Varies

Reports To: SiteAdministrator

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to approximately 198,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities and who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

Job Summary

Performs general to specialized property work covering barns, equipment, machinery, livestock and grounds. Performs routine care to support the educational farm needs of the Fox Chase Farm which may need to be completed during inclement weather conditions.

Essential Functions

• Maintains all farm-related buildings and structures, including livestock sheds and barns, on the property, with the exception of the Farmer residence.
• Performs preventative maintenance on farm-related building systems (i.e. ventilation system, gate systems, temperature regulations) such as but not limited to general livestock structures, livestock feeders and drinkers, irrigation systems.
• Implements preventive maintenance on farm-related structures, and provides repairs as needed to support the livestock and farm production needs.
• Converts farm-related structures seasonally, maintains and repairs surrounding areas to structures.
• Tracks and maintains a log of reported Work Orders for specific farm related functions.
• Installs and maintains livestock fences and gates.
• Mow and trims fields and livestock fence lines to support livestock animal health care and crops.
• Provides assistance in production of hay and other crops.
• Performs general to specialized maintenance and repairs to equipment and farm machinery, including but not limited to garden and crop machinery.
• Maintains farm equipment, tools and inventory and reviews potential equipment purchases with the Site Administrator.
• Operates and maintains farm equipment such as, but not limited to tractors, balers, rakes, mowers, riding mowers, water systems and ventilation systems.
• Operates tractors and heavy farm equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance on all equipment, such as changes oil, sharpens blades, winterizes equipment and maintains supplies to support equipment (oil filters, blades).
• Checks all farm equipment, makes repairs to safety equipment, and maintains the proper safety equipment on all equipment.
• Maintains the farm shop and organizes and maintains cleanliness.
• Participates in all training programs as specified and identified by the Operations department.
• Obtains and maintains OSHA 10 agriculture certification.
• Communicates daily, in writing and/or verbally, with the Site Administrator regarding site issues and concerns; forecasts potential needs, work orders, equipment status, and any other topics that concern the functions of the farm.
• Picks up and makes deliveries, including but not limited to livestock, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Removes snow and spreads salt for the animal/livestock access areas and equipment areas, excluding the farmer’s residence.
• Works with students through educational programming to support career connections and internship opportunities.
• Provides support to the Farmer as needed.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of full-time, paid experience performing general to specialized property work covering barns, equipment, machinery, livestock and grounds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• practices, methods and techniques, tools, materials and equipment which are essential to managing farm production functions, livestock, gardens, orchards, and crops.
• maintenance principles, practices, tools, and equipment for maintaining and repairing farm grounds, structures, and related facilities.
• principles and standard practices as they apply to maintenance and repair of open spaces, parks, and farm related structures, including irrigation work.

Demonstrated ability to:

• perform a variety of maintenance and repair of farm-related structures with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
• learn and apply proper techniques to manage grounds using the proper equipment.
• make minor building and equipment repairs.
• perform vigorous manual work which may need to be performed during inclement weather.
• understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Certificates/Licenses

Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License valid to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment. Must obtain and maintain OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (Agriculture) certification.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.