Animal Systems Manager

Ocean Hour Farm is one of the last remaining active farms on the south end of Aquidneck Island. The rugged and rolling coastal pastures and historic stone village provide a unique character to this 43.2 acre bucolic farm. Its mission is to serve as a center for education, scientific research, and demonstration of regenerative agricultural practices. The property is adjacent to the Narragansett Bay, making it an ideal location for highlighting the critical connection between land use and ocean health.

The vision of the farm is to provide a living example of regenerative land stewardship – an integrated system where plants, animals, and people heal ecosystems while producing food and fiber for the community.

Running the farm is truly a collaborative effort. All employees, no matter the department, participate in some capacity in carrying out educational programming, research activities and whole systems design work for the farm. All roles will therefore require excellent organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with staff in other departments as well as a deep understanding of the land to sea connection.

The Animal Systems Manager plays a critical role in demonstrating various regenerative stewardship techniques and the importance of livestock in ecosystem restoration. They will lead development and implementation of the integrated mixed livestock program, including strategy of land management and crop integration, as well as support of OHF’s education and research programs.

We are looking for a self‑motivated individual who is passionate and energized by this dynamic opportunity to design and innovate regenerative stewardship practices as part of a highly effective team focused on driving systems change especially around ecosystem revitalization while creating a more just and abundant future for all. Ultimately, you must find joy in a good challenge. In return, we offer a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of systems thinking and change‑making.

To thrive in this role, you will need a proactive, professional, resourceful and adaptable approach to work. You should be able to prioritize tasks, build relationships with food systems practitioners throughout the region, create professional pasture plans that achieve the complex goals of the farm that also provide humane animal health, drive innovation on and off the farm, maintain meticulous records that are accessible to staff and other partners, present on different topics to leadership, represent the farm at conferences and other public‑speaking engagements to inspire and engage others, provide and accept constructive feedback, have excellent organizational skills, and be an overall effective collaborator.

We recognize and value the range of diverse experiences that people can bring to a role. So, if you do not meet all of the requirements outlined in the job description but still believe you have the right mix of skills and experience to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to receiving your application!

• Develop and oversee all animal systems on the farm including but not limited to: sheep, dairy cow, pastured poultry, egg layers, pigs, guardian llama, etc.
• Create written care, production and management plans for all livestock (such as rotational grazing plans, breed evaluation values, breeding plan, dairy program, fiber program, meat and egg production, etc.) All plans and records should be created in a way that is shareable with staff for integrated implementation as well as for educational and outreach purposes.
• Optimize the biosecurity program, animal‑related emergency and safety protocols as well as review twice per year with staff.
• Lead weekly meetings and other check‑ins as needed to manage and coordinate the animal systems team.
• Optimize and maintain all Animal Systems workbooks.

• Coordinate planning and execution of educational and research programming including public speaking and data collection.
• Ensure that health and background data of each individual animal are…