Magnolia Cattle Company is seeking a dedicated and experienced Farm Manager to oversee operations at our hobby farm, the only one of its kind in the Seattle/Bellevue metro area. Situated on a picturesque 70-acre property near north Lake Washington, this role is integral to maintaining the care of our American Wagyu cattle and ensuring the upkeep of our barns, pastures, and farm facilities.
This is a unique opportunity for a proactive and passionate individual to train under the current manager, gaining invaluable hands-on experience, before seamlessly stepping into the leadership role after the training period.
An Ideal Candidate:
You will bring a recent and robust background in farming or agricultural livestock management operations, combined with proven experience leading a team of farmhands. Our new Farm Manager will play a key role in shaping the future of our operations while upholding the farm's long-standing standard of excellence.
Responsibilities:
Animal Husbandry
-Oversee the health, nutrition, and well-being of all cattle. Including the development and implementation of feeding programs tailored to cattle growth stages and production goals
-Administer basic animal first aid and other preventive health measures in coordination with veterinary services
-Maintain accurate records of animal health, breeding, births, and production metrics through software tools (CattleMax)
-Plan and execute cattle rotation schedules to optimize pasture usage and reduce overgrazing
-Daily upkeep of barns to maintain cleanliness of bedding, ventilation, etc.
People Management (Supervise and mentor a team of 3 farmhands)
-Recruit, train, and supervise farmhands, ensuring the team is skilled, motivated, and safety-conscious
-Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate farm priorities, review performance, and delegate responsibilities effectively
-Enforce farm safety protocols and provide ongoing training to reduce workplace risks and accidents
-Foster a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns, providing mentorship, and encouraging professional development
-Approve timecards, schedules, and leave requests, ensuring adequate coverage for daily farm operation
Farm Management
-Lead and help the team maintain farm grounds, facilities, and equipment to uphold standards of excellence
-Management of the farm’s trucks, water, fencing, electrical, plumbing, heavy equipment, and irrigation systems
-Riding/push mowing of grounds: gator road, pasture land, bushes, etc.
-Interaction with the general public and trespassers being curious about the farm
-Update farm manual/SOPs
Other duties and projects as assigned.
Qualification:
-Bachelor’s Degree: a preferred degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, or related field
-Extensive experience around large farm animals with a passion for and commitment to animal welfare
-Proven farm management with people, livestock, and agriculture operations experience
-Intellectually curious person who likes to learn and research
-Self-motivated, practical, common sense, great managerial skills
-Computer skills: Microsoft Office, required
-Working knowledge of farm machinery and equipment maintenance
-Flexible Work Hours: farm management requires adaptability beyond a standard workweek
-Excellent organizational and written/oral communication skills
-Problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure
-Strong level of situational awareness
-Small engine repair experience, preferred
-Driver’s license with active auto insurance - must clear a driver’s MVR
-Live within a reasonable (30 minutes) distance of the farm
Work Environment:
The typical work environment for the Farm Manager is dynamic and diverse. This will primarily be an outdoor job in Western Washington, and as such, you will be exposed to different types of weather throughout the year. Each season will have its challenging weather conditions.
-Must be able to lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally
-Stand/kneel/bend/stoop/walk for extended periods of time (8+ hours a day)
-Work is dusty and is considered an environment that is high in outdoor allergens (grasses, trees, animals, etc.)
-Repetitive motions
-Ability to withstand working in the elements
Benefits:
-401(k)
-Dental insurance
-Employee assistance program
-Health insurance
-Health savings account
-Gas Stipend
-Life insurance
-Paid time off
-Phone Stipend
-Retirement plan
-Vision insurance
Schedule:
-Day shift
-Monday to Friday
-Weekends as needed