Heritage Livestock Farm Assistant Position Description

About Accokeek Foundation
For over 65 years, the Accokeek Foundation has fostered a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of Piscataway Park. In partnership with the National Park Service and local communities, the Foundation stewards Piscataway Park, honoring the Indigenous people and values that have shaped this land. Visitors to the park experience the interconnectedness of all life, appreciating the cultural significance, and the regenerative potential of the indigenous landscape. The park is open daily to visitors of all ages for recreation and reflection, and annually hosts thousands of school youth for land-based education programs that emphasize environmental stewardship through a historical lens.

Position Overview
The Heritage Livestock Farm Assistant is a vital part of stewardship and caring for the lands and animals of Piscataway Park. They will provide care for heritage breeds of livestock and assist with care of the land and general daily operations.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Animal Care: Daily feeding, watering, and monitoring of Heritage Breed cattle, sheep, hogs,
    goats, chickens, and turkeys. Maintain clean livestock enclosures and assist the Manager with
    veterinary appointments.
  • Pasture Management: Assist in maintaining healthy pastures and implementing a multispecies rotational grazing plan. Duties include moving animals, setting up and taking down
    temporary fences, monitoring grass conditions, mowing, and conducting yearly soil and forage
    sampling.
  • Record-Keeping: Maintain records of animal health, births, sales, and pasture conditions.
  • Livestock Facilities: Ensure livestock and poultry housing, fence lines, infrastructure, tools,
    and equipment are safe, orderly, and sanitary.
  •  Volunteers: Support and work directly with volunteers by providing on-site supervision,
    communication, scheduling, and training.

Other Duties

  • Garden and Field Crops: Assist in maintaining crops and garden spaces for
    interpretation with manager’s approval.
  • Natural Resource Stewardship: Help maintain the viewshed and native landscape.
  • Education and Programs: Work with students, interns, volunteers, and guests to
    support the Foundation’s Agricultural and Education programs.
  • Special Events: Assist with special events and interpretative programs.
  • Other Duties: As approved by the manager.

Professional Experience and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:

  • Be self-motivated, willing to take initiative, observant, and have good interpersonal
    skills.
  • Work diligently and enthusiastically while presenting a positive attitude and professional
    demeanor.
  • Think critically, operate independently with flexibility, and value teamwork.
  • Follow directions, be quick to learn, and detail oriented.

Additional Qualifications

  • Able to lift 50 lbs and perform agricultural work in various weather conditions.
  • Have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record.
  • Able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays to ensure essential animal care.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

  • Experience with animal care, not necessarily livestock.
  • Experience with hand and/or power tools and minor construction projects.
  • Operation of agricultural machinery to include tractors and landscaping equipment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or equivalent software for communications, planning, and records.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Duties involve sitting, standing, walking, using hands, reaching with arms, talking, and hearing. Occasionally, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, running, or smelling are required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision.

Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, non-exempt position with a pay range of $18-$20 per hour, depending on the level of prior experience. Weekend availability is required. The position reports to the Natural Resources Manager. The Accokeek Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package,
including paid time off, cost-share benefits, covering 50% of health insurance premiums, and retirement matching.

To Apply
Send a resume and cover letter describing how your experience, skills, and interests make you uniquely
qualified for this position by email with the subject line “Heritage Livestock Farm Assistant” to
info@accokeek.org.

The Accokeek Foundation provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without
regard of race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic or status
protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.