FARM / KENNEL MANAGER - GERENTE DE FINCA / PERRERA

Poulsbo WA

Description

(2) OPEN POSITIONS *Hablamos espanol y estamos dispuestos a collaborar con candidatos hispanohablantes. JOB DESCRIPTION A small preservation farm located in Kistap County, Washington State seeks two managers to work overlapping weekly schedules and oversee all activities of operations. We are deeply involved in showing Mastiff-type dogs in AKC. We also manage a small number of rare livestock and poultry breeds. This is a full-time, salaried position. For the right candidate, it could also be an opportunity to co-own and show dogs in AKC or other registries, as well as participate in ownership or profit-sharing of the business. We frankly do not expect to find a unicorn candidate for this position. It is not a standard career opportunity that would map skill for skill from other jobs. But we do believe someone qualified would likely come from one of the following or similar backgrounds: - Veterinary technician or assistant - Stable or equestrian manager - Farm hand - Dog handler - Dog groomer - Dog or animal breeder - Kennel manager - Deep personal experience on farms or kennels A cornerstone to success in this position is an extreme and sincere passion for dogs and animals. Some foundational skills in the areas listed in the responsibilities section of this ad are also required. However, we are willing to train the right candidate. For someone eager to learn more about raising, training, and showing dogs, the experience alone is worth more than the pay; we are internationally recognized at the top of our field. You will be managed by two professionals who can serve as tremendous mentors. These are full-time, contract-to-hire positions. This approach allows all parties to evaluate fit and performance. The evaluation period will depend on the candidate, but it is likely to be three to six months. Basic benefits, vacation, and sick days will be available after conversion to full-time employment. While this is designated as a manager’s role and it is, be aware that this is a farm, and the job is extremely physical. Managing animals and acreage is dirty work always, and we do it outside, rain or shine, hot or freezing, 365 days a year. Everyone here pitches in and works whatever needs to be done, from the most menial tasks to social media campaigns, as needed. Too many people romanticize farm life, and we want someone who truly knows firsthand what hard work farms and animals are. It is wonderful, but it is a challenge! The business has a solid foundation at this point. But we would still describe it as very much growing and in flux, and a start-up mentality will be required for success. Be prepared to be a self-starter, flexible, and willing wear many hats. Be prepared to always think about working collaboratively and achieving goals together as a team. We envision this role starting with fundamentals of farm and animal management, then transitioning to an equal amount of administrative and office work over time, as you learn more about how the business is run. Therefore, the person in this role must be computer literate with some basic business and leadership skills. It is for this reason the salary range is very broad; the more responsibilities you can assume and the more value you offer, the higher the pay. We are open to candidates nationally. We feel that this role is a special fit, and someone who is passionate about dogs will be excited and hungry for this opportunity. However, the position will start as an off-site role. Initially you would either need to be local to North Kitsap County in Washington State, or willing to move here. Longer term there may be an opportunity for an on-site or live-in arrangement for the right candidate. These positions are available immediately. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Walking, exercising, feeding, watering, bathing of dogs, cats, and other animals. - Cleaning pens. - Doing laundry for animal bedding. - Cleaning bowls and food equipment. - Cleaning and maintenance of buildings. - Managing inventory. - Other duties as assigned by owner; due to the varied responsibilities candidates should be flexible and work well with some changing or varied responsibilities every day. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: - No drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping. - Successful drug test required. - Background check required. - Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. - Good communication skills. - Must respect and maintain confidentiality. - Comfortable with many sizes and types of animals. - Minimum basic animal care knowledge and experience. - Must be able to work some nights, weekends, and holidays. PREFERRED / DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor’s degree preferred - Animal Science degree preferred - Knowledgeable about dog behavior and management. - Experience training dogs. - Experience grooming dogs. - Experience showing dogs in AKC or other registries. - Experience breeding dogs and livestock. - Desire to learn about many different types of animals and management techniques. - Fundamental computer literacy: desktops/laptops and mobile devices. - Fluency in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and Word. - Basic business knowledge: inventory, accounting, record-keeping. - Knowledge of social media marketing and campaigns. - Basic website development or content-management system skills. APPLICATION SUBMISSION If you believe you are a good fit for our team, please respond with your resume and a letter of interest. In your letter describe in detail why you would be well suited for this role. Be sure to include an email address and phone number. Please be honest with yourself and respect everyone’s time. If you do not have any experience with the skills or jobs listed in this job description, no amount of persuasion or desire will make you a fit. Serious professional references will be required during the interview process. We do not respond to replies that do not follow all submission instructions. Thank you!