Assistant Manager of Farm and Historic Rare Breeds in Plymouth

Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of the 17th Century that provides engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environments on its main campus, at Mayflower II on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill on Town Brook. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures - English and Wampanoag. Operating on a remarkable property overlooking Cape Cod Bay, Plimoth Patuxet brings the story of the United States’ early foundation to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since its founding in 1947. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th Century.

The Assistant Manager of Farm and Historic Rare Breeds (AMFB) is a leadership position in the Education & Public Engagement Team and works in the 17th-Century English Village, Nye Barn, Maxwell Barn, and related areas to ensure that the Museum’s animals are safe, well‑cared for and accessible to our guests. The AMFB works under the direction of the Manager of Farm and Historic Rare Breeds to oversee the animals and recognizes their importance and value as integral parts of our exhibits. The AMFB is both a guest‑facing position as well as one that works behind the scenes to assist with daily, weekly, monthly and annual operations for all of the animals at Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and ensure the highest standards of care, safety, and welfare for Museum animals, including feeding, medical appointments, vaccinations, appropriate shelter, fencing and socialization.
• Serve as a key liaison between Manager of Farm and Historic Rare Breeds and Education and Public Engagement Site Staff to coordinate daily care routines, enclosure maintenance, animal feeding and watering, and integration of animals into public programming.
• Develop, implement, and oversee interpretive programming related to the Museum’s animals, creating engaging, educational opportunities for meaningful guest‑animal interactions.
• Lead the training and supervision of designated staff and volunteers in the safe and effective handling and care of animals on the living history sites.
• Provide timely constructive feedback to direct reports based on their job performance, including coaching, mentoring, and if necessary, disciplinary action ranging from warnings to termination.
• Actively engage guests of all ages in a manner that is inclusive, informative, and aligned with the Museum’s mission and interpretive goals, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
• Support and participate in educational programs and special events that involve animals or related themes, ensuring programmatic excellence and guest engagement.
• Contribute to departmental planning by participating in decision‑making related to departmental goals and objectives, the development of new programs, the improvement of existing programs based on guest feedback, and special assignments as needed for intra‑departmental projects.
• Exercise sound judgment and take initiative to prioritize the safety of animals, staff, and guests, identifying and mitigating potential risks before they escalate.
• Assist in agricultural activities such as haying and seasonal farming tasks reflective of 17th‑century English practices, in alignment with the Museum’s interpretive goals.
• Execute daily, weekly, seasonal and annual departmental work plans with a high degree of independence, accountability, and attention to detail, in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Oversee the proper use, care and maintenance of equipment and supplies to support animal care and programming.
• Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum.
• Support the Museum’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy.
• Model and help to sustain a culture of philanthropy within the Museum.
• Perform administrative functions as necessary, including staff scheduling, supply ordering, and payroll coordination, ensuring efficient and accurate departmental operations.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support occasional programming or events outside of standard working hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success and collaborative spirit of the department and Museum.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of agricultural practices and farm management, with specific expertise in livestock care and handling.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences, from children to adults.
• Flexible, resilient, and adaptable, with a demonstrated growth mindset and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Proven ability to work safely and confidently with large animals and operate farm equipment in diverse outdoor conditions.
• Valid driver’s license required; must be able to operate trucks and tractors, including manual transmission vehicles.
• Fluent in English, with strong verbal skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and engagingly with guests and colleagues.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to tailor information to various learning styles and developmental levels.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend, interpret and apply new information effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks.
• Proven leadership ability, with experience motivating and guiding others toward shared objectives.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Practical decision‑making skills rooted in common sense; able to assess and resolve issues with a guest‑first mindset, and adapt priorities as needed.
• Demonstrated interest in public history and an interest in conveying the history of 17th‑century Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag Homeland to diverse audiences.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret a variety of historical sources.
• Skilled at using Google Suite, Zoom and other computer applications.
• Strong carpentry skills are a plus.

Education and/or Experience:

• BA/BS or equivalent experience required, Degree in related field preferred.
• Experience working successfully with the public, preferably in a museum or other education‑centered organization.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a supervisory or management role at an agricultural center or farm with a focus on livestock management.
• Experience working with heritage animal breeds preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires indoor and outdoor work, sometimes in adverse climatic conditions.
• Duties include working while sitting, standing, bent over or kneeling.
• Involve some lifting and moving of objects; Standing for extended periods; climbing stairs, ladders, etc.
• Must be able to lift 100 pounds.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires working at least one weekend day per week as well as several holidays, including Thanksgiving Day.
• Flexibility in work hours and days off is required.
• Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed.

Position Type and Salary:

Full‑time, year‑round 42,000 annually