Farm Manager

Farm Manager

Overview:

Ivanhoe Nursery & Farms is a beautiful, rural farmstead campus in Lake County, Illinois that engages in agricultural, tree nursery and equine activities, while providing an unparalleled rural homestead setting for family recreation and gathering. As a cherished homestead with a rich history, Ivanhoe enjoys a key “hosting” role within its extended family of stakeholders. Ivanhoe has been family owned and operated for more than 160 years, and its owners are invested in responsible, long-term stewardship.

The successful candidate will lead a small on-site team and will enjoy the opportunity to do valuable work in a positive, improvement-oriented environment. This candidate knows and loves the farming lifestyle, is comfortable improving and maintaining land & buildings, and values agricultural and equine stewardship. The successful candidate will maintain and improve the facilities, landscaping, gardens, and woodlands and will oversee care for a small number of horses. The Farm Manager will prepare the farm for regular family and guest stays, and will be available (on call) to manage maintenance requirements during guest stays on a 24/7 basis.

The ideal candidate possesses high energy, is self-motivated, and effectively sets and achieves goals. This candidate communicates clearly and effectively and works collaboratively with others, and will report to the Senior Vice President of Wirtz Realty.

Key Responsibilities:

The Farm Manager is responsible for overall stewardship of the farm, maintaining and improving the facilities and land, caring for the horses and providing a welcoming environment for family and guests.

The successful Farm Manager will achieve the following:

• Provide stewardship of the land and assets
• Ensure a safe and healthy environment for guests, staff, contractors and horses
• Provide responsive and professional Customer Service to all stakeholders
• Supervise small number of on-site employees plus contract service providers and contractors
• Professionally maintain and repair buildings, landscape and equipment, and oversee construction
• Collaborate with third party Farmers, Equine Manager and Tree Nursery Manager
• Ensure preparation of facilities and timely emergency maintenance for family & guest stays
• Professionally manage the operations, including budgeting, capital planning, and invoice review/processing
• Regularly report to Senior Leadership

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Farm Management, Agriculture, Business Administration, or another relevant field of study, and/or compensating relevant farm operating experience
• Five (5) years of experience working on a farm or on a similar multi-facility real estate campus
• Basic understanding of building construction and maintenance and will have experience successfully working with contractors
• On-site residence of Farm Manager is strongly preferred, however, off-site residence will be considered if in close proximity to the farmstead
• Must be a very good communicator and capable of positive collaboration with others
• Proficiency in Spanish language is desired
• Experience with equestrian care is a plus
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn to use additional software

Skills & Knowledge:

• Excellent listening, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, goal-oriented, problem solver
• Team-oriented, comfortable with multiple stakeholders and indirect reports
• Able to manage multiple priorities and to appropriately prioritize
• Able to maintain regular documentation of plans, projects, agreements, invoices, etc.
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors across all seasons
• Comfortable learning new products, equipment, systems, technology, software interfaces, etc

Physical Demands of Job:

• Frequent hand motion with use and viewing of phones, keyboards and computers
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping and other activities required to safely and effectively navigate construction jobsites
• Occasional carrying and lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Frequent standing or sitting for long periods of time to perform various office duties
• Frequent walking and inspection of farm improvements and properties