Barn Management

Barn Manager Goshen, CT Salary:

$55,000/year

Start Date:

September 1, 2026 Full-Time | Leadership Position About Action Wildlife Action Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit animal sanctuary, educational farm, and interactive wildlife park dedicated to conservation, education, agriculture, and responsible animal care. Our facility houses a diverse collection of domestic and exotic animals while providing hands-on educational experiences for the public through encounters, field trips, FFA programming, and community outreach. We are seeking a motivated, experienced, and dependable Barn Manager to oversee daily barn operations, staff leadership, animal management, and educational programming. Position Overview The Barn Manager plays a key leadership role in the animal department, overseeing daily animal operations, staff coordination, volunteer management, and educational programming. This individual will work directly with management to maintain high standards of animal care, operational organization, and public engagement. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong animal handling experience, excellent communication skills, initiative, and the ability to professionally manage staff and volunteers in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Managing and overseeing FFA SAE volunteers and animal department staff Coordinating employee and volunteer scheduling Assisting with staff training and operational oversight Managing specialized feedings, treatments, and daily animal care routines Safely feeding, moving, handling, and entering enclosures with animals across the property Monitoring animal behavior, training progress, and overall barn operations Maintaining USDA-level standards for safety, organization, cleanliness, and animal care Transporting supplies, veterinary samples, and various materials as needed Representing Action Wildlife at fairs, educational programs, community outreach events, and public appearances Identifying operational improvements and helping implement systems for efficiency and growth Maintaining organized records, including: Animal feedings Enrichment schedules Staff training documentation Calving records Animal treatments and observations Leadership Expectations Candidates must demonstrate: Professional communication skills Accountability and reliability Strong animal handling abilities The ability to teach and mentor staff and volunteers Problem-solving skills and initiative Leadership by example Professional management of relationships with staff and FFA students The ability to maintain a respectful, organized, and productive work environment Constructive coaching and correction of team members when necessary As Barn Manager, you will help uphold the standards, reputation, and mission of Action Wildlife Foundation. Monthly Management Responsibilities The Barn Manager will participate in monthly management meetings and prepare reports, including: Department spending reports Cost-saving recommendations Revenue-generating ideas and program development FFA program updates Animal training and enrichment progress Operational "want/need" lists Future growth opportunities within the animal department Qualifications Preferred qualifications include: Prior experience managing livestock, exotic animals, or farm operations Leadership or supervisory experience Experience working with volunteers, students, or educational programs Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions Ability to lift feed, supplies, and equipment as needed Valid driver's license and reliable transportation Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays when necessary Experience in FFA, agriculture, zoology, wildlife, veterinary, or farm management is strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits Salary:

$55,000/year 1 Week PTO Opportunity for long-term growth within the organization Hands-on work with a diverse animal collection Leadership role within a growing nonprofit wildlife facility

Pay:

From $55,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person