Job Title: Agriculture and Animal Care Assistant Supervisor
Reports to: CAMAL COO
Compensation: $22.00-$24.00 hourly, Health Benefits Package, 15 days paid holiday.
Hours of work: Full-time, permanent, 35hours week. May require evening, weekend and holiday availability
Fort Steele Heritage Town is a living history site dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and enhancement of British Columbia’s rich heritage. Fort Steele serves as a cultural and educational resource, engaging visitors in the stories, traditions, and historical significance of the Region. We would like to acknowledge that the Site is located on the traditional, ancestral and present Ktunaxa homeland and extend our gratitude for the opportunity to live and learn in mutual respect and appreciation.
The Site is supported by the Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society and its Executive Management Team which provides strategic direction, development and funding to achieve the site’s mandate. Our team values a supportive and collaborative work culture that is respectful, challenging and promotes diversity and creativity.
Position Summary
The Agriculture and Animal Care Assistant Supervisor is responsible for assisting the comprehensive and sustainable management of livestock and agricultural operations at Fort Steele Heritage Town. This position ensures the highest standards of animal welfare, implements best practices in heritage breed management, and contributes to engaging and educational visitor experiences.
This role is vital to enhancing the visitor experience, preserving heritage livestock breeds, supporting Fort Steele's commitment to agricultural education, cultural heritage, and reconciliation, and ensuring the long-term environmental and financial sustainability of the department. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for preserving agricultural history and will foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in the care, feeding, training, and breeding program for horses, sheep, pigs and chickens.
- Supports the daily health and wellbeing of horses by assisting with basic hoof care, grooming, and coat maintenance.
- Monitors animals for signs of injury, illness, or discomfort and reports concerns to the Livestock Supervisor.
- Helps ensure horses are clean, comfortable, and presented to a high standard for both animal welfare and visitor experience.
- Assist in the development and implement breeding programs, adhering to conservation best practices and ensuring genetic diversity within the heritage breeds.
- Assist in the implement sustainable farming practices to minimize environmental impact and promote long-term resource conservation.
- Working closely with veterinarians to monitor livestock health, ensuring the timely administration of vaccines, medications and treatments.
- Recruit, train and supervise permanent, seasonal employees and volunteers, providing direction and education on animal welfare, safe handling practices, working with the public and historical agricultural techniques.
- Maintain accurate records of breeding, health treatments, and animal production using software such as Ezyvet, Crio online, Equin file and others.
- In collaboration with other departments, develop and implement public engagement programs, such as interpretive demonstrations and hands-on activities, to educate visitors about heritage livestock breeds, and generate revenue.
- In relation to the job description, other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Experience
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field such as animal science or farm management AND/OR a combination of education and experience, preferably in a non-profit setting.
- Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience in livestock management, specifically with heritage breeds and in a public-facing environment (e.g., museum, heritage farm).
- An understanding of Indigenous relations in this region; additionally, familiarity with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the relevant Calls to Action for Museums is an asset. This knowledge can be through education, lived or worked experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of animal husbandry and health management, including farm safety and animal health regulations.
- Understanding of modern farming technologies and equipment. Knowledge of historic farming equipment an asset.
- Valid driver’s license.
- First Aid
Abilities and Skills
- Strong business skills including budgeting, financial decision-making, and sustainable practices.
- Exceptional ability to manage teams, assign tasks, and communicate effectively with staff and suppliers.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Understanding and supporting the needs of team members fosters a positive and productive work environment.
- Comfortable in public-facing role and communicating with the diverse audiences.
- Strong project management skills, working to a budget and time management.
- Basic carpentry, leather work and repair skills for maintaining equipment an asset.
- Ability to perform rigorous outdoor work in various weather conditions and lift heavy loads.
We are looking for these personal qualities:
- Initiative: We need someone who has ideas as well as someone who can come up with creative solutions!
- Reliability: We must be able to count on you to ensure the success of our programs.
- Judgement: Things evolve rapidly, being able to make decisions with discernment is an essential quality to being successful in this position
- Detail Oriented: the details matter!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $22.00-$24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Work Location: In person
