Position Summary The Agriculture & Livestock Program Coordinator oversees all agriculture, animal care, and land-based learning at Seamark Ranch, bridging daily ranch operations with hands-on discipleship and life skills programing. This position leads youth and families in cultivating nutritious food, caring for animals, stewarding the land, and learning life lessons from God's creation. From feeding livestock to harvesting vegetables to running a small business, this role equips kids with responsibility, work ethic, and spiritual grounding through the lens of a working ranch. Key Responsibilities Youth Education, Mentorship, & Discipleship
- Mentor youth through real-life work in agriculture, animal care, and land stewardship, instilling character, resilience, and integrity
- Teach youth about nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being through hands-on gardening and food production
- Train and supervise youth in agriculture and livestock responsibilities, including job interviews, scheduling, daily tasks, and monthly performance reviews as part of the Work Force Development program
- Lead weekly agriculture sessions (typically 2 hours per home/child each week) that include hands-on projects and educational lesson plans tied to seasonal work designed to build life skills
- Assign clear, consistent responsibilities to each youth and family to maintain Seamark's working ranch, such as weeding, animal feeding, trail clearing, and harvesting
- Offer spiritual mentorship and model Christian leadership through prayer, encouragement, correction, and service
- Develop and lead 4H- or FFA-style experiences that include record keeping, project ownership, animal showing, and community engagement
- Partner with the Director of Programs to develop and implement programming designed to help each child grow according to their Care Plan
Agriculture & Garden Management
- Oversee Seamark's full agricultural footprint, including:
- Greenhouse & hydroponic systems
- Vegetable gardens & seasonal crops (e.g., sugar cane, grapes, pumpkins)
- You-pick blueberry patch & strawberry fields
- Composting, soil health, and irrigation
- Train youth and houseparents in planting, weeding, harvesting, food safety, and seasonal rhythms
- Coordinate farm-to-table food use for Seamark homes, emphasizing health and stewardship
- Lead entrepreneurial projects like farmers markets, farm stands, or seasonal product sales, teaching basic budgeting, marketing, and P&L ownership
- Maintain agriculture areas including grounds management (mowing, weed eating, etc.)
Animal Care & Livestock Oversight
- Oversee daily care and feeding of livestock (horses, cows, chickens, goats, donkeys) through youth and family participation, both as assigned chores and Work Force Development opportunities
- Ensure consistent care schedules, feeding plans, and humane treatment
- Equip youth with skills and responsibility for safe, ethical animal handling
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and order in barns, coops, fencing, and feed areas
- Maintain livestock areas including grounds management (mowing, weed eating, etc.)
Land, Ecology, & Trail Stewardship
- Serve as a steward of Seamark's 465-acre working ranch, including:
- Pastures, trails, and forested areas
- Food plots and habitat management
- Natural wildlife observation and education (deer, turkey, bear, alligator, turtles, etc.)
- Teach youth the rhythms of the land-what it means to work it, protect it, and respect the Creator who made it.
- Coordinate safe and sustainable ATV, equine, and walking trail use
- Collaborate with Facilities and Operations teams to identify infrastructure needs and submit work orders
Leadership, Safety, and Volunteer Coordination
- Supervise daily youth ranch crews, including assigning duties, providing real-time coaching, and ensuring safety
- Maintain a consistent schedule and accountability structure for all youth jobs under your oversight
- Recruit and manage agriculture volunteers in partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator
- Track inventory and submit purchase requests in coordination with leadership
Ranch Operations & Stewardship Team As part of Seamark's commitment to unified campus care and youth development, the Agriculture & Livestock Program Coordinator is a core member of the Ranch Operations & Stewardship Team. This cross-functional team meets weekly to coordinate youth job assignments, prioritize work orders, and align property care with discipleship efforts. Members include the Agriculture & Livestock Program Coordinator, Facilities & Property Manager, Director of Operations (team lead), and Director of Programs. The Director of Operations is the final steward of Seamark's 465-acre property and holds decision-making authority for land use and campus infrastructure under the Executive Director's leadership. All facilities or land-based initiatives must be coordinated through this team to ensure alignment, safety, and excellence. Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in agriculture, ranching, animal care, or land-based education
- Strong understanding of sustainable food production, ranch ecology, and livestock handling
- Experience mentoring or discipling youth in a Christian environment preferred
- Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort teaching budgeting, markets, and small business basic
- Organized and self-motivated with strong leadership presence
- Comfortable working long days outdoors in all weather conditions
- Able to give and receive feedback clearly and respectfully
- Willing to affirm Seamark's Statement of Faith and lead in a Christ-centered manner
Other Expectations
- Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and special events
- Must pass all background checks, MVR, and DCF clearances
- CPR/First Aid preferred
- Maintain reports including youth schedules, garden logs, animal records, performance reviews, and participation data, etc.