Director of Operations

About Queens County Farm Museum

Queens County Farm Museum is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State, dating back to 1697. As a designated New York City Landmark and a site on the National Register of Historic Places, Queens Farm welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually. It connects people to agriculture, colonial history and the environment, offering learning opportunities on biodiversity, health and wellness, climate change, and the preservation of local history.

The farm hosts a variety of acclaimed education programs, public events, and adult education opportunities. It also operates a year-round Farm Store and numerous seasonal farmstands onsite and with community partners. The 47-acre site features nine buildings, including the historic Adriance Farmhouse (c.1772), a Farm Store, and a Greenhouse (1926), along with growing fields, animal paddocks, composting areas, and an apiary. Queens Farm is a fully operational farm with livestock, vegetable production, and farm equipment.

The Opportunity

Queens Farm is seeking a Director of Grounds & Operations to oversee the Operations Department, which is responsible for maintaining the farm’s public spaces, facilities, and grounds. This role includes managing the farm museum’s physical assets, such as buildings, equipment, machinery, and vehicles, as well as providing custodial services. The Director will supervise full-time and seasonal staff, ensuring the care and upkeep of Queens Farm’s grounds and facilities for public use.

The ideal candidate will be a strong team leader with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities while providing clear guidance and consistent follow-up. Flexibility, exceptional organizational and communication skills, strong management skills, and a dedication to delivering a positive visitor experience are essential. Proven experience in groundskeeping, building and vehicle maintenance, and routine landscaping tasks—including snow removal and lawn care—is critical.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operations Management: Supervise staff, develop schedules, and oversee daily farm museum operations, including mowing, weed trimming, snow removal, garbage removal, vehicle maintenance, building and grounds repairs, and landscaping.
• Staffing: Responsible for the hiring, training, supervision and evaluation of permanent and seasonal/temporary staff.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other Queens Farm departments (Education, Agriculture, Visitor Services, Marketing & Public Events) to address their needs promptly and proactively, ensuring smooth operations for all farm museum activities.
• Budget Oversight: Assist in preparing operating and capital budgets and manage expenditures within approved budgets.
• Records Management: Maintain departmental records, including maintenance logs, agency-required documentation, and procurement records.
• Site Inspections: Conduct site inspections and provide weekly/monthly status reports on conditions and issues.
• Special Events Support: Manage operational support for events, including site preparation, supervision of staff, equipment setup, trash removal, restroom cleaning, and breakdown.
• Vendor Coordination: Source, schedule, and coordinate with external vendors (e.g., Parks Dept, electricians, plumbers) and manage supply orders.
• Project Oversight: Lead the design and execution of special projects as needed.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A baccalaureate degree or a high school diploma with 4–6 years of full-time experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, building maintenance, or construction, including at least two years in a managerial role.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• A valid New York State Motor Vehicle Driver’s License (or ability to obtain one within three months of hire).
• Experience operating farm equipment and machinery safely.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Experience with organizational development, resource conservation, and capital project planning.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• Experience with organizational development, resource conservation, and capital planning.
• NYS license and heavy equipment experience.
• FDNY P-15, First Aid & CPR Certification, Facilities Management Certification, Environmental Compliance Training and AST Operator A / B certifications (or ability to obtain).
• Familiarity with OSHA compliance and relevant training.
• Proven budgeting and staff management experience.

Workplace Conditions & Environment

• As an essential staff member, availability during and after emergencies, such as severe weather events, is required.
• Must be computer literate (Microsoft Office proficiency required).
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays as necessary.