VT Farming- Livestock, veg & more! Maple Wind Farm
- Date Posted January 29, 2018
- Location Richmond, VT
- Category Agriculture / Production
- Job type Full-Time
We are a pasture-based livestock and organic vegetable farm with operations in Huntington and Richmond, VT. In operation since 1999, we raise 100% grass-fed beef, non-GMO pasture-raised pork, pasture-raised non-GMO layer and broiler chickens, certified organic turkeys and organic vegetables. We have an on-farm USDA-inspected poultry processing facility. The vegetable, egg, turkey and broiler operations are based in Richmond while the other operations are based in Huntington. We process chickens and turkeys from late May to Thanksgiving. Our facility is state of the art for very small plants and includes an innovative air-chilling process. Farm work with integrity gives meaning and importance to all that we do, even the little details. We work hard and smart and have expectations that we all do the same as a whole team and that this hard work is providing our customers the best possible food on the planet raised the best way with the animal and soil health a priority.
Job descriptionPasture Based Farm Crew
We are currently hiring for our Richmond based farm location. These crew members will work closely with the owners, and the Poultry/Vegetable managers. Daily poultry work would include; am and pm chores (feeding, watering, moving pens, bedding) for broilers and turkeys in the field and in the brooder, and tending to the layer flock (also moving their field pen 2x week). Additional work for the day might include working on the vegetable fields for large projects, poultry processing support, and cleaning and packaging eggs. Other work may include building/repairing farm infrastructure, and assisting with other livestock (cattle and hogs) that might include traveling to Huntington. Work week will be 40-50 hours/week. Some poultry processing work will be required of crew members.
Employees are expected to work quickly and efficiently. A willingness to happily and speedily take on a wide array of tasks in any weather is treasured. Given the scale and speed at which our operation is changing, crew members must have a positive attitude and sense of humor, be flexible, creative, hard-working, and passionate about agriculture. In return, you can expect: a great working experience, learning opportunities, new friends, access to the best food possible, working outdoors, and being part of the farm family. Preference will be given to applicants with: prior farm experience, the ability to lift 50+ pounds, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to work as part of a team, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor.
Compensation: Wages are competitive depending on experience, and includes Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Applicants must have reliable transportation to work. Housing is not included but employees receive farm produce and a discount on other farm products in addition to professional development opportunities by arrangement.
Poultry Processing Crew - Full Time
Our USDA poultry processing plant is state of the art for a plant our size. We process chickens from late May- end of October both ones raised by Maple Wind Farm and from other producers that bring poultry to us for the high quality service we provide. Our pasture raised turkeys are processed in November.
We are looking for folks that have experience processing poultry but we are willing to train. You must be able to perform repetitive tasks efficiently and have attention to detail. Having a knowledge and respect for food safety and the ability to work on your feet are important. A sense of humor and positive attitude and a willingness to take direction but also be proactive will be beneficial. We listen to a wide variety of music and do like to joke around! You must have reliable transportation.
Responsibilities may include: Killing, scalding and plucking poultry, evisceration, maintaining quality and monitoring a sanitary work environment. Learning important knife skills of parting and packaging poultry are involved in the job as is lots of cleaning.
Compensation: Starts at $12/hr. We will consider higher wages for those with meat or poultry processing experience. Housing is not included but employees are covered by Workman’s Compensation and receive farm produce and a discount on other farm products in addition to professional development opportunities by arrangement. We are looking for those who can commit to our entire processing season, from late May to mid November. There may be year-round work available.