Company description

<p>At APD Farm, we are an ecosystem services operation using livestock as a tool to cycle atmospheric carbon into the soil, while producing nutritious, grass-fed beef. We use our cattle to turn landscapes into functioning ecosystems by managing them in a way that mimics ancient herds of grazing animals (think the North American Bison). By improving the ecological function of the land, we are able to produce more nutritious beef while addressing the root cause of climate change.</p> <p>We’ve learned that soils with healthy energy flows and mineral cycles grow plants with balanced protein to energy profiles. When grazed by our cattle, these plants optimize animal performance and translate directly to tenderness, full-bodied flavor and nutrient-density in our beef.</p>

Job description

<p><strong>About APD Farm</strong></p> <p>APD Farm is a grazing operation with approximately 2,000 acres of pasture and woodland under management. We are located one hour southwest of Washington, DC on the northern reaches of the Piedmont, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and west of the Coastal Plain within the greater Chesapeake Bay Watershed. APD is primarily an ecosystem services operation, using livestock as a tool to cycle carbon and infiltrate rainfall while producing premium quality grass-finished beef and state of the art grazing genetics. We are developing a large Devon and percentage Devon cowherd. Steers and heifers will be grown out and finished on biologically complex mixes of annuals and perennials, utilizing some flood irrigated ground. APD Farm also grows egg layers, guinea fowl and hogs to support the ecological function of the land.</p> <p> </p> <p>We are a growing operation with big ambitions. The big picture vision for APD Farm is to serve as an innovative and influential hub for regenerative agriculture, encompassing the following key ventures: an environmental services company, a for-profit food business, a community building non-profit organization, and an education center.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Position description</strong></p> <p>APD Farm is hiring a Grazing Manager. We are seeking candidates passionate about cattle and other grazing livestock, growing grass and optimizing ecosystem function. The Grazing Manager should also be interested in soil health and climate change awareness. This is a growth position; she/he will be a key member of the APD Farm team and will assume a leadership role in building out the ranch, growing the grazing operation and herd. The Grazing Manager will report directly to the farm owner, Matt Rales.</p> <p> </p> <p>Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:</p> <ul> <li>Develop and run a comprehensive grazing plan for the growing and non-growing seasons.</li> <li>Manage an in-house team of three herdsman, construction crews and subcontractors as necessary.</li> <li>Manage and oversee breeding, calving, vaccination protocol, routine weighing, pregnancy checking, ultra-sounding, and blood sampling (with external veterinarian support as needed).</li> <li>Manage all aspects of record keeping for entire cowherd and grass-finishing herd.</li> <li>Monitor and continuously improve forage quality and volume over time.</li> <li>Plan grazing and run animals on the periphery of a conservation mitigation bank. 
</li> <li>Manage construction teams and subcontractors associated with the development of the physical conservation mitigation “bank” and ensure that it is being integrated with the grazing operations proactively.</li> <li>Work closely with other team members to co-develop an irrigated keyline landscape within several target catchments on the properties. 
</li> <li>In coordination with research partners, assist in monitoring of and integrating grazing management with baseline soil study</li> <li>Manage a comprehensive budget and expenses plan associated with the grazing and grass-finishing operations.
</li> <li>Other responsibilities related to the land and livestock management aspects of ranch building and growing a start-up grazing operation.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>We are looking for a candidate who meets the following qualifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Passionate about cattle and other grazing livestock, growing grass and optimizing ecosystem function, soil health and climate change awareness.</li> <li>Experience developing and implementing holistic grazing plans.</li> <li>Experience with various forms of stock water delivery and irrigation.</li> <li>Familiarity with and/or willingness to practice low stress stockmanship.</li> <li>Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to manage projects and sub-contractors</li> <li>Must be comfortable working in an early stage farm development environment with high levels of autonomy.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>The candidate’s passion for APD Farm’s mission, knowledge of and experience with holistic grazing, and demonstrated ability to manage a team will outweigh years of experience.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Compensation Package</strong></p> <p>This is a full-time, salaried position reflecting experience, skill set and qualifications. Full range of coverage and benefits will be provided. Private housing will be provided on the farm with apportioned utility expenses covered.</p> <p> </p>

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $35,000.00 - $45,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

June 15, 2018