Company description

Camphill Village Minnesota (CVM) is a non-profit organization in the heart of Minnesota. CVM’s mission is to create and sustain community where people with and without disabilities live, work and care for each other to foster social, spiritual, cultural and agricultural renewal. The community is part of an international movement of over 100 communities worldwide.

Every year, CVM welcomes live-in volunteers from around the globe to share their life together. For most who come here, Camphill is a lifestyle, not so much a job. Some people come to us for a refreshing new take on life after university. Others come seeking a new direction.  Regardless of their motivations, these volunteers bring gifts of knowledge and experience that serve the community, and leave with even more to share with the world around them. CVM welcomes individuals, couples, and families however they may come. 

At CVM we focus on capabilities, not disabilities. Everyone has space to learn new trades, practice skills, and teach others what they know. What will you bring to the table? 

See us in action! 
facebook.com/camphillmn
instagram.com/camphillmn

Job description

Everyone who lives at Camphill Village Minnesota contributes to the joint effort of sustaining the community by caring for the land and each other. Each person has room to learn, share and grow! Join our community and lead our 525 acre biodynamic farm in the heart of Minnesota! 

The biodynamic approach to agriculture provides the core tenets of our farming philosophy and is the foundation of our farming operation. Our Farm Manager will have the opportunity to further their understanding of biodynamic preparations and use of these preparations.

Our community and farm include working in an inclusive way with adults who have developmental disabilities, using person-centered adaptive methods. The Farm Manager will be provided with mentoring and training on how to work with people in a therapeutic way.

 

About the Farm:

CVM Farm is 525 total acres

• 120 acres of permanent pastures

• 100 acres in a legume/grass-based rotation

• three acres of vegetable gardens

• a small orchard and herb garden

• 300 acres of forest and wetlands

 

Diversity of livestock and produce

• 20 head grass-fed beef brood herd

• 30 head grass-fed yearling and finisher herd

• 3 head grass-fed dairy cow herd

• 70 laying hens

• Broiler chickens some years

• Diverse vegetable garden grown in the field, and in greenhouses and high tunnel (responsibility of the Garden Manager)

• Haymaking and some small grains

• Honey bees

• Sustainable forestry including timber stand improvement yielding firewood and lumber

• Orchard of apples, cherries, raspberries, strawberries 

 

Responsibilities

• All aspects of cowherd management: grazing, health care, winter feeding

• Maintenance of tractors and all implements and equipment

• Field cultivation, planting, haymaking

• Maintenance of fences

• Make compost with biodynamic preparations

• Extensive spraying of horn manure (BD500) and horn silica (BD501)

• Lead crews of 2-4 people of diverse abilities/ disabilities with support of volunteers

• Milking once per day, rotating schedule shared with others

• Interest and participation in community life

• Collaborate with other land managers to create harmony and efficiency with equipment and resources

 

Qualifications

It is more important that this individual resonates with the values of our farm and community than that they have prior farming skills. We are looking for enthusiastic people with initiative that are comfortable working alongside people who have developmental disabilities.

• 21 years of age or older

• At least 2 years of organic or biodyamic farming experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Ability to perform well in an environment that requires compassion, helpfulness, patience, and resourcefulness

• Willingness to learn

• Ability to lift 50 lbs required

• Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather

• Ability to pass a background check

• Effective and warm communication and interpersonal skills

• Valid Driver’s License

• Passion for working with people of all abilities

• Star Services training required (training provided)

Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation, contract Work visa This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants Application instructions DeadlineFebruary 28, 2020