Livestock Assistant Philo Ridge Farm
- Date Posted February 21, 2020
- Location Charlotte, VT
- Category Agriculture
- Job type Full-Time
With guidance from the Land and Livestock Manager and Assistant Livestock Manager, the Livestock Assistant will be responsible for assisting with general livestock care on the farm. The Livestock Assistant will assist with livestock management which includes a growing herd of Belted Galloway cattle which are moved daily, four successions of broilers through the growing season, a mobile layer house, rotationally grazed pigs and sheep. The Livestock Assistant will help with some of the farm landscape tasks such as mowing, planting and maintaining trees to create wind breaks, weed whipping fence lines to support the pasture management. We are looking for a person who is highly motivated, a self-starter and is passionate about sustainable livestock farming.
The philosophy influencing our growing practices is rooted in our dedication to the ecological sustainability of the land. We practice management intensive rotational grazing. At our heart, we are grass farmers who are trying to produce healthy swards of diverse grass and legume species while using livestock in a management intensive system to increase soil fertility and carbon retention in the plants and soil.
Primary Responsibilities
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Morning and afternoon livestock chore routine
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Moving fence and water systems - we use quicknets & polywire with some high tensile perimeter
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Cattle, sheep, broilers daily to fresh paddocks, and pigs weekly
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Assisting with lambing and calving
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General husbandry duties for all livestock
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Operating on-farm vehicles such as tractors, skid steer, and gators (based on experience)
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Assisting with data collection and on farm research projects
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Unloading hay and grain deliveries
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Washing and sorting eggs
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Broiler brooder responsibilities and on farm chicken processing
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Assist farm team members in gardening and irrigation, building projects and general maintenance and upkeep
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Assist with tractor work managing compost and baling and stacking hay
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Contribute to general maintenance and upkeep of Philo Ridge Farm to maintain a high level of aesthetic for all grounds and facilities on the farm
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Support other agriculture operations on the farm as needed
Candidate/ Position Qualifications
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Previous experience with ruminant animals and poultry at a production scale
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Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships with fellow Land and Livestock crew members as well as other team member across the farm
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Contribute to sampling, evaluating, and supporting on-going research activities related to soil health and ecosystem services produced
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Willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions
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Ability to lift heavy objects and remain physically active throughout the day
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Clean driving record and valid driver license
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Minimum 2 references
Compensation
Compensation is dependent on qualified, verified experience. Benefits include paid time off, healthcare, food discounts through the market, daily staff lunch, continuing education opportunities and more. Housing may be available, please inquire.
Time Commitment
We ask for a commitment of 40 hrs/week and occasionally more as is seasonally appropriate. This position starts in April through late Fall and potentially later depending on the candidate (with flexibility).