Company description

Woodstock Sustainable Farms is the premiere hub farm within the network of Azuluna Family of Farms. As a hub farm, we provide resources to new and aspiring farmers who are looking to expand the agricultural services of their land or integrate livestock into existing agricultural practices (spoke farms). We utilize a regional “hub & spoke” farm system and incorporating the best in sustainable, regenerative farming practices based on world-class university standards. Azuluna Farms is the sister company to Azuluna Foods, a premium food brand operating out of Johnson & Wales’ Harborside Campus in Providence, RI; its mission is to create delicious evidence based, nutrient dense, meals featuring our pasture raised meats to support the holistic health of our local communities.

Job description

Position Summary

We are looking for an extremely detail oriented and self-motivated Assistant Farm Manager to work closely with the Director of Agriculture and farm staff to manage and fulfill all farm needs and activities. The Farm Manager will manage regenerative farm activities and programs, practice good farm bookkeeping, manage and schedule farm staff, assist in farm event coordination, and coordinate farm visitors. As a constituent of Azuluna Farms, the Woodstock Sustainable Farm Manager will follow Azuluna Farms’ policies and procedures. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Duties & Responsibilities:

• ANIMAL MANAGEMENT and PRODUCTION of

• 10,000 pasture raised broilers from chicks to slaughter
• 75 sheep & lambs from fertilization to slaughter
• 200 laying hens and GAP certification with Whole Foods
• 50 pasture raised hogs

which includes:

• Complete daily animal care and management in accordance with Azuluna Farms Policies and Procedures;
• Maintain routine veterinary care of animals including coordinating veterinary care with attending veterinarian;
• Establish rotational grazing plans at WSF;
• Perform field and trail maintenance plans at WSF;
• Complete Community Farm Equipment plans at WSF;
• Perform Barn, building, and landscape maintenance plans at WSF;
• Oversee Interns, subcontractors, mechanics, trades people & direct farm labor management;
• Operate and help maintain, with the proper training, farm implements and mechanical equipment such as tractors, skid steer, mowers, and equipment associated with forage production.
• SUPERVISE the activities of and delegate responsibilities to the Livestock Manager, seasonal employees, and interns
• PASTURE MANAGEMENT maintaining regenerative, pasture-based farming system that accommodates the husbandry for broilers, laying hens, sheep, and pigs while maintaining an environment that enhances local ecology;
• BOOKKEEPING maintain animal records, documentation of animal health and well-being, seasonal activities and upkeep, breeding records, farm records;
• COORDINATE WITH FARM VISITORS / EVENTS: interface with farm visitors and support event center activities. Assist with implementation of educational programs.

Farm Manager Qualifications / Skills:

• Proficient in scheduling, Google Mail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Microsoft Suite, QuickBooks;

• Ability to foster a collaborative, team-centered environment;

• Excellent communications skills;

• Excellent time management skills;

• Excellent organizational skills;

• Willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive farm environment;

• Ability to handle high level administrative issues with discretion, timeliness, and sound judgement;

• Sufficient knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation to prepare professional correspondence and reports;

• Ability to receive and properly control sensitive, confidential, and private information;

• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in order to meet schedules and timelines;

• Ability to complete tasks with attention to detail;

• Ability to work as contributing member of a team, work productively, patiently, and cooperatively with other teams and external customers;

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.;

• Handle exposure to harsh weather conditions.

• Ability to work Holidays / weekends

• Possess or obtain DOT medical card

Education and Experience Requirements:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field; Minimum two years of experience in agriculture (specifically with domestic hooved livestock production and forage management);

• Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment common to livestock facilities (i.e., tractors with front-loading buckets, skid steers, and equipment related to feed and bedding production for livestock);

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills;

• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills; and,

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

PREFERRED:

• Minimum five years of experience with livestock production; sheep experience critical;

• Demonstrated experience on a university or college farm;

• Demonstrated supervisory experience;

• Demonstrated experience with modern reproductive practices for livestock;

• Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining, and/or repairing equipment (especially hay cutters, sprayers, and balers);

• Demonstrated experience with teaching livestock production skills to youth and college age students; and,

• Demonstrated experience with animal care and management under strict regulatory guidelines (i.e. USDA, state regulations, policies, and guidelines.)

• Class A CDL license

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

October 27, 2023