Company description

Hart to Hart Farm is a 285-acre organic dairy farm in central Maine. 1.5 hours from Portland, and just half an hour from beautiful coastal Belfast, spend the summer working on our farm and engaging with youth from the community. Our mission is to foster awareness of farm stewardship, growing healthy foods, and the importance of sustainable, local agriculture, through education and experience. We believe hands-on education can plant future seeds that will help all people become better stewards of the Earth. If you want to be part of this work, we hope you join us this summer! The farm includes a historic barn, outbuildings for chickens, goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, and a free-stall barn which is home to 130 dairy cows. Scenic pastures, organic gardens and orchard, ponds, wetlands, forests, and farm provide an ideal camp setting to explore.

Job description

About the Job:

We are hiring a full-time person with enthusiasm and genuine interest in learning about dairying and organic farming, a strong work ethic , a desire to take pride in their work, and the ability to take on various responsibilities over time. Start date April/May 2024.

Job Responsibilities:

• Care for calves and heifers: feeding, handling, and maintaining a clean bedded area
• Operate a skid steer to clean out barns 
• Set up and break down the milking system
• Move the milking herd to holding area for milking
• Maintain high-quality milking protocol standards 
• Feeding and caring for various livestock (horses, chickens, goats, and sheep)
• Manage summer rotational pastures
• Build and maintain the fencing system
• Operate tractors and trucks during cropping season 
• Learn to operate the mixer wagon to feed the milking herd
• Farm maintenance and repair work (carpentry experience a bonus)
• Record keeping
• Learn organic livestock health management & treatment

The right person for this job will be:

• Able to maintain a positive attitude 
• View physical labor in a positive light, and enjoy pushing themselves through challenging physical tasks
• Able to see the humor in work and life, and laugh accordingly
• Interest in organic farming
• Self-motivated and self-aware
• Dependable and have access to reliable transportation
• Willing and able to accept feedback gracefully, and adapt accordingly
• Eager to learn
• Comfortable working both in groups and independently
• A problem solver
• Detail-oriented and observant
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Comfortable around livestock and dogs 

Job Qualifications:

• Some farming experience is preferred, but not necessary. Applicants without farming experience should be prepared to explain how their work or life history has prepared them for the rigors of farm work.
• Experience with physical or outdoor work  is strongly preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is strongly preferred 
• Experience with basic tools, basic carpentry, and a handy problem-solving aptitude is helpful.

Schedule: 50-60 hours per week (during peak season) Work schedule 6 days a week with  guaranteed day off (there is flexibility in the schedule between crops for additional time off). Minimum length of stay: 3 months (longer stay available). Start date April/May 2024.

 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

April 30, 2024