Company description

We are a start-up regenerative forest farm on a ridge above the Raritan River in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey entering our fourth year.

Our goal is to get back to basics practicing sustainable, regenerative agriculture and permaculture principles to heal the land, and grow nutrient dense, hyper-seasonal specialty produce that is inherently of this place. We farm in nature’s image, without the use of GMOs, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, glyphosate, or other chemical inputs. We utilize a rotational pastured plan for our multi-species flock with the aim of holistically healing the land, and building soil health, which ultimately produces the healthiest food possible. We also believe in a high standard of care for the animals who feed us, and a living wage for the farmers who grow our food. This is food the way God intended it to be.

As we continue to build our farm infrastructure, we are also building our soil, our flock, our gardens, permaculture terraces, mushroom yards, and silvopastures. It is our intention to inspire others to do what they can to incorporate the philosophy of interdependence in their own life, even if they live in an apartment.

Job description

Position Summary

The Livestock Farm Hand’s main focus is caring for all of the needs of the livestock (chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, livestock guardian dog, cats) on the farm. This position will also have the opportunity to care for the Forest Farm, and cooperate with others in on-going projects in the restoration of land.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead role for Livestock and Flock care (Free range release, move to fresh pasture, egg collection, water/feed, clean-up, etc.) chickens, ducks, geese, Livestock Guardian Dog, Sheep, cats
• Supporting role for other farm tasks relating to vegetable, herb, flower production, farm store coverage
• Maintain high level of animal husbandry and acceptable cleanliness of coops and livestock barns
• Mix feed for all livestock on a weekly basis
• Maintain inventories of all livestock supplies and advise Owner/Farm Manager weekly
• Return sheep to Sheep barn each afternoon from Silvopasture for lock-up with Livestock Guardian dog
• Collaboratively Develop and implement rotational grazing plan with Owner/Farm Manager
• Lead role (with help) regarding first aid/incubation/lambing of livestock
• Daily Egg collection (and cleaning when additional seasonal help is absent)
• Conduct daily wellness checks of livestock and advise Owner/Farm Manager of any concerns
• Winterization of all coops and barns, as well as take down/cleaning/storage of panels in the Spring
• Fall and Spring deep clean out of coops and barns
• Concentrate on details unique to our farm
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned

Required Skills, Physical Qualifications and Competencies

• Experience working with poultry, fowl, dogs/cats, and ruminants/grazing livestock a plus
• Maintains a high standard of cleanliness and animal husbandry
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills at all times
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to repeatedly and safely lift 50 pounds
• Willingness to provide occasional weekend livestock care (Overtime Rate)
• Avid respect and curiosity for natural resources
• Excellent Communication skills are required, and co-operate consistently with owners, coworkers, consultants, caretakers, service providers
• Operate company vehicles and power equipment such as utility vehicles
• Properly use and maintain shovels, rakes, hand shears, and loppers
• Work independently and as part of a team, asking questions freely
• Follow instructions and take initiative
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions

Weekly hours

8am – 4:30pm, including a 30 minute unpaid lunch period, and other times as agreed to

Paid Time off

All regular full-time staff accrues PTO in addition to five (5) days of sick/personal time at the rate of one (1) hour per 30 hours of service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days during their first year of employment.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline