Company description

Bulfinch Farm is a 330 acre property of diversified pasture and woodlands close to the Connecticut river. We (Jacob and Ashley) are a childfree couple in our mid-30s. Ashley's family purchased the property in 2021 with the intention of it being a farm and family retreat. We live here full time and are building a home on the property. We both recently left our jobs in tech to focus on creating a business here and doing something that we are passionate about.

We believe in sustainable, regenerative agriculture, and in the importance of being good stewards of the land. We believe that we must take care of our soil to heal the environment. We believe in supporting small businesses and small farmers.

Currently we raise sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and Maremma livestock guardian dogs. We also grow organic vegetables and have a maple operation with about 250 taps. There is a full time caretaker for the property, Kris, and a seasonal employee in the summer, Ken, who are wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable. Kris is a passionate and long-time sugar maker and multi-talented jack of all trades. He has been with the property since 2007 and knows just about everything there is to know about this magical place. We are always in awe of the things that Kris can do! Ken is a former mechanic and retired police officer with an incredible work ethic and is also a wealth of knowledge! Unfortunately Ken will be leaving us soon to live full time in South Carolina.

Job description

We are looking for a full time, year round farm hand to join our small team. This is a role that could grow and evolve over time, in both responsibilities and salary. The right person could have a significant impact on the evolution and operation of the farm. There is plenty of work to be done and avenues to explore. We really want people to have a great experience working here. We will do our best to provide an excellent work environment, and to facilitate personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

There are certain tasks that need to be done every day, including health checks, and providing food and water to all of the livestock. Depending on the season, there will be other activities that need to be done, such as lambing, milking, rotating animals, haying, gardening, slaughtering/processing, and mucking out coops and barns. Alongside Ashley and Jacob, here are some of the things you may participate in:

-Pasture management and rotational grazing. We want to improve our pastures through rotational grazing. The sheep need to be moved every 1-3 days. We are in the process of installing permanent perimeter fences in our pastures and are currently using electric fencing for the animals. This is an ever-changing dance, and we must be vigilant to ensure that the pastures are at the right stage in growth to provide optimal nutrition to the animals. There are plenty of opportunities for us to improve our pastures through additional (organic) amendments. Responsibilities would also include keeping track of what was done over the year, so that we can improve in the next year.

-General care for the livestock, including daily feeding, watering, collecting eggs, mucking the chicken coop or duck house, mucking the barns in the spring and fall. Breeding and caring for baby animals. Ensuring everyone is healthy, administering medications or vaccines when necessary, trimming hooves, and checking FAMACHA scores, occasionally grooming dogs (brushing and trimming toenails).

-Milking sheep and cleaning equipment.

-Assisting with slaughtering and meat processing. One of our favorite quotes is "every animal deserves a good life, a good death, a good butcher, and a good chef". We love all of our animals, we strive to give them the best life possible, and the best death. We are passionate about food, and respecting the animal by utilizing the whole carcass.

-Haymaking.

-Gardening. Planting, watering, weeding, pruning, harvesting, and preserving. We are always exploring preservation techniques and love learning new ways to ferment especially.

-Spending time with the animals and on the property. Our animals are so friendly and love to have company. We love spending time with them, brushing the dogs and teaching them new things, socializing with the sheep, or watching the birds. This is probably the best part of every day.

-Whole site farm planning, property maintenance, and forestry management. We worked with the Regenerative Design Group to create a plan for the farm and the property which aims to preserve, nurture, and protect this special place, while also sequestering carbon and utilizing the site to create a sustainable business.

-Helping to create a business, marketing, and product development. We are in the early stages with this. There are opportunities for the right person to help with this.

-Occasional farm sitting/house sitting.

Qualifications

-Demonstrated passion for agriculture, and belief in regenerative practices

-Previous farm experience is a plus, experience working with dogs is required

-A willingness to learn

-Positive, team-oriented attitude

-Ability to work independently

-Excellent attention to detail and problem solving capability

-Ability to keep and maintain detailed records

-Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate small equipment and tools as needed, such as utility vehicles

-Experience operating heavy machinery is a plus

-Must be able to work in all types of weather, including extreme heat and cold

-Must be able to lift/pull/push up to 50 pounds on a regular basis

-Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time

-Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, reach overhead and below

-Ability to work effectively in an environment with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, and animal hair/feathers and poop (so much poop!)

-Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, and reference checks.

Compensation and Benefits

-This is a full time, year round, salaried position earning $52,000 annually

-The schedule is somewhat flexible, with the regular schedule being Monday - Friday, but we are looking for someone who is willing to work an occasional weekend and also farm sit/house sit while we are away

-100% paid company medical benefits

-Paid time off

-Access to a portion of the food that is produced on the farm

-Ability to learn and grow, while working with an awesome team!

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline