Company description

At Drylands Agroecology Research (DAR), we believe in the transformative power of agriculture to heal the land, nurture communities, and revitalize ecosystems. Located in the heart of Boulder County, Colorado, DAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reversing cultural and ecological degradation through holistic and regenerative practices.

Our mission is simple but ambitious: transform degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems that restore soil, water cycles, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Our work spans agroecological research, outdoor education, innovative land stewardship models, and community food programs.

Job description

Herd Manager

About our farming operations:
DAR manages 164 acres across three parcels within a 5-mile radius, including 10 acres of irrigated hay fields, 6 acres of irrigated silvopasture, 2 acres of irrigated cropland, and the remainder in un-irrigated pasture and silvopasture. We run a diverse, mixed herd of sheep, Red Devon cattle, heritage pigs, chickens, and ducks.

Our farming teams are dedicated to transforming water-limited and degraded landscapes into perennial, biodiverse agro-ecosystems. With a growing network of nearby land partners, we’re expanding our herds to graze larger acreages, enhance grassland health, and provide the community with nutrient-dense food.

In this role you’ll contribute not only to our farming operations, but toward our vision for a livable future.

About the Herd Manager Role
As the Herd Manager, you’ll lead DAR’s livestock operations, managing sheep, Red Devon cattle, and heritage pigs, alongside ducks and chickens, to achieve ecological, research, and food production goals. Working closely with our Director of Land Stewardship, you’ll develop and execute adaptive grazing strategies, restore degraded pastures, and nurture a resilient, biodiverse landscape. You will also manage an existing assistant herds person and other farm hands to support your success.

This is more than a job; it’s a chance to leave your mark on the land and contribute to a movement that’s redefining agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and adapt grazing plans to improve ecological health.
• Manage herd development, breeding, and health for sheep, cattle, and pigs.
• Monitor ecological outcomes, maintaining detailed herd and land records.
• Build and maintain infrastructure: fencing, portable shelters, and water systems.
• Oversee daily livestock care, ensuring animals are fed, watered, and protected.
• Collaborate across teams to align farming goals with DAR’s broader mission.
• Participate in financial planning, budgeting, and team strategy meetings.
• Oversee the work of the Assistant Herds Manager.
  

What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a resourceful, self-directed individual with:

• 3-4+ years of pasture-based grazing experience.
• Holistic Management/ Holistic Planned Grazing training (strongly preferred).
• Proficiency with agricultural equipment (tractors, skid steers, trailers, etc.).
• Practical knowledge of portable electric fencing (chargers, polywire, electro-netting), hard fencing, building maintenance, and other farm infrastructure.
• A thoughtful, collaborative mindset—open to feedback and continuous learning.
• Dedication to an agrarian lifestyle and a passion for regenerative agriculture.
• Above all, you’re someone who thrives in a purpose-driven environment, values community, and sees challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow
  

Position Details
Hours:

• Spring–Fall: 40–50 hours/week (including 5–10 administrative hours).
• Winter: 25–30 hours/week.
• Some evenings and weekends required, shared equitably among farm staff.
• Compensation: $55,000-75,000/year (based on experience). Includes health, dental, and medical insurance, plus bountiful farm goods produced on site like meat, eggs, vegetables, specialty grains, herbal medicines, and community meals (valued at $500-800/month). Salary range is also inclusive of an optional on-site farm cottage (1 bedroom, 1.5 baths) suitable for a family or partner, (valued at $16,000/yr)

A two-year commitment is preferred.

Why Join DAR?
This role offers more than a paycheck. It’s an opportunity to:

• Shape innovative grazing systems that set benchmarks for regenerative agriculture in arid and degraded landscapes
• Work within a vibrant, interdisciplinary team of educators, researchers, and land stewards.
• Contribute to a mission-driven organization that values ecology, culture, and connection.
• Your work here directly impacts the land, the local community, and the future of Land Stewardship.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

March 14, 2025