Company description

Philo Ridge Farm (PRF) is a 500-acre certified organic farm located in Charlotte, Vermont, a rich agricultural community in the Champlain Valley, just south of Burlington. PRF is a diversified farm in its tenth year of production. Its livestock program grazes over 300 acres of perennial pasture and includes ewes, lambs, pigs, chickens, and 100 Belted Galloway cattle. PRF grows two acres of organic produce and flowers using farming practices that build soil health, produce a variety of nutrient-dense foods, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and support the local agricultural community. Everything harvested is processed at PRF and sold through its culinary program and market, inspired by a closed-loop nutrient system. PRF also serves as a year-round gathering place for the community. After a decade of building an understanding of this landscape, growing with the community, and envisioning the future of farming, the founders are excited to create a nonprofit so that PRF continues to operate as a community asset and working farm for generations to come.

Job description

Position Overview

The primary focus of the Equipment Specialist is to assist in the daily equipment operations within Philo Ridge Farm’s Land & Livestock operation. Working closely with the Land and Livestock Manager, the Equipment Specialist will be an integral part of the farm’s team by focusing on equipment maintenance, haymaking, compost production, and other landscaping operations. The individual will also assist with daily livestock chores, including daily field rotation moves, temporary fencing adjustments, caring for all Philo Ridge Farm livestock, feeding pigs and poultry, and all other general animal husbandry.

Equipment experience required in large tractor and skid steer operation, ATVs and 4-wheelers, hay production machinery, spreading equipment, and other land management tools and implements.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter who is passionate about sustainable livestock farming and shares Philo Ridge Farm’s dedication to the ecological sustainability of the land. The individual must be a team player and have a demonstrated interest in soil health, equipment safety, and the overall success of the regenerative farm operations and sustainability.

The Equipment Specialist role requires a time commitment of 40 hours per week, with the potential of weekend days and holiday hours depending on the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

Farm Operations:

· Implement the haymaking plan, including cutting, raking, baling, hauling, and wrapping forages

· Maintain successful on-farm compost operation, including weekly turning and data collection of compost windrows and spreading of compost on farm fields following the farm’s Nutrient Management Program

· Maintain the function and aesthetics of the farm’s fences, water lines, buildings, and grounds·

· Brush hogging, some landscape mowing and trimming, and chainsaw work

· Support the Land & Livestock Manager in training other staff on correct farm equipment and machinery procedures

· Assist in the execution of the farm’s Nutrient Management Program

· Complete morning and afternoon livestock chore routines

· Support brooder management, providing care to the on-site chicken flock

· Assist with on-farm poultry processing as necessary

· Loading and transporting livestock on and off-farm

· Support livestock grazing plan by moving temporary fences as necessary to optimize forage availability and animal health

· General farm husbandry duties for all livestock, including feeding all livestock groups and maintaining bedding throughout the winter season

Infrastructure & Equipment:

· Organize and execute timely on-farm equipment and machinery maintenance: greasing, lubrication, and parts replacement as recommended by the manufacturer’s manual

Administration:

· Assist with data collection, on-farm research projects, and record grazing data

· Participate in weekly departmental meetings

Additional Responsibilities:

· Support special events, farm-to-table dinners, farm lunches, and farm tours

· Manage other tasks as necessary to support Land & Livestock operations

Qualifications

· Demonstrated experience working, repairing, and maintaining farm equipment, including the ability to assess and troubleshoot basic equipment problems

· Previous experience with ruminant animals and poultry at a production scale

· Must be able to stand for extended periods and walk frequently throughout the day

· Able to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds regularly

· Ability to work outside, including in adverse weather conditions

· Ability to reliably be on time, proactive, and prepared daily for all duties

· valid driver's license and proven track record of operating a vehicle safely

· Versatile working style able to adapt to the seasonal changes of workload

· Passion for working with livestock

· Experience managing daily farm work and livestock schedules

· Open to learning new skills for livestock and land management techniques

· An interest in developing regenerative agricultural systems

· Interest in supporting research activities related to soil health and ecosystem services

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to create strong working relationships across teams

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Self-starter who can work independently and solve problems creatively

· Strong work ethic and the aptitude to keep a consistent pace throughout each day

Compensation

Compensation is based on verified experience. $40,000 - $45,000.

Benefits & Perks

Employment benefits include accrued paid time off, health care benefits, staff meals, and an employee discount on products in our market. Employee housing is available; please inquire as needed.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $40,000.00 - $45,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

February 28, 2025