Company description

Appalachian Custom Shearing is a traveling shearing business based in Southern Maine which services 550+ farms in 20 states throughout the east coast and Appalachia. We specialize in shearing alpacas and llamas, but also work with sheep, goats, and camels.

Job description

This is a seasonal position that begins at the end of February and ends typically at the end of June.

This position involves a lot of travel, beginning in Florida in February and ending in Maine in June.

The open position is for a shearing assistant (referred to in the industry as a headman/headwoman) who’s duties include but are not limited to: catching up animals, assisting in moving and lifting animals, holding and positioning the animals during shearing, and keeping the animals and shearer safe.

For the right candidate, this job will also provide the opportunity of learning how to shear, and when proficient, shearing animals themselves.

This job is an independent contractor paid by the number of head, and per stop. On most days, that equates to $20+/hr before tips. We work long days, and live and eat on the road for 4 months. Lodging and all expenses paid for by the owner, included travel to and from the beginning and ending locations.

Applicant must be able to easily lift 100 lbs (as most animals we work with weigh 200 lbs maximum) and be tall enough to be able to reach over the back of an animal. Experience with large livestock is preferred, but not necessarily required. Being comfortable working with large livestock is required, as well as working long days and sleeping in hotels.

Lodging is provided, but is historically a shared hotel room with separate beds. We travel in a comfortable full size truck, but must be comfortable being on the road for hours each day between jobs.

This is a very niche job opportunity but very exciting for the right person! I am ideally looking to find someone for multiple years to train and eventually have run their own independent shearing route. Willing to facilitate communication with previous year’s assistants to learn more about the job from the assistant’s perspectives.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

February 15, 2025