Company description

Farmer D & Co. guides the strategic development of regenerative farms, land-based communities, and experiential destinations. As a an advisory, planning, and design practice, we partner with landowners, developers, and organizations to bring land-based projects to life.

Job description

Location
Orchard Hill Farms, Princeton, New Jersey
(On-site | Part-time | Seasonal variability)

About Orchard Hill Farms
Orchard Hill Farms is a diversified farm committed to regenerative land stewardship, humane animal care, and operating with ecologically sound practices. We are entering an exciting implementation phase and are seeking a hands-on, experienced farm manager to lead day-to-day animal operations and help refine systems that support long-term farm health and productivity.

Position Overview
The Part-Time Farm Manager (Animal Operations) will oversee daily livestock care, grazing and rotation systems, and animal-related infrastructure. This role is ideal for a self-directed livestock professional who is comfortable balancing hands-on work with planning, problem-solving, and system improvement. The position will work closely with the land owner as well as the farm consultant team (Farmer D Consulting) to align animal management practices with broader farm goals.

The ideal candidate will have direct experience working with cattle, sheep, poultry, and/or camelids, and a strong working knowledge of animal fertility, breeding cycles, and preventative health management.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Operations

• Oversee daily care, health, and welfare of all livestock, including Belted Galloway cattle, Black Nose sheep, alpacas, and chickens
• Implement and manage rotational grazing and animal movement plans across species
• Monitor forage conditions and adjust rotations to support animal health, soil health, and parasite prevention
• Monitor animal fertility, breeding readiness, and reproductive health
• Manage maternity and birthing processes for Belted Galloway cattle, including pre- and post-calving care
• Oversee feeding protocols appropriate to each species and life stage (growth, breeding, lactation, recovery)
• Proactively monitor, prevent, and manage parasite pressure—particularly in sheep—using best practices in grazing management, observation, and intervention
• Identify and address animal health issues; coordinate veterinary care when necessary
• Maintain accurate observations and communicate emerging issues early
• Infrastructure & Systems
• Manage and maintain animal-related infrastructure (fencing, water systems, shelters)
• Identify infrastructure improvements or repairs needed to support animal operations
• Support planning for seasonal infrastructure needs

Planning & Management

• Help define and refine animal management priorities and protocols
• Track key operational needs related to feed, supplies, and equipment
• Support seasonal planning and labor needs related to animal operations
• Support planning around breeding schedules, birthing seasons, weaning, and seasonal health management
  

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with the land owners and the Farmer D Consulting team
• Contribute to onboarding and alignment around animal systems and goals
• Provide clear communication around challenges, observations, and opportunities

Time Commitment
Part-time role with seasonal variability
Estimated average: 10–20 hours per week, with flexibility during peak seasons

Proximity: must live within close proximity to the farm for daily care of animals (Lawrenceville, NJ 08648)

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing livestock, with species-specific experience strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with cattle breeding, calving, and maternity care
• Working knowledge of parasite prevention and management, particularly in sheep
• Strong understanding of regenerative grazing and animal management practices
• Comfort working independently and making day-to-day operational decisions
• Practical experience with fencing, water systems, and basic farm infrastructure
• Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
• Physically capable of farm work in varying weather conditions

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing multi-species herds that include cattle, sheep, poultry, and/or alpacas
• Experience working on small to mid-scale regenerative farms
• Familiarity with pasture-based systems, forage management, and low-input animal health strategies
• Experience supporting breeding programs and seasonal livestock planning

Compensation
Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience
Details discussed during interviews

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $30.00 - $45.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline