Livestock Coordinator Jobs

ABOUT OUR FARM

Our farm is located on over 100 acres of what was historically the Lafollette/Frye Farm and is bordered by the Cacapon River. We are currently growing over 40 different vegetable crops. Our production is focused on two intensively-managed acres and we are in the process of refining our vegetable programs, as well as evaluating the potential opportunities of fruit and livestock production to better serve our CSA, markets and other connected enterprises (market, bakery, kitchen, etc.)

Our farm, and nearly half of the other acreage, has been certified organic since 2019 and we have loyally followed sustainable principles such as crop rotation, soil nutrient balancing, and cover-cropping.

As a nonprofit social enterprise, our farm serves as a living classroom teaching local high school students (what we call our “Junior Crew”) organic and sustainable farming techniques as well as how the farm interacts with, and is integrated into, the larger ecosystem. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand and CSA customers gaining hands-on, real life experience.

POSITION SUMMARY

This role will oversee the production of pastured poultry, including daily chores and coordinating processing. In addition, this role will shape our livestock program for future years, likely to include rotationally grazed ruminants. Our vegetable and livestock products are sold to our on-site market, on-farm dining events, and restaurant (coming June 2023). This position reports to the Agriculture Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee the daily care of broiler chickens. Daily care includes: providing feed and fresh water, moving animals through a rotational grazing system, and maintaining clean spaces for animals;

• Plan 2024 livestock program, including multi species rotational grazing program;

• Help provide education and instruction to local high school students (Junior Crew team members) who participate in many of our enterprises;

• Support building of livestock infrastructure;

• Daily observation of livestock;

• Care for sick or injured animals;

• Coordinate processing, including participating in humane, on-property slaughter of poultry;

• Participate in evening chicken cratings through the summer; and

• Manage pastureland.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the vegetable farm team in daily production tasks, including seeding, transplanting, cultivating, harvesting, washing, and packing vegetables;

• Support sales outlets including bakery, kitchen, onsite produce and plant sales, wholesale, and CSA;

• Support farm and organization events, including dining events;

• Ensure farm and production spaces are clean, presentable and attractive at all times.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with production scale livestock management

• Knowledge of multi species rotational grazing

• Passionate about working for a youth-driven nonprofit organization

• Must have leadership experience or related educational qualifications

• Must have a friendly and positive demeanor

• Ability to work with a sense of urgency

• Ability to work alone or with a team on various projects

• Strong willingness and desire to learn

• Must have a valid Driver's License to fulfill job duties

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Must be hardworking and understanding that farming is rewarding, yet physically demanding

• Must have enjoyment of working outdoors in all weather conditions

• Ability to 50+ lbs

WORK SCHEDULE AND POSITION DATES

The Livestock Coordinator is expected to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with 2 consecutive days off per week. This schedule will include at least 1 weekend day per week. The position term begins Spring 2023 (start date negotiable) through December 31, 2023. Year round opportunities may exist for the right candidate.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is classified as non-exempt, starting at $17.00 + /hour, commensurate with experience. In addition to competitive pay, we offer the following benefits for regular, full-time employees:

• Paid time off and vacation- all encompassing 24 days, accrued bi-weekly

• Employer-paid medical and life insurance

• Dental and vision insurance

• Short-term disability

• Discount on items in the market

• Paid training opportunities

HOUSING

Housing options may be available.

ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS

Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders launched the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm, market, and bakery that has currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with most held by local high school students, and we continue to grow.

Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.