Job description

Experienced Farmer in sustainable agriculture to perform position of Farmer/Caretaker of 80 acre family-owned farm in Souther Chester County.  Above all, applicants must be very organized and able to work as a self-starter.   candidate should have experience with Rotational grazing of livestock Experience with silvopasture system would be helpful.  Caretaker duties, including but not limited to, managing subcontractors, set-up for events, chopping firewood, speaking with school-age groups about sustainable farming.  Ability to get along well with people and flexibility to changing conditions is a must.  

Skills and Qualifications:
-Minimum 5 years of diverse farming experience, some of   which is with livestock in a grass-based dairy and/or beef cattle management program, as well as managing various -levels of temporary farm personnel
-Passion for healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, and community-based food systems
-Strong ability to plan and work independently, recover from unexpected challenges quickly, and move quickly to identify new opportunities
-Ability to prioritize tasks by season, week, even hourly
-Willingness to work long hours during the farming season and in all weather conditions
-Ability to communicate in both a verbal and written capacity to all levels of individuals
-Expertise in the use, care and maintenance of farm equipment
-Ability to lift 50 pounds
-Ability to walk, stand, kneel, drive, bend for extended -periods of time
-Must be familiar with Microsoft Word & Excel and proficient with email and the internet
-Valid driver’s license Overall Responsibilities and Work

Expectations:
This is a full-time, year-round position. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the following activities:

-Farming documentation and record keeping, including but not limited to:
 Creating livestock and cropping plans
 Maintaining operating manual and maintenance logs for all     equipment
 Recording and maintaining weekly harvest logs
 Maintaining records on soil quality, production levels and   environmental conditions
 Reflections on successes, failures and lessons learned
 Seed starting, propagation, and greenhouse management
 Harvest management, including washing, packing and  storage
 Feeding and care of all animals
 Maintenance of grazing infrastructure, including pastures,  watering systems, travel lanes, and fencing
Development of systems for gardens, animals, pastures and forested areas to optimize performance of sustainable practices
Recruit and manage seasonal farm personnel, as needed
Perform basic maintenance of buildings, while arranging for more significant repairs and alterations as needed
Utilize sustainable agricultural methods, to include weed and pest management; development of soil structure through composting, soil nutrient management and conservation of natural resources
Purchase supplies and equipment
Maintain farm property for environmental integrity, production efficiency, safety and public aesthetics
Ongoing monitoring of farm success through soil and plant health, family satisfaction and other benchmarks set through the strategic planning process
Such other duties as required from time to time

Supervision
This position will report to the family owners, who live part-time on the farm, with monthly planning and review meetings.

Compensation
Compensation for this position will provide appropriate salary and benefits, and foodstuffs harvested from the farm for the farm manager’s immediate family to enjoy.

Applications: Please send letter of interest, statement of educational and work history, and contact information for a minimum of three professional references by electronic means to farmer.caretaker@gmail.com. Interviews by phone and in person will begin on Monday, November 30, 2015, although applications will be accepted continuously until the position has been filled.

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline