Company description

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 started with the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm and farm stand.  Since opening, our enterprises have expanded to include a market, bakery, glass blowing studio, and restaurant (expected to open Summer 2023) that have currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with many held by local high school students.

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.

Job description

Come launch a livestock program in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains! We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven professional to shape our new livestock program. 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 summer 2023). This position reports to the Agriculture Manager.
 

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. Much of this acreage is certified organic pasture land, consisting of rich floodplain soil. We are currently growing over 50 different vegetable crops on two intensively-managed acres, utilizing multiple season extension structures. We are in the process of refining our vegetable programs in addition to starting livestock production in 2024. 

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. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand, gaining hands-on, real life experience.
 

PRIMARY DUTIES 

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

• Support planning of 2024 livestock program, including multi species rotational grazing program;
• Multi species rotational grazing program planning includes: identifying livestock sourcing and processors, building grazing maps, sourcing inputs;
• 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;
• 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 including fencing, water, and structures;
• Daily observation of livestock;
• Care for sick or injured animals;
• Oversee winter lambing season, including evening checks;
• 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;
• 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
• Comfortability with building spreadsheets, maps, and leading presentations
• 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 be 18 years of age or older and 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 lift 50+ lbs

WORK SCHEDULE / 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 may include at least 1 weekend day per week. The position term begins Fall 2023 (start date negotiable). 

COMPENSATION / BENEFITS

This position is classified as non-exempt with a starting of $18.50/hour, commensurate with experience. In addition to competitive pay, we offer the following benefits for regular, full-time employees:

• Generous paid time off structure
• Bereavement leave
• Employer-paid medical and life insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Short-term disability
• Discount on items in the market
• Training and scholarship opportunities
• Free onsite yoga classes 

HOUSING

Housing options may be available.  

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline