Company description

Founded in 1969, College of the Atlantic was the first college in the United States to focus exclusively on the relationship between humans and the environment. COA enriches the liberal arts tradition through a distinctive educational philosophy—human ecology. A human ecological perspective integrates knowledge from all academic disciplines and from personal experience to investigate—and ultimately improve—the relationships between human beings and our social
and natural communities. The human ecological perspective guides all aspects of education,
research, activism, and interactions among the college’s students, faculty, staff, and trustees.

The faculty, students, trustees, staff, and alumnx of College of the Atlantic envision a world where people value creativity, intellectual achievement, and the diversity of nature and human cultures. With respect and compassion, individuals will construct meaningful lives for themselves, gain appreciation for the relationships among all forms of life, and safeguard the heritage of future generations.  Our 350 students, 35 faculty, and 75 staff members share COA’s original focus on engaged learning and community, and more than ever, we believe that an interdisciplinary, human ecological perspective is critical to addressing the world’s most pressing problems.
 

Peggy Rockefeller Farms (PRF) is one of two farms owned by College of The Atlantic. PRF is located in the Town of Bar Harbor, Maine. The property is a 125 acre educational farm with 45+ acres in organic and grass fed livestock production, including poultry (eggs and meat), beef, pork, and lamb. The farm has several organic enterprises certified by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). The farm serves as a living laboratory for classes, research, workshops, and other educational opportunities for students and the broader MDI community.  The farm is located on Mt. Desert Island near Acadia National Park (ANP) and is under a Conservation Easement that limits use to agriculture and conservation.

Job description

Job Responsibilities:

● Feeding and daily care of livestock (sheep, cattle, swine and poultry).
● On farm poultry processing on slaughter days.
● Egg washing and packing.
● Implementation of the rotational grazing system plan as overseen by the supervisor.
● Fence line construction, repairs and maintenance.
● Package and delivery of farm goods to wholesale and retail outlets.
● Assist with general farm cleaning and maintenance. Tasks may range from cleaning the workshop spaces to cutting brush along the property edges.
● Use all tools, equipment and vehicles safely and conscientiously.
● Keep all work areas clean and organized.
● Arrive on time and give ample notice of requests for time off.
● Maintain constructive communication with all members of the crew.

Qualifications:
● Enthusiasm and passion for sustainable agriculture, food justice and agriculture education.
● Willingness to work collaboratively and productively with a diverse group of people.
● Ability to lift 50 lbs.
● Ability to work in all kinds of weather.
● Ability to perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time.
● Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced environment.
● Interest in on-farm poultry slaughter and processing.
● Have a great sense of humor about yourself!
● Commitment to working the whole season.

Preferred:
● At least one season working on a commercial livestock production farm and/or
● At least six months of manual labor working experience. (Farming, gardening, landscape,other outdoor work etc.)
● Loader tractor operation experience is a plus.

Compensation:

• $15/hr. All crew receive a 15% discount on the retail price of our farm products. Opportunities for free produce and meat available periodically throughout the season.
• On campus housing will be available for a monthly fee if employees would like to take advantage of it.

Vacation and time off:

• Summer crew members are permitted 5 - 8 days (depending on months worked) unpaid time off.
• Requests for time off must be made in advance and cannot overlap with other field crewmembers’ vacations.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

April 12, 2024