Company description
About Acania (rTerra, LLC)
Acania is a 93-acre organic farm and vineyard operated under rTerra, LLC, dedicated to enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture through research, collaboration, and education. Building upon a pioneering legacy of plant-based nutrition and sustainable farming, we explore how regenerative practices influence crop resilience, food quality, and ecosystem vitality. As an emerging hub for education and community engagement, we host immersive workshops and farm-to-table gatherings in partnership with global affiliates, aiming to unite leaders and enthusiasts in agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. We also aim to offer public events to deepen our community connections and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Job description
Role Overview
The Landscape Ecology & Livestock Lead will play a key role in transitioning Acania’s grounds management to regenerative practices and integrating animals into the farm system. This position requires a strong understanding of ecological landscaping, regenerative grazing systems, and leadership in land stewardship. The ideal candidate will have the ability to balance the practical demands of farm operations with the scientific rigor needed to support our mission.
Core Responsibilities
Crew Leadership & Ecological Landscaping
- Work alongside and support our 6-person grounds crew, fostering a collaborative, culturally respectful work environment that values teamwork and skill-building.
- Implement regenerative landscaping practices, including mulching, composting, native plant restoration, soil microbiome regeneration, and holistic pruning, to improve soil health and ecosystem resilience.
- Maintain and improve tree and orchard health, focusing on pruning, disease prevention, irrigation efficiency, and soil fertility within an organic framework.
- Develop and refine landscaping maintenance plans to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and support long-term ecological goals.
- Coordinate with the market garden and vineyard teams to establish clear work schedules that align with farm-wide priorities.
- Lead hands-on training and education, introducing regenerative techniques through structured skill development while integrating existing land management knowledge.
- Ensure clear communication and alignment between teams, integrating landscaping priorities into broader farm operations and research initiatives.
Animal Management & Integration
- Design and implement rotational grazing systems to enhance soil health, weed control, and biodiversity across the property.
- Develop and oversee a comprehensive animal management plan for hens and future livestock (sheep, alpacas, and potentially goats or pigs), ensuring their integration into the farm ecosystem.
- Manage livestock integration into vineyard operations, ensuring animal welfare and ecological benefits, while exploring income opportunities (e.g., eggs, wool, rotational meat systems).
- Monitor and document the ecological impact of livestock, contributing to research on soil health, regenerative grazing, and biodiversity improvements.
- Science-Based Management & Documentation
- Apply a data-driven approach to all aspects of crew management and animal integration, tracking progress and evaluating ecological outcomes.
- Collaborate with farm leadership to integrate findings into broader soil health initiatives, including composting, cover cropping, and biological soil enhancements.
- Participate in farm trials, research documentation, and community education efforts, contributing to case studies in regenerative agriculture.
Qualifications
We’re seeking a candidate with a unique combination of practical farming skills, leadership experience, and scientific understanding. You should have:
- Fluency in Spanish to effectively communicate with the crew.
- Experience in ecological landscaping, permaculture design, and regenerative grazing systems.
- Hands-on experience managing hens, sheep, goats, alpacas, or other livestock.
- A strong foundation in science-based agriculture, with the ability to measure and evaluate the impact of practices on soil health and farm ecosystems.
- Leadership skills that prioritize collaboration, respect for cultural dynamics, and clear communication.
- A commitment to advancing regenerative practices through both action and education.
What We Offer
- The chance to contribute meaningfully to the future of regenerative agriculture.
- The opportunity to work on a unique, ecologically rich property with a focus on sustainability, research, and innovation.
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- A role that allows you to develop, experiment, and lead within a mission-driven farm.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, 50k-75k
Application instructions
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Deadline
April 22, 2025