Company description
Harlem Valley Homestead is a diversified vegetable, flower, and livestock farm on 250 acres in Wingdale, NY. Our mission is to deepen our connections to place, to each other, and to ourselves through hands-on learning and experience in rural and agrarian living. In the future, we will have onsite hospitality with overnight guests, on-site dining, events, and workshops. We are currently under construction as we build infrastructure to support these operations while we continue to operate our farm. The ability to work in and adapt to a constantly changing environment is essential as we navigate this exciting phase of growth.
This season, we will raise approximately 35 beef cattle and 200 layer chickens on 35 acres of pasture, with plans to grow the size of our herd over the coming years. We also have a market garden with 1.5 acres of vegetable production. In previous years we have raised pigs in our woods, and intend to do so again soon, as well as add small ruminants to our pastures and/or woods. In addition to our pastures, the rest of our property consists of ponds, woods, and wetlands, situated between the Ten Mile River, Ten Mile Hill, and Gardner Hill. We are five minutes from Metro North (Harlem Valley Wingdale), with lots of fishing, swimming, and hiking in the area. More information about our farming practices and future plans can be found on our website: www.harlemvalleyhomestead.com.
Job description
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about farming to join our crew for this season. All farm crew members will be trained across basic crop and livestock competencies as well but this position would primarily focus on livestock operations. We are open to a more hybrid position that works between crops and livestock as well depending on a candidate’s strengths and interests.
This year we will graze approximately 35 head of cattle and 200 layer chickens on 35 acres of pasture. This person will work primarily on day to day livestock operations like animal chores, setting up fencing, monitoring animal health, and maintenance/troubleshooting of fencing and water lines. They will also support our sales initiatives with inventory management, deliveries, etc. Training will be provided for all responsibilities.
Self-motivation and a collaborative spirit are essential, as is the ability to work independently, efficiently and safely (training provided) and to transition quickly to new tasks. As a team, we care about the quality of the products we produce for our customers, as well as the people, land, and animals who are all essential to a successful farm. If you want to get your hands dirty and are eager to continue to learn on the job and ask questions, then join us! Previous livestock experience is strongly preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Livestock:
- Daily Chores: Execute daily chores related to livestock care and feeding.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Maintain water lines, fencing, and other infrastructure.
- Animal Movement: Assist and/or lead animal moves for rotational grazing or other purposes.
- Animal Health: Support animal health through observation and assistance with handling in the corral.
- Assist in maintaining accurate and up to date livestock records
Sales and Customer Interaction:
- Customer Education: Educate customers as needed about farm practices, products, and sustainable agriculture.
- On-Site Guest Interaction: Interact with on-site guests, providing information and enhancing their farm experience.
- Assist in all aspects of sales, particularly deliveries and inventory management.
Additional Duties:
- Other responsibilities will include but are not limited to working with annual and perennial crops, snow removal, and supporting farm programming activities as needed.
SUCCESS IN THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE:
- Availability to work through late fall of 2025
- Working 40 hours per week with some seasonal fluctuations and reduced hours in the shoulder seasons (though we are open to discussing a part time position)
- Availability and willingness to work weekends for chores, markets, and/or events
- Clean driving record and valid driver’s license for operating farm and road vehicles (this is a requirement by our insurance carrier)
- Willingness to drive and/or learn to drive farm vehicles (utility vehicles, pickup, box truck, livestock trailer, and van)
- Respect for safety guidelines, training, and procedures
- Reliable work attendance, and transparent and timely communication around time off
- Ability to work outside with a positive attitude in all (safe) weather conditions
- Harlem Valley Homestead has a mandatory vaccination policy for Covid-19 compliant with applicable state and federal law.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- $16-$20 / hour, dependent on experience (housing not included
- Overtime paid after 40 hours a week
- PTO (Paid time Off) accrual of 1 day/month
- Access to surplus produce when available and staff discount on retail farm product
- C.R.A.F.T. (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) membership with the opportunity to visit regional farms
- Up to $300 reimbursement in health care expenses prorated for the season depending on start date
REQUIRED TRAINING, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Required Training: Farm safety, farm SOPs, and other trainings as required by law
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently within the office, around the farm, and off-site in farm vehicles. Ability to move throughout the office, as well as attend off-site appointments, and the ability to consistently and safely lift 50 pounds, and on occasion up to 75 lbs.
- Safety: In addition to safety training, the employee must obey all safety policies and wear proper PPE as needed or specified in safety policies.
- Work Environment: Work will be divided between outdoor and indoor duties, on the farm, and in the community. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time, including heat, wind, rain, and snow. The noise level in the work environment will vary from quiet to high.
Compensation
this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr
Application instructions
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Deadline
June 30, 2025