Farm Assistant/ Part Time

Morse Brook Farm is seeking a  part time year round farm assistant. Position available immediately (October 2024)

20-25 hours a week, must be available one weekend day.

Primary responsibilities include:

• clearing invasive species and reclaiming field edges using power equipment such as chainsaws and walk behind brush hog
• general maintenance of farm such as snow clearing, mowing, fence repair 
• animal care including setting fence for rotational grazing during grazing season and feeding and watering animals in the barn in winter months,
• assisting with health checks, lambing (March/April/May)
• assisting with haying 2-3 times a year
• Other tasks as assigned

Requirements:

This job requires sustained physical labor on a daily basis.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs 
• Comfortable working outdoors all year
• Be able to work cooperatively with other farm staff
• Be able to work independently on single person projects
• Available one weekend day
• Comfortable around livestock (sheep and cattle), livestock guardian dogs

Preference:

• Some schedule flexibility
• Animal care experience (must have willingness to learn)

Compensation:

• Hourly wage depending on experience $15-18/hour
• For the right person part of compensation is onsite housing - private room. Kitchen,bath, laundry shared with very occasional volunteer visitors. Must be a team player
• Opportunities to learn about all aspects of sheep farming, working with herding and LGD dogs (we place a heavy emphasis on learning opportunities)

Please send a letter of interest and job experience to:

[email protected] or 

Liz Shaw

Morse Brook Farm 

226 Kurkul Rd Westminster, VT 05346

About Morse Brook Farm

Morse Brook Farm is  a 207 acre pasture based sheep farm located in Westminster, VT We primarily raise sheep for meat and wool. In addition to our 150 sheep we have some beef cattle and a sugar bush where we produce Maple Syrup.We are in the process of renovating the 80 acres of fields through rotational grazing, targeted management and focused invasive species control, without the use of  herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. We manage our livestock with the use of Border Collies for herding and Maremma Sheepdogs for guarding the flock. We regularly provide educational opportunities on the role of sheep dogs. Our hope is to increase species diversity in our pastures, provide habitat for wildlife in our woods and fields and coexist with the natural world around us while providing sheep related products. We are not organic but promote sustainable and regenerative practices.

Position summary:

Plowshare Farm is in search of a farmer with dairy, pasture care, and equipment experience, who is open to biodynamic principles, to join our farm crew and help carry our animal husbandry, dairy and meat production. Strong candidates will have experience in pasture care, grazing rotation, fencing, haying, maintenance of farm equipment, herd health oversight, and other aspects of animal husbandry.

We are specifically looking for someone whose primary task will be caring for the land and animals. (While growing into a role working with our community members with special needs is a possibility for the future, this is not our primary need.)

About Plowshare Farm:

Nestled in the woods of southern New Hampshire, Plowshare is a community of about 45 people who choose to live and work side by side, building an inclusive and sustainable community. Our farm and animals are an integral part of our community. With a small cattle herd including 2-3 milkers, sheep, layer chickens, meat birds, and usually a couple of pigs, we strive to care for our animals well while producing milk, eggs, and meat to sustain our community. (Our farm operation could grow to include other livestock if there is a need/use for it and a commitment to carry it forward.)

Plowshare is part of the worldwide Camphill movement, a movement of inclusive communities wherein people with and without developmental disabilities live and work side by side. As an Anthroposophically-based lifesharing community, we are innovators creating a model of social and ecological renewal.

Benefits:

Plowshare Farm seeks to meet living needs so that energy may be freed for vocations. Benefits of this position include:

• On-farm private housing – we have standalone housing for an individual, a couple or a small family to join us (Plowshare is a great place to raise children).
• A “cash benefit” income, with pay commensurate with experience/responsibility.
• Shared community meals (community lunches Monday to Friday) and a share of the vegetables, dairy and meat produced on the farm.
• Health insurance and a monthly employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Two free days per week, and 6 weeks of vacation annually
• A retirement plan (eligible after the first year).
• Plowshare also supports completion of Biodynamic and/or Social Therapeutic trainings.

To start a conversation, please email [email protected] or call (603) 547-2547.

For more information about our community, please visit www.plowsharefarm.org. 

I am moving myself to Maine next Spring/ Summer and in the process of closing up my micro cut flower farm in Dummerston/ Putney VT. I am renting land currently and looking for a good home for all my perennial stock that can't stay. I am not sure yet where I will be landing and transitioning my stock sounds too complicated. I would be really happy to see everything land in the hands of another farmer/ loving grower. Dummerston is located just outside Brattleboro, VT.

I have about 80 Peony Roots to dig up in multiple varieties, maybe 20 are Sarah Bernhardt and then 8-10 of each Duchesse De Nemours, Coral Charm, Itoh Pink, Kansas, and others. I can give you the full list if interested.  

My Dahlia Root stock is right now is about 80 flowering plants, I will find out how many tubers that is once I dig up post-frost. A wide mix, max 3-5 plants of any one variety. Includes Cafe Au Laits, Labyrinth, American Dawn, Burlesca, Peach Balls, White Balls, Cornel Bronze Balls, Orange Balls, Yellow Balls, Purple Balls, Black Lily , Cornel Red Balls, Lily Flowering Whites, Lily Pink, Purpley-Coral Variegated Balls, etc. I can provide a more full list if interested. 

I would offer bulk pricing as a lot for all. Numbers are approximate. I would consider selling the Peonies separate from the Dahlias. Shipping or pickup later this Fall once all dug.   

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time, year-round position that is crucial to our day-to-day operations for Farm Connex, CAE’s dynamic and expansive distribution program.  CAE Farm Connex provides cold-chain freight service for farmers and food producers who may be “too small” or “too rural” to access other distribution channels. CAE Farm Connex headquarters is physically based in Hardwick, where its operation spans 6 days per week, and up to 20 hours each day. The Warehouse Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Warehouse Coordinator in setting Farm Connex delivery drivers up for success each day, including ensuring inventory/product is properly loaded for deliveries, vehicles have been inspected for any issues and cleaned and sanitized, and any updates have been communicated to 1st shift operations management. The Warehouse Assistant role includes picking up products at local farms or aggregation centers (within half hour of warehouse). Occasionally, the Warehouse Assistant may also be required to fill in for a CAE Farm Connex Delivery Driver to complete deliveries on one of the 21+ routes completed weekly. CAE Farm Connex provides services to farms, value added food businesses,  retail stores, public and private schools, institutions, distribution centers, and other food hubs, keeping the literal wheels turning for our local food system and economy!

JOB DETAILS

Position: Farm Connex Warehouse Assistant

Reports to: Food Hub Operations Manager

Schedule: 32-40 hours per week 

Compensation: Hourly rate starting at $22.00 ; Non Exempt/regular position 

Benefits: Health Insurance and Health Savings Account, SIMPLE IRA, Employee assistance program, Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance, quarterly phone stipend, paid time off, professional development compensation

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Skilled in organization and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under changing circumstances
• Knowledge related to perishables warehouse and distribution
• As dictated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as required to fulfill duties specific to this role, the minimum requirements include: being age 21+ at the time of application, possessing a valid driver’s license, a clean motor vehicle record, the critical faculties required to safely operate a commercial vehicle, and ability to pass a DOT medical exam. Be able to interpret signage, converse, take instructions, and record information in written and/or spoken English.  

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Warehouse (75%)

• Maintaining clear, respectful, and responsive inter-shift communication
• Daily unloading and inventory of aggregated product
• Maintaining and communicating records for PM/AM receiving, product inventory, etc. 
• Staging of warehouse and loading products onto vehicles for current day-delivery according to established route plans and other work orders
• Updating daily route paperwork for shortages, overages, and other changes
• Cleaning warehouse and bathroom, emptying trash and recycling.  
• Help with cleaning and sanitizing trucks per SOP standards
• Executing other work orders as communicated by Operations Manager and Warehouse Coordinator, as necessary 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment
• Maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving

Aggregation and Distribution (15%) 

• Operate medium-duty refrigerated vehicles safely when picking up products at local farms or fulfilling a delivery route on a requested basis
• Pick up orders & delivery of perishable products in a safe & appropriate manner
• Maintain accurate and organized daily delivery records
• Coordinate product pickups with Farm Connex team members
• Maintain reliable, frequent communication with managers on duty
• Responsible for communicating around vehicle status reports & daily vehicle with drivers, Operation Manager and Warehouse Coordinator
• Ability to independently perform job responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to proficiently handle fragile food products such as eggs and glass bottles
• Knowledge of basic food safety and handling guidelines

Customer service engagement (5%)

• Maintain the highest level of customer service with producers and receivers
• Communicate regularly with all the members of the Farm Connex team to report any potential issues or needs of producers

Respond to direct operational needs (5%)

• Adhere to all safety protocols (ex: OSHA, VT Dept of Health, CAE safety protocols)
• Adhere to all state and federal laws 
• Collaborate with staff when unexpected requests or issues arise to resolve them in a collaborative and timely manner 
• Pitch-in as needed (warehouse operations troubleshooting, product aggregation, order picking, truck loading, pickup/delivery, paperwork filing, etc.)

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Proficiency and comfort with standard office equipment and software systems (i.e. Microsoft Office and Google Suite) 
• Attend staff meetings, regularly check work email and respond to phone calls

Physical Demands/lifting requirements:

• Moderate-vigorous physical labor (lifting/pushing/pulling up to 75 lbs with some equipment assistance)
• Manually moving product with a hand truck up and down a ramp
• Operating a pallet jack, electrical walkie, forklift
• High level of safety and detail orientation 
• Work in cooler, freezer, warehouse, and outdoor settings
• Operating a non-CDL refrigerated truck safely on routes that are 4-12 hours long

Mental demands: 

• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and manage complex and developing systems & competing demands
• Ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus
• Ability to make timely decisions in the context of a workflow and on the road

EOE STATEMENT

Building community leadership, investing in relationships, and listening to the needs of the community are core principles CAE applies to all our work. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive staff culture where learning and growth are supported. CAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, disability, or veteran status. 

BACKGROUND ON CAE

The Center for an Agricultural Economy is a catalyst for change based in Hardwick, Vermont. We support rural communities and working landscapes by building a more interconnected local food system.  We work together with our neighbors and partners to cultivate interdependence and investigate how to create the conditions for socially, economically, and ecologically thriving communities. Together, the components of our organization help ensure our rural food system is supported, our farms are thriving, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 

HIRING PROCESS

This position is open until October 6. Applicants will have an initial phone interview, which may be followed by an in-person interview and review of our facility. Candidates will be asked to provide references. The job offer is contingent upon a clean motor vehicle record and the ability to pass a CDL medical exam. CAE is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide support in any way to ensure everyone's best experience in the hiring process. CAE will take the steps necessary to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the interview process and, if hired, subsequent employment. For accommodation inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]

TO APPLY

Email [email protected] with your resume, cover letter, or letter of interest, and include “Farm Connex Warehouse Assistant” in your email subject line. We’re interested to hear your thoughts on any life or work experience as it relates to this position. Let us know if you have any questions!

The Center for Discovery