Farm Hand/Manager, Sustainable Livestock

~ Smith Meadows is a diversified, sustainable grass-based livestock farm in the Shenandoah Valley, serving our local community and the Washington DC area. ~

For more than two decades, we’ve practiced rotational and mob-grazing of our cattle (200 head) and sheep (300 head), and rotational grazing of our pigs (100) and hens (1200). We are a year-round, ecologically and humanely-focused farm, but also profitable.

Position Overview

We're an established and profitable farm seeking an experienced farm hand, to be career-tracked into farm manager. The successful candidate will work as a farm hand for one year learning our systems, then will transition into farm manager role, with higher compensation and an additional staffer.

Qualifications

Preferences:

• Our preferred candidate will have some knowledge of automotive and/or tractor maintenance
• Carpentry skills
• Experience with pasture-based livestock systems

General Requirements:

• 2  years experience with large livestock is mandatory
• Able to lift fifty 100 pounds (feed bags, hay bales, etc.)
• Able to work one weekend day per week (Tuesday through Saturday, or Sunday through Thursday is a typical five day week)
• Driver’s license
• Positive, ‘can-do’, team-centered attitude
• Experience driving livestock trailers
• Management and leadership experience a plus

Compensation

• 45k salary to start, with track towards management after one year, and pay increase to 52k
• One paid week of vacation every six months
• Reduced rent of $400/month on modern, comfortable, on-farm housing with free utilities, at 50% local rent rate
• Continued educational opportunities by attending conferences and workshops, paid by farm

Conclusion

• We are a positive, profitable, and fun place to work. Our staff gets to be creative and lend input, while working within an established, successful system
• There is no “I” at our farm, only “we”
• The farm offers satisfying work and competitive pay, with chance of career advancement

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email your resume and three references, as well as a mission statement as to your personal farming goals.