WE ARE (no longer) HIRING FARM WORKERS FOR 2018!!
Root Down Farm is beginning its fifth season and is looking for TWO motivated and committed part-time individuals to join our team from February 1st & March 1st through November 30th (possibly longer). The ideal candidate will have farming or ranching experience, be a clear communicator, able to lift 50 pounds, queer friendly, a hard worker and eager to learn all aspects of our humane pasture based livestock and orchard operation.
Responsibilities will include (but definitely not limited to):
- Daily observation, feeding, watering & caring of chicks in brooders
- Daily observation, feeding, watering & caring of chickens, turkeys, ducks and pigs on pasture
- Daily & weekly moving of poultry and pigs (electric fence is your friend)
- Maintenance of automated watering, electric fences, chargers, feeders, etc.
- Weekly pick up of locally sourced food scraps
- Regular cleaning of brooders, coops and pens
- Weed whacking and general landscape maintenance
- Daily gopher trapping and seasonal orchard care
- Crating/loading of animals for transport
- Working one Farmers Market a week and assisting with on-farm sales
- Assist with farm tours, workshops and other on-farm events
Qualifications & Skills:
- Ability to work physically demanding days in different types of weather
- Work well as a team member and independently
- Provide own transportation and valid drivers license
- Ability to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis and repeatedly
- Ability to communicate clearly and listen to instruction
- Ability to be self-reliant and comfortable in a rural setting with little cell reception and very limited internet
- Ability to trouble shoot and problem solve independently
- Ability to work weekends
- Ability to know when to ask for help to ensure personal and livestock safety
- Ability to drive a truck (manual and standard)
- Customer service and general people skills
- Positive and Open attitude
- Mental flexibility to handle difficult and repeated tasks
Additional Desired (but not required) Qualifications
- Ability, comfort and experience driving truck with trailer long distances
- Comfortable interacting with animals and humans
- Experience or strong interest in tractor driving/maintenance
- Experience and comfort with power tools and light carpentry
- Experience or strong interest in pasture management
Compensation:
Starting hourly pay to commensurate with experience
Free and discounted meat and vegetables
Private housing available for rent on the farm with shared kitchen, shower, and land line.
If Interested:
Please send letter of interest stating:
-past relevant experience, including responsibilities
-other related and non-related skills
AND two references to: dede@rootdownfarm.org