Vacancy expired!
About us: We're a pasture-based, Animal Welfare Approved farmstead dairy, making a variety of aged goat cheeses which we sell locally and out of state, located in way northeast Durham County. We have a pipeline milking system, and are milking about 90 does this year. We expect kidding (and milking) to begin mid-March, with about 150-200 kids to be born. (This is not a cheesemaking position!)
Milking/farmhand position:
We're seeking a full-time (typically 40-45 hours/week) farmhand to handle 5 milking shifts/week, plus herd care, setup/takedown of portable electric fencing, mucking, and using the tractor to spread manure and for other tasks. In winter months, we focus more on farm maintenance and building tasks. Pay starting at $12/hr plus overtime, potentially more depending on experience.
Must have prior farm experience, preferably livestock, and be able to lift at least 50 pounds multiple times a day; must be able to walk 4-5 miles in a day (not every day, but when setting up/taking down a paddock). You should ideally live within 15-20 minutes of the farm. You'd have some morning shifts and some evening shifts. Morning shifts start at 7 a.m., evening starts at noon-1 p.m. until kids are weaned, then starting at 2pm later in the season. Everyone gets 2 consecutive days off.
Hours are long during late March and early April, but it's very satisfying work, with meaningful responsibility. You will need to be good with people, because you'll be working with dozens of community volunteers who help with feeding.
We have a structured training program for this position, and you get great hands-on experience. In addition to the general work above and daily mucking, there is vaccinating, disbudding, mucking, record-keeping, volunteer coordination, castration, hoof-trimming, and more hands-on skills that you will master.
You must have a valid driver's license and your own transportation and cell phone. You also must be able to lift 50 lbs. multiple times a day!
We have a great group of people, and are looking for someone who cares about their part in producing an absolutely top-tier product.
Please email with:
1. description of your past experience (and/or resume),
2. your phone # and address
3. date you can start, and
4. three work references (former or current supervisors).
We only reply to applicants who provide all of the requested information.
