Woodstock Sustainable Farms is the premiere hub farm within the network of Azuluna Family of Farms. As a hub farm, we provide resources to new and aspiring farmers who are looking to expand the agricultural services of their land or integrate livestock into existing agricultural practices (spoke farms). We utilize a regional “hub & spoke” farm system and incorporating the best in sustainable, regenerative farming practices based on world-class university standards. Azuluna Farms is the sister company to Azuluna Foods, a premium food brand operating out of Johnson & Wales’ Harborside Campus in Providence, RI; its mission is to create delicious nutrient dense meals featuring our pasture-raised meats to support the holistic health of our local communities.

Position Summary

We are looking for an extremely detail-oriented and self-motivated Farm Manager to work closely with the farm staff to manage and fulfill all farm needs and activities. The Farm Manager will manage regenerative farm activities and programs, practice good farm bookkeeping, manage and schedule farm staff, assist in farm event coordination, and coordinate farm visitors. As a constituent of Azuluna Farms, the Woodstock Sustainable Farm Manager will follow Azuluna Farms’ policies and procedures. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Duties & Responsibilities:

• MANAGEMENT OF:

o Master Farm Plans for Azuluna hub farm & individual spoke farms covering all of the following:

• Production of 10,000 pasture raised broilers from chicks to slaughter
• Production of 250 sheep & lambs from fertilization to slaughter
• Production of 500 laying hens and GAP certification with Whole Foods
• Production of 240 pasture raised hogs

o Complete daily animal care and management in accordance with Azuluna Farms Policies and Procedures;

o Maintain routine veterinary care of animals including coordinating veterinary care with attending veterinarian;

o Establish rotational grazing plans & haying at WSF;

o Orchard, garden, field, and trail maintenance plans at WSF;

o Community Farm Equipment plans at WSF;

o Barn, building, and lanscape maintenance plans at WSF;

o Interns, subcontractors, mechanics, trades people & direct farm labor management;

o Operate and help maintain, with the proper training, farm implements and mechanical equipment such as tractors, forklifts, mowers, and equipment associated with forage production.

• SUPERVISE the activities of and delegate responsibilities to the Livestock Manager, seasonal employees, and interns
• PASTURE MANAGEMENT maintaining regenerative, pasture-based farming system that accommodates the husbandry for broilers, laying hens, sheep, and pigs while maintaining an environment that enhances local ecology;
• BOOKKEEPING maintain animal records, documentation of animal health and well-being, seasonal activities and upkeep, breeding records, farm records;
• COORDINATE WITH FARM VISITORS / EVENTS: interface with farm visitors and support event center activities. Assist with implementation of educational programs.

Farm Manager Qualifications / Skills:

• Skills / Certifications:
• Proficient in scheduling, Google Mail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Microsoft Suite, QuickBooks;
• Ability to foster a collaborative, team-centered environment;
• Excellent communications skills;
• Excellent time management skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive farm environment;
• Ability to handle high level administrative issues with discretion, timeliness, and sound judgement;
• Sufficient knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation to prepare professional correspondence and reports;
• Ability to receive and properly control sensitive, confidential, and private information;
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in order to meet schedules and timelines;
• Ability to work as contributing member of a team, work productively, patiently, and cooperatively with other teams and external customers;
• Ability to lift 50 lbs;
• Handle exposure to harsh weather conditions.
• Ability to work Holidays / weekends
• Posses or obtain DOT medical card

Education and Experience Requirements:

• REQUIRED:
• Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field; Minimum two years of experience in agriculture (specifically with domestic hooved livestock production and forage management);
• Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment common to livestock facilities (i.e., tractors with front-loading buckets, fork lifts, and equipment related to feed and bedding production for livestock);
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills; and,
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• PREFERRED:
• Minimum five years of experience with livestock production; sheep experience critical;
• Demonstrated experience on a university or college farm;
• Demonstrated supervisory experience;
• Demonstrated experience with modern reproductive practices for livestock;
• Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining, and/or repairing equipment (especially hay cutters, sprayers, and balers);
• Demonstrated experience with teaching livestock production skills to youth and college age students; and,
• Demonstrated experience with animal care and management under strict regulatory guidelines (i.e. USDA, state regulations, policies, and guidelines.)
• Class A CDL license

Compensation / Schedule

• 54K-60K. Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Our expectations are that you will be available at the farm a minimum of 5 days per week. Rotating Holidays / Weekends.
• The first 60 days are a probation period;

Fringe Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive the fringe benefits available to the Company's associates after completing sixty (60) days of employment. The Company's associate benefits currently include the following:

o Flexible work hours based on your own management of the business & operational tasks within the guidelines of Azuluna Farm business plan and objectives;

o A health benefits stipend

o 401K program

o The Company may, of course, amend or enhance the benefits provided to you and our other associates from time to time as it deems appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $54,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Woodstock, CT 06281: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Farming: 3 years (Required)

Please provide a cover letter. Only applications with a cover letter will be reviewed.

Work Location: One location

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $54,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Woodstock, CT 06281: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person