What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dairy Farm Assistant position at Billings Farm & Museum?
Billings Farm & Museum (BF&M) was established in 1983 and is a primary ongoing project of the Woodstock Foundation. The farm is a working dairy farm and part of BF&M. The farm currently milks 40 registered Jersey cows, has a developing draft animal program, small flock of sheep, goats, and laying hens with seasonally raised pigs and turkeys. The farm also consists of up to 65 acres of pasture and 200 acres of hay.
Our Mission: Growing a culture of care and connection to land, food, and community through immersive experiences and shared stories at our working Vermont dairy farm.
We are seeking a year-round, full-time employee to perform daily farm chores on a 40 cow dairy farm and museum. Willing to train, but careful observation skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment are required.
Job requirements:
- Keenly observe cows' reproductive status and report to managers
- Feed hay to cows and heifers throughout the day
- Keep cow stalls clean and bedded throughout the day
- Stock supplies throughout the day (hay, grain, shavings) and have barn fully prepared for afternoon chores at 3 pm
- Perform daily calf care chores including feeding, cleaning, and administering medication
- Careful eye for detail in cleaning equipment and barns
- Ability to drive tractor and skid steer or willingness to learn
- Ability to milk cows or willingness to learn
- Remain personable with other farm staff, museum staff, and museum visitors. Be a front-facing employee, willing to answer questions and provide educational and pleasant environment on the farm.
- Communicate all observations and important information promptly and thoroughly to managers and fellow farm staff
- Be engaged in educational programs such as summer camps and field trips when needed
- Ability to move quickly throughout the day while maintaining high quality work
- Flexibility and willingness to adjust plan to accommodate unpredictable nature of dairy farming
Farming is a lifestyle and animals have needs at all hours of the day and night. Working up to 55 hours per week may be expected at certain times of the year.
Prior dairy farm experience preferred but not required.
Supervision: Functions under the direct supervision of the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 55 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Every weekend
- Extended hours
- Holidays
- Morning shift
- Nights as needed
- Overtime
- Year round work
Application Question(s):
- Please submit resume and cover letter for consideration.
Experience:
- Farming: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Woodstock, VT 05091: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $23