About the Position
We are a 20-acre residential, sustainable, organic permaculture farm a few miles south of Denver. We are seeking a long-term, hands on Livestock Farmer to build on the farms existing program while improving the soil fertility for the hay operation. The ideal candidate will be competent, proficient and have extensive experience in all aspects of a small scale diverse organic farm, livestock care, facility upkeep and equipment maintenance. The Livestock Farmer is expected to maintain all aspects of the livestock and hay operation and provide expert guidance while collaborating with the rest of our team about future ideas. Strong communication skills and ability to plan ahead are essential to the success of the farm as a whole. This position reports to the Farm and Estate Managers and is responsible for taking care of all livestock on the property. The livestock will vary at times which includes turkeys, chickens, sheep, pigs, horses, alpacas and goats. The Livestock Manager is also responsible for maintaining the onsite hayfield, necessary farming equipment and tools.
Employment is full-time and requires regular outdoor physical labor regardless of weather conditions. Must be flexible with work schedule as this is not a typical 9-5 position. Ability to work an irregular workweek to care of animals during select weekends and holidays is a requirement.
Responsibilities:
Livestock and Pasture Management:
Competent in animal health, ability to recognize and treat or coordinate with vet
Proficient in all aspects of horse care, training and riding.
Maintain feeders and waterers
Clean stalls and animal houses consistently to make sure they are always fresh
Provide accurate breeding, farming and financial records monthly budget planning and expense reporting required
Procure and manage all feed and hay necessary for livestock. This will include picking up hay, grains and growing fodder.
Monitor and move animals including chicken tractors to maintain intensive rotational grazing on the fields for fertility and weed management
Develop and execute hayfield plan to improve soil fertility utilizing pasture grazing techniques and manage field/soil health using soil and forage testing and organic soil amendments as needed. This will include watering, weeding, tilling, seeding, planting, fertilizing, cutting and storing hay
Process meat animals with the help of the Farm Assistant and Farm Manager when needed
Procure and care for baby chick brooders for meat bird rotations
Machinery, Grounds and Property:
Ability to safely operate vehicles and heavy farm machinery such as tractors, riding mowers, brush hogs, chainsaws, proficient hauling trailers and livestock and perform regular maintenance.
Experience haying: cut, rake, bale and stack hay based on forage growth and weather conditions.
Maintain all farm vehicles and tools and make sure they are operational, clean and organized
Proficient with Earthworks projects such as haying, mulching and flipping compost
Perimeter and field swale planting, pruning, maintenance, and irrigation checks
Help with onsite landscaping, building, farming, or outdoor projects as requested
Maintain the grounds on a daily basis. This includes but is not limited to: cleaning, grading the roads, property walks to check for problems, power washing furniture, equipment and structures.
Work with landscape and maintenance crew in the Spring and Summer as needed
Snow maintenance and shoveling during the winter
Handy Man Minor carpentry, plumbing, electrical skills a plus:
Initiating and completing small fix-it projects in the barn, greenhouse, small building projects, etc.
Minor plumbing, electrical and carpentry skills are desired for farm operation
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, controls or machines; reach with hands and arms; speak; hear; stoop; kneel; climb ladders; and crouch.
The associate must frequently lift or move up to 100 pounds.
Compensation
Competitive wages DOE and benefits package.
Pro Holdings, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
Experience taking care of livestock including but not limited to: horses, chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep, goats and dogs
Experience setting up and managing a multi-species intensive rotational grazing system
Knowledge of permaculture principles and systems
Butchering and meat processing knowledge are a plus
General farming experience to help out on the farm as needed including produce knowledge a plus
Valid Drivers License, clean driving record and ability to pass a rigorous background check.
Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
Ability to lift 100 pounds
Collaborate on developing and executing weekly workplan; report on progress and obstacles to develop solutions in a timely manner.
Professionally represent the farm at all times both on and off the property.
Trustworthy and hardworking; honesty and integrity are a must
Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Maintain a culture of Safety
Able to easily commute to the farm in South Denver (no onsite living options available)
Technology savvy and able to utilize various aps and programs such as Word, Excel, Calendar
