Livestock Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION  

Onsite Livestock Manager  

The Livestock Manager reports to the Managing Partner (M.P.) at Burroughs Family Orchards and is primarily responsible for managing and overseeing the livestock and poultry animals on the Farm. The Livestock Manager coordinates with and takes direction from the M.P. with regard to the care of the animals and works cooperatively with the Poultry Manager to plan and execute farm operations to ensure consistent production. The Livestock Manager’s primary responsibilities include:  

● Day to day management and care of all livestock, currently including a 500-ewe sheep flock, beginning sow and feeder pig project, layer and broiler flocks    

● Upkeep and management of grazing systems, pastures, barns, fences, livestock health, feed  and feeding systems;    

 ● Working with staff, and any interns to develop, articulate, and implement appropriate  livestock systems;  

● Overseeing, instructing, and inspiring work crews on the farm;  

● Maintaining exemplary farm operations and facilities;   

● Supporting the M.P. in the creation and monitoring of the farm operating budget.  

● The Livestock Manager shares responsibility for ensuring coverage of farm tasks during                        weekends and holidays. This may include chore coverage; recruiting, scheduling,                        and supervising; and providing “on-call” backup to the Farm. While these responsibilities will be assigned and planned on a mutually agreeable schedule, the Livestock Manager recognizes that unplanned emergency coverage may be required of the position. 

● Development of land management goals in alignment with the farm’s plan  

● Interfacing with the community and our visitors, through an educational lens. 

● Maintain all record keeping necessary for organic certifications. 

Additional responsibilities include:   

● Low stress handling of large and small livestock;  

● Adaptive, regenerative grazing management;   

● Compost building and maintenance;  

● High tensile and temporary electric fence building, maintenance, and use;  

● Basic farm carpentry;   

● Soil fertility and health management;  

● General equipment use (tractor, rototiller, weed wacker, chainsaw, mower)  Other valued qualities/skills for this position include the following:    

● A robust knowledge of plant, soil, and animal science;   

● Knowledge and experience in food handling and processing (ie: preservation and storage  techniques, meat cutting, charcuterie, food safety, etc.);   

● A strong connection to the environmental humanities;  

● A deep commitment to regenerative agriculture and food systems

 

 Desired Qualifications include:  

● At least four seasons of experience farming in a production, educational, or comparable  setting;   

● Management experience on a diversified and integrated crop and livestock farm;   

● Teaching and/or personnel training and management experience, preferably in a  small-scale farm   

● A demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively, both independently and as a  part of a team;  

● The completion of a B.A. or B.S. program in an appropriate field by the start date of the hire  is strongly preferred;  

● A willingness to be an integral part of the team community is also a key aspect of this  position. 

● Ability to communicate in Spanish.

Compensation:

● Min $65,000 + DOE 

● Meat 2x a year 

● 401k, PTO

 

Application Information:  Candidates should send the following materials electronically: cover letter, resume, and three  references.  Application letters should be addressed to: Benina Montes, Managing Partner  benina@burroughsfamilyfarms.com

    Burroughs Family Orchards has over 120 years of farming heritage. BFO has roots in dairy, beef and crops but has since transitioned into 1200 acres of almonds, walnuts and olives. Livestock has been added in and currently has about 500 ewes, 5,000 laying hens and plans to increase.  BFO is the first certified regenerative organic almond farm in the world. BFO is committed to regenerative organic farming and helping other farms make the transition to regenerative as well.