Sustainable Farm Livestock Apprentice Wanted in Connecticut

Posted on February 1, 2015 by in Apprenticeship, Farming, Livestock, Poultry // 0 Comments

2015 Apprentice Wanted at Woodstock Sustainable Farms in Woodstock, Connecticut

Woodstock Sustainable Farms is seeking a farm apprentice to assist in all aspects of its pasture based livestock operation. We specialize in sheep and broilers but also have dabbled in raising cattle, pigs, goats, and hens. Though we have done small scale mixed vegetables in the past, for 2015 we will be focusing on growing herbs, garlic, and onions. Woodstock Sustainable Farms is located on 180 acres in the rolling hills of Woodstock, CT. Nestled in the “quiet corner” of northeastern Connecticut, WSF began in 2012 with a goal of producing healthy, flavorful pasture raised meats using sustainable land use best practices. In 2015 WSF will launch it’s “Farm to Fork at Work” meal program, a catering business that offers prepared meals using our meats, as well as other locally sourced meats and produce. WSF’s goal is to support small scale ecologically based farming operations in the northeast while providing consumers a better tasting, healthier lunch alternative. We also hope to be a model for how land can be used in a productive sustainable fashion. For more about who we are, what we do, and why we do it, please visit wssfarms.com. WSF’s unique apprenticeship program offers an opportunity to take part in the full spectrum of sustainable food production from growing and raising livestock and vegetables to preparing healthy flavorful meals. We are seeking a motivated, self-guided apprentice interested in learning how to raise livestock on a small farm as well as hone valuable culinary skills assisting with meal production in our licensed commercial kitchen. For a more complete job description please visit: https://www.wssfarms.com/employment-2/or contact will@wssfarms.com

Qualities-

Our ideal candidate is one who has farm experience and is looking to deepen their understanding of what it takes to run a small pasture based livestock operation. Our hope is that they will take ownership of their work, be able to think creatively on the fly, and develop their intuition and observational skills. Someone who can see what needs to be done and do it without being told. They will be an avid learner who is self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate will be able to work in all weather conditions, able to lift 75 lbs, willing to get dirty, and is passionate about food.

Details:

The apprentice is responsible for their own breakfast and dinner, but will be provided lunch on weekdays. Housing for the apprentice is provided off site. In addition to room and partial board, apprentice will receive monthly stipend of $700. The apprentice will have access to garden space to grow vegetables for their own consumption.

Duties-

-During the course of a growing season, apprentice will assist with daily chores for care of 50 sheep, 30 hens, 1000 broilers, 4 pigs, 1 horse, 1 cat, and 1 livestock guardian dog.

-assist in growing/harvesting of herbs, garlic, onions

-assist with woodlot management

-assist with general property upkeep

-assist in meal production at commercial kitchen facility

What you will learn-

-Humane sustainable animal husbandry

-How to raise broilers from chick to slaughter.

-How to raise lamb from birth to slaughter.

-How to raise pigs from weaning to slaughter.

-How to operate farm machinery tractor, lawn mower, weedwacker, chainsaw, trailer, atv.

-Learn about pasture rotation and manangement.

-Learn about farm startup operations.

-Improve basic culinary skills

Work Schedule-

This position is 40 hrs a week and runs from April 2015- April 2016. Work days are Monday – Friday 8am-5pm with a 1 hr lunch break. The apprentice will work 5 days a week with two days off. After an initial training period, the apprentice will work with Farm manager two days a week, and the remaining three days will cover chores, work on self guided projects and assist in kitchen duties. Apprentice will be expected to cover weekend chores every third week on a rotating schedule with the farm manager and assistant farm manager.

To apply-

To apply please email a cover letter describing your farming experience and aspirations, resume, and three references to will@wssfarms.com. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until filled so please send in your application ASAP. Please contact us if you have any questions. Find more information about the farm at www.wssfarms.com.com