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:
- Strong attention to detail, cow health, and milking protocols being followed, ability to detect mastitis
- Provide flexible coverage for the farm team, including call-outs, vacations, events, night checks, emergencies, and other staffing needs
- Perform daily farm operations, including feeding animals, cleaning and mucking barns, maintaining pens and stalls, and monitoring livestock
- Safely handle animals and operate farm equipment while following established safety protocols and procedures
- Perform physically demanding work, including heavy lifting and working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Serve as an on-call contact and shift lead as needed, maintaining strong communication with farm leadership and representing Billings Farm & Museum professionally
- Proven ability to cooperate with other workers, showing leadership in creating a positive working environment
- Ability to interact with the public in a responsible and courteous manner
- Ability to follow instructions, maintain priorities, and complete work in a neat and orderly fashion
- Strong communication skills including report making, updating the farm manager on issues, timely response to email, phone, or text message communication
- Flexibility and willingness to adjust plan to accommodate unpredictable nature of dairy farming
- Problem-solving skills
- Maintain high standard of cleanliness in all areas
What We're Looking For
- Previous farm, livestock, agricultural, maintenance, or similar hands-on experience a plus
- Strong mechanical aptitude and general repair skills
- Experience safely operating larger vehicles, farm equipment and/or work trucks
- Knowledge of grasses and plant species and ability to identify common species
- Strong attention to detail, particularly related to animal health, safety and cleanliness
- Dependable, reliable and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to interact professionally and courteously with visitors and the public
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. Housing is provided.
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: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
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