Assistant Farm Manager at Community Dairy Farm in Midcoast Maine
Position Description
Full-time position available immediately!
Background:
The Morris Farm Trust, a nonprofit agricultural and environmental education organization, purchased the Morris Farm in Wiscasset, Maine, in 1995 in order to preserve the 50-acre working dairy and vegetable farm for the education and enjoyment of the communities of midcoast Maine. The Morris Farm Trust was founded on the belief that midcoast farms must be revived and preserved for generations to come as sources of food and jobs, education, and as an irreplaceable part of the landscape and social fabric of New England.
The Morris Farm Trust has nearly 1,000 members from Wiscasset and surrounding towns, throughout Maine, and across the United States. The farm is mostly pasture land and hay fields, and includes a pond, a waterfall, several streams, and a small woodlot. In addition to milking 18 Jersey cows for the organic milk market, growing certified organic vegetables and fruits, and raising poultry on pasture, the Morris Farm Trust offers educational programs for people of all ages. The farm has a staff of six: Executive Director, Farm Manger, Education Coordinator, Garden & Outreach Coordinator, Orchardist, and AmeriCorps-Teach Maine volunteer.
Position Description:
The Assistant Farm Manager (AFM) will work with the Farm Manager (FM) and the Garden & Outreach Coordinator (GOC) in all aspects of the farm, including the dairy cattle, poultry, garden, greenhouse, and pastures. The AFM will also be involved with the raspberry patch and apple orchard under the joint supervision of the FM and the Orchardist.
The AFM will be involved in all educational programs at the farm, and will assist the FM in the education, mentoring, and supervision of participants in the farm's new Organic Dairy Apprenticeship program. The AFM will also work on occasion with a variety of volunteers. The AFM will have full responsibility for farm operations when either the FM or the GOC is off-premises on farm-related business and during the FM's time off.
This position covers a wide range of responsibilities and projects with an emphasis on dairying. Maine duties of the AFM include: milking, feeding, cleaning, and general care of the cattle and other livestock (sheep, laying hens, poultry, horses, hog); greenhouse and garden work in season, from tillage and planting to harvest; fencing and pasture maintenance; operation and maintenance of farm equipment; and general maintenance of facilities. As this is a community farm, the AFM will be expected to interact well and willingly with the public and to participate in educational programs.
Qualifications:
-Interest in grass-based dairying
-Interest in small-scale, sustainable and organic agriculture
-Minimum two years general farm experience, or equivalent agriculture education credential
-Ability to operate farm tractor for basic farm use
-Willingness to work with others to accomplish farm goals
-Willingness to both learn from others and teach others what you know
-Diary experience a plus, but not required
Compensation:
Annual salary of $14,100, plus full health care coverage. On-site housing and produce/milk/eggs from the farm. Two days off per week; two weeks vacation per year.
Please contact Christine James, Executive Director, at (207) 882-4080, or morrisfarm@wiscasset.net
Madeline B. Cantwell
Garden & Outreach Coordinator
The Morris Farm Trust
P.O. Box 136
Wiscasset, Maine 04578
(207) 882-8017
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