Hiring: Farm Manager – Cricket Creek Farm

Cricket Creek Farm is looking for a Farm Manager to join our team!

Cricket Creek Farm is a small, grass-based cow dairy nestled in the Berkshire hills of Williamstown, MA. We produce raw milk, grass-fed beef and whey-fed pork, in addition to 7 different styles of artisanal farmstead cheeses. We generally milk between 30-35 cows, and care for about 80 animals in total. Our dairy herd consists of pure Brown Swiss and Jersey cows as well as a variety of crosses as we have been breeding with Normande and New Zealand Fresian genetics. The beef herd is also mixed with some pure Hereford and Belted Galloway crosses.

Our mission is to produce nourishing food that honors our animals, respects the land, and feeds our community, and to exemplify a sustainable model for small-farm viability.

The Farm Manager will participate in the management of all farm-related operations at our family-owned pasture-based dairy farm. We have a mixed-breed dairy herd, a small herd of beef cows, and a rotating number of pigs. This role includes responsibilities in caring for all of the animals on our farm and works closely with the Farm Owner to determine priorities and fulfill daily responsibilities.

The Farm Manager must be able to work efficiently, both independently and as part of a team. They must be detail-oriented, willing to take initiative, and committed to the highest level of care for our animals and the safety of our food products. While Cricket Creek Farm is a mature business, we are constantly evolving and innovating, so there is plenty of room to bring creativity and new ideas. As a small business, the staff members that thrive here are those that enjoy an all-hands on deck approach, the variety of work, and the continuous learning opportunities that come with it. We strive to have a positive, inclusive and fun work environment, taking pleasure in the daily routine of farming while rallying together to overcome the challenges inherent in dairy farming.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Regular farm work, including barn cleaning, maintaining equipment, grazing related tasks, setting up fences, etc.
• Regular milking shifts (3-5 per week)
• Animal care including feeding cows, pigs, and calves; putting down bedding; and continuously keeping an eye on the wellbeing of all of our animals
• Work closely with the Farm Owner on grazing planning, strategies and implementation.
• Work with the Farm Owner to determine farm priorities and schedule action items
• Assist with, and eventually oversee, our breeding program
• Manage farm apprentices and hourly staff
• Train and educate apprentices and hourly staff

SCHEDULE:
Five days a week with a minimum of 40 hours. Additional hours/days may be needed for the busy season (calving, hay making, grazing prep) and special circumstances (veterinary emergencies, equipment failure, staff illness, etc).

COMPENSATION: 
Salary is commensurate with experience and the applicant’s interest in learning and growing in the role. Benefits include cheese & milk, and an employee discount on all farm store items. Housing is included as a part of compensation: a two-bedroom on-farm apartment with utilities included. Starting compensation package is valued at $51,000 ($31,000 annual salary, $18,000 in housing and utilities, and $2,000 estimated complimentary & discounted food, depending on size of household).

REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and preferably have experience operating heavy equipment and working with livestock. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to work with high attention to detail both early in the morning and into the evening (morning milking starts at 5:30 am and evening milking can end as late as 9:00PM).

We are ideally looking for a 2-3 year commitment, however, we will consider experienced applicants who are interested in working in an interim capacity (2-6 months or longer).

Highly motivated individuals with little relevant experience will also be considered for a role that could advance to the Farm Manager position.

TO APPLY: 
Please send your resume and a cover letter to Topher Sabot at topher@cricketcreekfarm.com. References will be requested at a later point in the interview/hiring process. Applications without a resume or cover letter will not be considered. More information on the farm can be found at www.cricketcreekfarm.com.