Pasture-Based Livestock Farm Employment

Contact Name
Phelan O'Connor
Details

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Pigasus Meats is a pasture-based livestock farm located in South Hero, VT. We have a flock of 1800 laying hens and plan to finish 200 pigs in 2022. We also have a fledgling farrowing operation of approx. 20 sows.We are seeking to run a farrow to finish operation, as well as provide high quality weaner pigs for regional producers. All animals are on pasture in the growing season and on deep-bedded pack in the winter months. We sell our eggs and pork both retail and wholesale to local accounts in Vermont and Massachusetts. We strive to actively manage our animals across our fields and forested land in a way that enhances and improves biological diversity and functions as well to benefit the ecosystem as a whole.

Landscape design principles such as keyline design influence our pasture management practices and soil health considerations. We aim to operate at a scale that provides a substantial amount of food to our local food shed at an appropriate cost. A main tenet of our operation is to provide the best life possible for the animals by allowing them to express their natural pig and chicken behaviors. We are constantly learning, making mistakes, and working to improve our systems to meet the goals above.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are looking to hire for our “Farm Hand” position. This is a generalist job, working daily with livestock, pastures, and general farm tasks. We aim to have an even workload year-round. Eggs are washed and packed twice weekly, with deliveries going out on Fridays. A sample of tasks and chores that will happen during the week are as follows:

Daily animal chores: health checks, pasture movement, feeding
Setting up and breaking down temporary pig and chicken paddocks
Egg washing
General farm maintenance: weed whacking fence lines, repairing water lines, checking electric fence charges
Rebuilding permanent fencing
Tractor work: mowing, infrastructure movement, livestock loading, manure spreading, seeding
Long term landscape design implementation
Deliveries inside Chittenden county, processed pork pick up in Ferrisburgh, VT
Potential to work at Farmers Market
This is just a small sample of the daily work that goes on at Pigasus Meats. We are looking to constantly improve our systems and management of the farm.

Additionally, if an employee has a specific area of focus, we are open to creating a more specialized position for the following season. Past focuses include:

Animal welfare
Pasture management
Equipment maintenance and operation
Universal Pigasus Meats Employee Requirements:

Interest and excitement to work and learn in a pasture-based livestock production system
Ability to work independently and as a team member
Effective communication with owners, manager, and co-workers
Ability to lift 50lbs and team lift up to 100lbs
Ability to work long hours in variable weather conditions with energy/engagement throughout the day
Comfort in working with chickens and pigs with a focus on animal well-being
Motivated to learn from mistakes and grow as a team
Accountability and a desire to work towards constant improvement on the farm
Previous farm/livestock experience is not necessary-we can train!
Valid Driers License, legally able to work in United States
Full-time, bi-weekly schedule for a total of 80 hours

Access to eggs, pork
Paid Time off, paid sick leave
Workman’s compensation
Education opportunities
Stipend towards daily work wear
2x pairs of coveralls for work, 1x pair egg washroom work shoes

We are looking for a minimum 9-month commitment, with preference given to employees who can stay for a year or longer.
COMPENSATION
this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $16.00 - $21.00

Please email with a resume, 3 work related references, and a brief cover letter discussing your interest in the farm hand position.