Philo Ridge Farm is looking to add to our Meat & Butchery Program!
Job Description: Production Butcher
Position Overview
Title: Production Butcher
Department: Culinary
Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Report: Meat & Butchery Manager, Culinary Management
Location: Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte, Vermont
About Philo Ridge Farm
Philo Ridge Farm (PRF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) working demonstration farm located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley. Using innovative and ecologically sustainable practices, we steward over 500 acres of pastureland, forests, and diversified produce gardens. We rotationally graze heritage breed livestock and cultivate certified organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Our mission is to promote organic regenerative agriculture through hands-on research, education, and community engagement. As a nonprofit living laboratory, we provide farmers, students, and the public with opportunities to explore sustainable farming practices. Through educational initiatives and collaborative partnerships, we seek to deepen our understanding of food systems, environmental stewardship, and the essential role of food
and agriculture in building resilient, healthy communities.
Meat & Butchery Inspiration
Rooted within PRF’s dynamic culinary initiative, the Meat & Butchery program is a specialized on-farm operation focused on producing high-quality meat products through the time-honored craft of nose-to-tail butchery using regeneratively raised livestock. Our team is deeply committed to understanding the full farm-to-table system, working closely with PRF’s owners and livestock and research teams to explore how soil health, pasture productivity, genetics, and animal husbandry shape the quality of the
meat we produce. By challenging conventional standards of how meat is raised, graded, and sold, we seek to define quality on our terms—guided by ethics, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Inspired by both our local community and influential figures in butchery such as Adam Danforth, Jane Grigson, Fergus Henderson, and the Marianski Brothers, our work blends tradition with innovation. Above all, the Meat & Butchery program is rooted in stewardship—leaving more than we take and sharing the knowledge we gain along the way.
Position Overview
Under the direction of the Meat and Butchery Manager and in close collaboration with the Culinary Management Team, the Production Butcher is responsible for executing a variety of meat production and retail cutting tasks. This position supports all aspects of the production process across the Restaurant, Market, and Poultry Plant. The Production Butcher will assist in the cutting, grinding, and precise packaging of meats, following specifications outlined by the Butcher and/or Director of Food and Beverage. In addition, the role involves preparing restaurant-ready proteins and crafting value-added products to support the kitchen team during all service periods. The Production Butcher will contribute
to maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, and safety while ensuring that all meat products meet the needs of the culinary team and are ready for both customer sales and restaurant service.
The Production Butcher position is a full-time position requiring a flexible schedule, including availability for mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
Responsibilities
● Safely and consistently perform meat cutting, grinding, processing, and packaging while
maintaining a high standard of sanitation
● Produce a variety of cuts and sizes using nose-to-tail butchery techniques, ensuring all parts of the animal are utilized effectively
● Process retail products including ground meats, sausages, smoked meats, deli meats, and general retail cuts for sale
● Prepare restaurant-ready proteins and value-added meat products for service periods, ensuring they meet culinary standards
● Produce crossover products such as stocks, broths, renderings, and charcuterie, contributing to a diverse range of offerings from the butchery
● Maximize the use of all meat products, ensuring they are efficiently processed for both kitchen service and retail sale
● Collaborate closely with the Butcher and kitchen team to manage and maintain back-of-house inventories, ensuring timely and accurate stock levels
● Maintain accurate record keeping and documentation for all meat production processes,
tracking inventory, processing details, and compliance with food safety standards
● Uphold exceptional standards of sanitation, organization, and cleanliness throughout all areas of meat preparation and processing
● Properly use, clean, and maintain knives, hooks, saws, grinders, and other specialized butchery equipment to ensure safety and efficiency
● Adhere to food safety compliance regulations and maintain equipment according to safety and maintenance standards
● Assist with other kitchen operations when necessary, supporting the overall function of the culinary team as needed
Qualifications
● Passion for regenerative and organic agriculture, with a willingness to engage in a values-driven, sustainability-focused environment
● Prior experience in meat cutting or butchery preferred; willing to train motivated candidates with a strong interest in the craft
● Physically capable of standing for extended periods, walking frequently, and regularly lifting 50+ pounds (with occasional lifts up to 80–90 pounds)
● Comfortable working in cool and cold environments, as well as outdoors in varying weather conditions
● Superior attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to maintain a consistent pace
throughout the day
● Ability to take direction, work independently, and maintain a proactive approach to daily
responsibilities
● Consistent punctuality, reliability, and a strong commitment to attendance, including availability
to work mornings, nights, and weekends
● Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams
● Able to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Valid driver’s license and proven track record of operating a vehicle safely
Compensation
● Compensation ranges from $18 to $25 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits & Perks
Benefits may include accrued paid time off, complimentary staff meal prepared daily, and an employee discount on products in our Market.
Application Process
To apply, please send the following via email to [email protected]:
● Resume
● Three references, including contact information
Qualified candidates will be contacted directly. No phone calls.
Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, PRF encourages you to apply.
PRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, PRF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
