Farm Steward/Couple: $54K–72K/yr + 2BR Private Cottage | Regenerative Homestead

Contact Name
Ryan & Family
www.wildwonderfarm.com
Details

Wild Wonder Farm. Live and work on a 140-acre regenerative homestead in the hills of South Woodstock, Vermont.

Strong solo candidates also considered


About Wild Wonder Farm

Wild Wonder Farm is a 140-acre diversified family homestead nestled in the hills of South Woodstock, Vermont — less than ten minutes from Woodstock village, named by Condé Nast Traveler as "the most beautiful small town in America."

Over the past three years, we've transformed this Vermont hill farm into a working homestead that now provides nearly all of our family's food: 100% of our protein (beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and trout), 100% of our sweetener (maple syrup and honey), and a growing abundance of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

The land itself is a gift — multiple ponds including a stocked trout pond, views across the valley, dark skies brilliant with stars, sunrises over distant mountains, acres of wild berries, a seasonal brook, and miles of trails winding through meadow and forest. Our sugarbush is tapped each spring by a neighbor; our bees are tended by a partner beekeeper. We've planted hundreds of fruit and nut trees and established a perennial food forest that will feed families for generations.

The farm operates on a permaculture paradigm — holistic, regenerative, and rooted in working with natural systems rather than against them.

We're not looking for someone to help us start. We're looking for someone to help us continue — to steward what we've built, carry it forward with care, and put their own stamp on this next chapter.


The Opportunity

We're seeking a dedicated steward couple (or an exceptional solo steward) to operate the farm Monday through Friday as true partners in this work.

This is a live-in position with private housing provided. Our goal is to raise ~80% of our family's calories on-site, with modest surplus shared with friends and community. This is a homestead, not a commercial operation — we want people who see this as a way of life, not just a job.

What success looks like:

  • The farm runs independently Monday–Friday without dependency on the family
  • Animals are healthy and well-managed; gardens are productive; systems improve over time
  • Winter is productive — projects completed, infrastructure improved, spring readiness achieved
  • The property feels cared-for and beautiful year-round

The Housing

Your home will be a charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private porch. The cottage connects via a tackroom to our four-stall barn (used for storage, brooding, and workshop space) and adjoins a quaint potting shed — your hub for garden work and seed starting.

Utilities are included. Washer and dryer provided.


Baseline Farm Systems

Livestock

  • Cattle: maintain herd at 6–7 head (rotational grazing, winter hay/bale management)
  • Pigs: 2–6 seasonally
  • Meat birds: 100–200/year (1–2 batches)
  • Laying hens: 30 (with annual replenishment plan)
  • Turkeys: 4–10 (Thanksgiving-focused)

Crops & Perennials

  • ½-acre production garden (potatoes, carrots, beets, onions, garlic, squash, tomatoes, beans — storage crops and freezer staples)
  • Kitchen garden (greens, herbs, continuous harvest)
  • Orchards and berry plantings (apples, pears, and an abundance of berries — maintenance and harvest)

Open to expanding (if you bring the interest and skill):

  • Rabbits, sheep, or goats
  • Mushroom cultivation (log-grown shiitake — winter project)
  • Micro-scale dairy (a family cow for milk, butter, cheese)

Already handled externally:

  • Maple sugaring (neighbor partnership)
  • Bees (partner beekeeper)

Role Structure for Couples

We envision two program owners, but for the right couple a "lead and helper" structure would also be considered. For two program owners, the below represents a potential breakdown of responsibilities:

Program Owner A — Livestock & Infrastructure

  • Cattle: rotational grazing, fencing readiness, mineral/water systems, winter feeding (including bale moves with tractor)
  • Pigs: seasonal setup, shelter, moves, feed management, processing coordination
  • Poultry infrastructure: tractors, shelters, predator-proofing, brooder systems
  • Equipment: tractor and UTV readiness, basic maintenance
  • Winter access: paths, steps, walkways cleared; occasional tractor bucket snow work

Program Owner B — Grower, Poultry & Preservation

  • Crop planning and garden execution (planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvest)
  • Storage crop systems: curing, root cellaring, freezer/pantry organization
  • Egg program: flock health, production, annual replenishment
  • Kitchen garden: continuous harvest for family use
  • Orchard and berry maintenance: pruning support, mulching, harvest coordination

Landscaping: Routine mowing and trimming (~1 acre around buildings) using provided zero-turn mower and trimmer. Plowing is contracted; steward provides emergency backup only.


Winter Workbank

Winter is lighter on daily chores but rich with project work. Examples:

  • Firewood: buck, split, stack (we're exploring wood heat for the cottage)
  • Poultry infrastructure: build chicken tractors, improve brooder systems
  • Farm repairs: doors, latches, coops, gates, fencing, drainage
  • Mushroom program: log inoculation, laying yard construction
  • Equipment and tool maintenance
  • Planning: seed orders, crop calendars, processing schedules, spring readiness

Schedule & Hours

This is a year-round position with seasonal variation in workload — the natural rhythm of farming.

  • Peak season (April–October): Intensive weeks during planting, cultivation, harvest, and processing. Some weeks will exceed 40 hours; the work follows the weather and the crops.
  • Shoulder and winter (November–March): Lighter daily chores (~1–2 hours) plus project work. Total weekly hours are significantly reduced, but steady progress on the winter workbank is expected.
  • Primary responsibility: Monday–Friday
  • Weekends: Family typically handles basic chores when home; clear coverage ladder for travel and emergencies
  • Time off: Structured PTO with planned coverage — not "figure it out when you need it"

We compensate for the full year at a steady monthly rate, recognizing that summer intensity is balanced by winter flexibility. This is how diversified farms work — and we want someone who embraces that rhythm rather than watching the clock.


Compensation

Steward Couple

ComponentValue
Cash$6,000/month ($5,500 + $500 health benefit)
HousingPrivate 2BR/2BA cottage (~$2,300/month value)
UtilitiesIncluded (~$600/month value)
Farm foodHousehold share of eggs, produce, meat (defined)
EquipmentTractor, UTV, mower, tools for farm use
Total Rewards$8,900/month ($107,000/year)

 

Solo Steward

ComponentValue
Cash$4,500/month ($4,250 + $250 health benefit)
HousingSame
UtilitiesSame
Farm foodSame
MowingContractor primary; steward backup only
Total Rewards$7,400/month ($89,000/year)

You'll receive a monthly Total Rewards Statement so the full value of your compensation is visible.


Qualifications

Required

  • 3–5+ years hands-on experience in livestock management, vegetable production, or diversified farming
  • For couples: ideally one partner strong in livestock systems, one strong in growing/preservation (though "lead + helper" considered)
  • For solo: strong in one area, competent in the other
  • Comfort with seasonal rhythm: intensive summers, project-focused winters
  • Ownership mindset — you see what needs doing and do it without being asked
  • Clear communication; ability to plan ahead and flag issues early
  • Valid driver's license
  • Physical requirements: Able to lift 50+ pounds; able to work in an environment that requires extended periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying; must be willing to work in all weather conditions

Preferred

  • Experience with permaculture, regenerative, or holistic land management practices
  • Experience with rotational grazing and pasture management
  • Knowledge of food preservation: curing, root storage, freezing
  • Basic carpentry and repair skills
  • Tractor and farm equipment operation experience

Why This Opportunity

This is a chance to live and work on a beautiful Vermont hill farm with an established, productive homestead — not a startup project.

You'll have:

  • A real home (not a bunkhouse or camper)
  • Defined responsibilities and fair compensation
  • The rhythm of meaningful work tied to the seasons
  • A family that's invested in your success and wants a long-term partnership

We're looking for someone who wants to grow with us — not just tend animals and pull weeds, but help shape what this place becomes.


To Apply

Send to wildwonderfarm [at] gmail [dot] com with subject line "Farm Steward Application":

  1. A letter introducing yourself (and your partner, if applying as a couple) — your background, your experience, and why this opportunity appeals to you
  2. Which "lane" you're strongest in: livestock or growing (for couples, indicate each person's strength)
  3. 1–2 photos of past work (gardens, animals, builds — whatever shows your capability)

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ryan & Family
Wild Wonder Farm
South Woodstock, Vermont

Hiring Crew

Contact Name
Katie Rose Seward
Phone Number
2676648484
Details

Head Over Fields (HOF) is a certified organic farm and market located on busy Rt. 7 in Charlotte, Vermont. We are entering our 6th growing season, cultivating 5+ acres of vegetables and herbs with 4 high tunnels, a caterpillar tunnel and a greenhouse. HOF distributes primarily direct to consumers through our robust roadside farm stand (open seasonally April-November) as well as a 3-season CSA and the Shelburne Farmers Market. Over the winter, we operate a self-serve stand for our community to access our winter greens, eggs and storage crops during the colder months. Our winter production is increasing annually and we began vending at the Burlington Winter Farmers Market in ‘25-’26. We also distribute weekly via wholesale channels and work closely with local restaurants and institutions. Our small team is growing quickly! We are a positive group passionate about organic farming practices and value being part of an agricultural community.

 

We are looking for several hard-working people to assist Owner Katie Rose, Farm Stand Manager Sara and other members of the crew with day-to-day operations associated with vegetable production in the fields. These are seasonal, full-time positions (~40 hrs/week) from April-November 2026, however experienced candidates who may be interested in part-time work should still apply. There is a growing opportunity for year-round work on our farm. The field crew will report directly to Katie Rose. Ideal applicants will have the following experience and skills:

 

  • 1-2 years experience in vegetable production alongside genuine interest in a career in agriculture
  • Commitment to working a full farm season, into November 2025
  • Strong physical and mental work ethic, self-awareness and sense of pace
  • Creative problem-solving skills with ability to multi-task
  • Capacity to work in all weather conditions
  • Ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs.
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability and willingness to collaborate and work well with others 
  • Willingness to give and receive feedback
  • Organized with the ability to maintain clean workspaces
  • Experience/interest in farm operations with diversified markets and outlets; specific interest in direct-to-consumer markets is a plus
  • Independent-worker with the maturity and drive to identify and solve challenges 
  • Desire to join a small, fast-growing team and farm business with lots of opportunity to grow with it!

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist in all aspects of vegetable, herb and flower production, from seed to sale (propagation, transplanting, weeding/hoeing, pest management, harvesting, wash/pack, post-harvest handling, distribution, etc.)
  • Regular meetings with Owner & Manager
  • Adherence to farm safety protocols demonstrating care for the land, tools and equipment
  • Record keeping: maintain accurate harvest logs, personal timesheets, crop records, etc.
  • Desire to work efficiently, openly communicate, ask questions and maintain a positive attitude
  • CSA support (packing CSA boxes, staffing weekly pick-up, deliveries, etc.)
  • Wholesale deliveries

 

Compensation:

$17+/hour DOE

 

*Experienced individuals looking for part-time work encouraged to apply*

 

Benefits & Perks:

Access to fresh produce. Work in a beautiful location with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. 2 minutes to Mount Philo State Park and 10 minutes to the Town Beach. Employee discount at farm stand. Field space available for personal projects.

 

 

To apply, email resume, cover letter and 2-4 references to [email protected]

Alternative Land Access Webinar Series, Session Nine

Are you interested in alternative land access and tenure, and alternative business structures? Join NOFA-VT and guest presenters from around the country and Canada for a monthly discussion exploring alternative land access models and business structures. Each month, we’ll hear from an agricultural project actively engaged in land access or land tenure outside of conventional mechanisms, with a specific focus on first-generation, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ farmers and land stewards. 

Alternative Land Access Webinar Series, Session Eight

Are you interested in alternative land access and tenure, and alternative business structures? Join NOFA-VT and guest presenters from around the country and Canada for a monthly discussion exploring alternative land access models and business structures. Each month, we’ll hear from an agricultural project actively engaged in land access or land tenure outside of conventional mechanisms, with a specific focus on first-generation, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ farmers and land stewards. 

Farm Store and PYO Manager

Contact Name
Helen Whybrow
Phone Number
802-496-5686
Details

Knoll Farm is based in the Mad River Valley of central Vermont. We are in our 25th season of raising certified organic blueberries and purebred Icelandic sheep on our 140 acre hill farm. Also for 25 years, our farm has been a gathering place for social and environmental change makers, and for important conversations about land justice to flourish among leaders with diverse points of view. At The Refuge at Knoll Farm, the food from this land contributes to making a place where leadership, relationships, health and well being are given space to flourish. In addition to nourishing our residential community, our PYO blueberries and farm store are popular with local residents and summer visitors to Vermont. We are open to the public daily, and also hold concerts, workshops and other public events.

We're excited to train someone into this key leadership position of managing our seasonal farm store as well as our certified organic pick-your-own blueberry operation. Although our blueberry PYO is only 2 acres, it can attract hundreds of visitors on a weekend, and we also pick for a dozen local wholesale accounts. Our store stocks our own farm products as well as sourcing other local goods. This full-time seasonal position will be responsible for managing our farm stand, tracking inventory and sales, signage and outreach for the PYO, customer relations and wholesale accounts. We are looking for a “people person” who understands the art of selling products and loves beautiful organic food.

Job responsibilities include:

  • orchard work: harvesting, weeding, mulching pruning, mowing
  • harvesting berries and managing small crew of wholesale berry pickers
  • managing our wholesale berry accounts - orders, delivery and fulfillment
  • stocking and curating the farm store, taking inventory and placing orders
  • managing shifts in the farm stand and helping customers and visitors
  • occasional help with farm events, concerts and workshops as well as sheep and gardens

Hours are typically 8 am-3 pm or 10 am-6 pm, 3-4 days a week, including one weekend day.

Experience needed:

Experience with physical work on a farm and outdoors in all weather is important. We are looking for people who are physically fit and strong, and who can work steadily to do a job well. A lot of being successful on a farm is thinking about how to move efficiently and problem-solve when faced with a new task or problem. Good communication skills, engaging kind manner with customers and guests and a positive attitude are all also vital to this job. Experience with retail and experience with berry picking a huge plus. Finally, you will be part of a community of 8-10 staff and many residential visitors so we are looking for someone who enjoys people and collaborative teamwork. This is a very rewarding job in a beautiful setting.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to [email protected]. Put Farm Applicant in the subject line. Feel free to email with any questions about the application. Thanks so much!

We believe that one of the greatest strengths of a community is diversity of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and age. We have a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment and is committed to helping all of its employees feel safe, comfortable, accommodated, and valued in our work environment.

Hiring for Annuals and Perennials at Cedar Circle Farm

Contact Name
Katherine Broughton
Phone Number
(802) 785-4737
Details

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is seeking Seasonal Crew Members to join the Annual and Perennial (A&P) Department for the 2026 season. The A&P Department is a small team that manages three retail greenhouses containing annuals, vegetable starts, herbs and native perennials, as well as a certified organic cut flower garden. 


We are looking for folks who are passionate about plants and learning, and who are interested in being a part of our larger mission to deepen the connection between our people and plant communities, and to promote a resilient and diverse ecosystem.
 

About Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is a nonprofit, certified organic farm located on conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont. Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture systems for our fruit, vegetable, and flower production and to offering educational programming that builds connections between our food, ecosystems, and community. On-farm research is ongoing here at Cedar Circle, always informing and guiding our soil health and production practices.

HIRING: Garden Manager at New Village Farm

Contact Name
Phoebe Woodall
Phone Number
(802)265-0555
Details

The New Village Garden Coordinator will manage two separate garden projects: 

 

  1. A cooperative educational garden
  2. A community garden

 

*This is a planning and managing position.  The candidate is expected to delegate tasks to staff and volunteers, not carry them out on their own.  We expect the position to require approximately 5-10 hours per week throughout the growing season depending on the candidate. 

 

  • Two thirds of their time will be devoted to planning and coordinating a cooperative education garden which serves as a growing space for school field trips, summer campers, and community members.  There is an expectation that the candidate will plan crops, bed sizes, mulching, or interplanting for sustainability, ease and time management. They will be responsible for effectively conveying task instructions to staff and designing systems for task execution by various ages and skill levels. 

 

  • The remaining one third of their time will be spent coordinating our budding Community Garden. This includes: setting the layout, choosing best practices for bed preparation and path maintenance, planning an opening and closing of season volunteer work event, setting up periodic Q & As to mentor and teach community gardeners. 

 

These combined create a role requiring a blend of strategic visioning, simple and efficient systems design, strong leadership, communication skills, and community engagement.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Site and crop planning 
  • Budgeting and operations 
  • Educating and community building 

 

Qualifications:

  • Experience in organic gardening and community garden management.
  • Strong organizational skills and solid systems thinking.
  • Strong understanding of crop planning, soil health, and sustainable growing techniques.
  • Experience leading and motivating groups. 
  • Excellent communication (written/verbal) and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and projects independently.
  • Passion for growing, community building, and hands-on education.

 

Ideal Candidate: 

 

An organized, resourceful, and experienced gardener who can create and execute a plan for a thriving sustainable community growing space that serves all ages and abilities. This person should also be capable of detailed record keeping for the enterprises they oversee, assess outcomes in real time and make necessary adjustments informed by community needs. For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

LAREAU FARM AND FOREST IS HIRING A GARDENER!

Contact Name
Lynne Boudreau
Phone Number
6039034231
Details

LAREAU FARM AND FOREST IS HIRING!

ABOUT US

Lareau Farm and Forest, in Waitsfield, Vermont, is located in the Mad River Valley. The farm is home to the original American Flatbread Restaurant, a 12 room Farmhouse Inn, a Wedding Pavilion, a restored 19th c. Dairy Barn that hosts a series of summer Art Shows, a community garden, a 2 acre production garden and the Lareau Farm Stand.

We are a dynamic team of four. The 2 acre gardens are managed for nutrient-density and biodiversity using organic practices. We raise pigs and laying hens for use in the restaurant and inn.

POSITION

The work of the Garden Crew Member is both physically and mentally engaging! You get to work outside in fresh air interacting with plants, animals and people!

This is a full time seasonal position of 40 hours per week.

This is a seasonal position. The season runs from May 11 – October 31st.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Bed preparation
  • Seeding and transplanting
  • Weeding/cultivating 
  • Organic pest management 
  • Compost management 
  • Greenhouse and Poly Tunnel Production
  • Harvesting and washing produce 
  • Animal care (pigs and chickens)
  • Wood stacking
  • Fence building and other light carpentry possibilities
  • Sharing knowledge about the gardens and farm with visitors and guests 
  • Supporting other tasks as necessary for healthy garden operations
  • Possible work with students in the gardens

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Required one, ideally, two seasons of garden/farm experience
  • Comfort working with animals
  • Ability to work both cooperatively and independently
  • Strong work ethic
  • Comfort with physical labor and working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Positive outlook
  • Sense of commitment
  • Personal vehicle

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

  • To be directly contributing to raising plants and animals and stewarding the land in responsible and ethical ways
  • To work outside in physically active work
  • To work with a team of happy and engaged gardeners
  • There is great opportunity for learning and growth
  • The Mad River Valley is full of amazing adventure opportunities with many swimming holes and biking and hiking trails

COMPENSATION

  • $18 - $24/hour (based on experience)
  • Accrued paid sick leave (based on hours worked)
  • Accrued paid vacation (based on hours worked)     
  • One free Flatbread per month 
  • Primitive housing may be available.

TO APPLY

Please email our Farm Manager, Lynne Boudreau at [email protected]

Send a resume and 2-3 paragraphs sharing about yourself, relevant experience/education, and why you’re interested in the position. Be prepared to give relevant references.

*REMINDER, we are only considering applicants with minimally one full season of gardening experience.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

                                                              Position starts May 11, 2026.

Roommate Wanted

Contact Name
Hillary M Weeks
Phone Number
8023072204
Details

Wanted Roommate:

Small garden space available.

Liberal,no cigarettes,no kids,no pets

Large room with private bath

shared kitchen ,large livingroom ,diningroom

accesss to hiking,biking,xcountry

off street parking

washer
swimming hole

2 other roommates with small dog

dirt road outside of town

$1200 a month all utilities included(wifi,water,gas,electric)

security $1025

Available March 1,2026

6 month lease