Farm Hand

Summary
The Farm Hand is essential to the success and growth of Ledge End’s farm operations, which include small-scale livestock management, vegetable cultivation, and greenhouse technology. This hands-on role requires a versatile, proactive individual with experience in animal care and crop production, a can-do attitude, and a keen interest in mastering technical systems. The Farm Hand will work closely with and report directly to the farm’s owners.

Essential Job Duties

Livestock Responsibilities:

• Provide daily care for livestock species, including goats, poultry, and livestock guardian dogs
• Oversee egg production per CT standards, including collecting, storing and distributing
• Monitor breeding, birthing, and animal health, providing care for sick or injured animals as well as regular preventative care
• Assist with animal care tasks such as hoof trimming
• Maintain accurate livestock records
• Install, repair, and maintain fencing and livestock infrastructure
• Maintain livestock tools
• Maintain pasture, including mowing, brush clearing, and manure handling
• Uphold high aesthetic standards for all farm facilities, ensuring barns, pastures, and the farm office are tidy and well-maintained

Greenhouse Management:

• Learning, monitoring, and managing automated greenhouse systems, including climate control, irrigation, and lighting
• Planting and harvesting crops
• Pruning and trellising crops
• Troubleshooting and maintaining sensors, actuators, and other technical components
• Analyzing data to optimize growing conditions for plants
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of greenhouse on a daily basis

Administrative Duties:

• Keeping accurate records of storage temperatures, livestock, crops, and greenhouse data
• Assign chores to other staff on a weekly basis and oversee their completion
• Implement safety protocols as needed (reporting incidents, etc.)
• May supervise staff as assigned

Work Environment

• Most work is performed outdoors in diverse weather conditions and in a greenhouse setting
• Operating heavy machinery and farm equipment

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Herding animals and mucking a barn
• Standing, crouching, kneeling, and bending for extended periods
• Performing physical labor outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and wind

Travel

• Occasional day trips to transport livestock or assist with off-site work