Rock’s End Farm in Wakefield, Quebec is seeking a Regenerative Grazing Assistant!
ABOUT Rock’s End Farm
Rock’s End Farm is a 300 acre, certified organic farm located in the heart of the Gatineau Hills in west Quebec. We raise sheep for wool and meat, custom grazing of beef cattle, dairy cattle (for home dairy consumption), pastured pork and pastured poultry. We direct market all of our products to our local community.
This opportunity is ideal for somebody looking to develop their expertise with livestock in particular; and with regenerative, rotational grazing, and direct-to-consumer marketing. All of our former employees plan to, or have already, started their own operations with livestock and regenerative rotational grazing techniques.
We use regenerative and organic practices to ensure that our farm enhances water quality, biodiversity, and soil health. We use adaptive grazing management and incorporate silvopasture into our grazing system. We are active in on-farm environmental initiatives. We provide our products to the public via farmgate sales, home-delivery, and sales at the farmers’ market and craft fairs. We also host a number of on-farm events, tours, and workshops.
Our farm is a lively environment rich in learning opportunities and collaborative endeavours. Through partnerships, we work together with other local farmers to create a more resilient local food economy. You will have the chance to participate in monthly regional grazing tours and farmer-to-farmer learning opportunities on other area farms as well as to make use of our extensive library of resources on regenerative farming. While the position is seasonal (April 15 – December 15), there are many other local employment opportunities in the off-season, depending on your skills and interests. Year-round on-farm accommodation is available for rent for the right person(s). There are also rental accommodation options in the surrounding community.
DESIRED QUALITIES
We are looking for somebody who:
- Has previous farming experience or directly relevant outdoor work experience
- Is keenly interested in organic, regenerative, livestock-based agriculture.
- Possesses a high level of personal integrity, responsibility for self, and a strong work ethic.
- Is capable of working independently for long periods of time.
- Has transportation to/from the farm.
- Works safely and efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Is prepared to work outside, on rugged terrain, in all weather conditions.
- Has the ability to carry up to 60 lbs.
- Has great organizational and spatial visualization skills.
- Works well in teams.
Please Note
Rock’s End Farm practices employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We embrace diversity in all its forms and commit to maintaining a work environment that is welcoming for all.
This job has received funding from Agriculture Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program and as such, candidates should indicate if they are:
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
- A Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or refugee; and
– legally entitled to work in Canada.
JOB TASKS
As Regenerative Grazing Assistant, you will spend the majority of your time with the sheep and the cows. Your core responsibility will be implementing the grazing rotation. To do this you must learn how to assess the livestock and the pastures in the context of our regenerative farming system. You will learn to “read” what the forage conditions mean about the soil below, how to assess the behavior and health of the animals, how to plan in advance for season and weather variability, how to adapt to fluctuating production goals (for example, how to manage differently in peak lactation, maintenance, and fattening phases of the livestock), how to plan for future rotations, and how to manage the grass and the animals in order to achieve optimal health and productivity of both. We use electric fencing and have pasture water pipeline set up in the majority of our fields. In some cases, we haul water by tractor to areas not yet connected. The terrain on this farm is rough; you’ll use our trusty Mule (side-by-side atv) to haul materials that you need from paddock to paddock, but you will also spend a good deal of time hiking steep or rocky areas to bring the animals to graze.
You will also help with other farm tasks, including but not limited to assisting with:
- Assisting with additional farm enterprises of pastured pork, pastured poultry, and horses
- Animal care procedures including spring calving and lambing
- Hay harvest
- Ecological enhancement/restoration projects on the farm
- Installation and maintenance of fencelines
- Installation and maintenance of livestock water system
- Cleaning out winter shelters
- Loading/unloading animals for transport during butcher season
- General farm maintenance and cleanup
- Packing orders and managing inventory
- Customer service at farmers’ markets, farm-gate sales, and on-farm events
- Other tasks suited to you dependent upon your learning goals and previous skills and experience
JOB DETAILS
Term: Duration: August 15 – December 15 (slightly flexible start/end)
The full season position for 2023 is also available (May-December). There are a lot of local off-season employment opportunities in the surrounding areas.
Hours per week: 35-40 hours/week
Wage: $15-20 per hour depending on experience
On-Farm Accommodation available (for rent or as a part of your compensation package, available year round)
TO APPLY
Send your resume and cover letter by email, outlining why you would like to work for us and how you meet the qualifications to:
Erin Krekoski
erin@RocksEndFarm.ca
We will accept applications until a suitable candidate is found.
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Rock’s End Farm
Website: www.rocksendfarm.ca/workwithus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RocksEndFarm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocksendfarm/
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