Seasonal Livestock Caretaker

Who We Are

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.

Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations toenjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than
50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16 - $18

Hours per week: 13, weekend availability required

Job Classification:
Nonexempt, Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration:
April - December

Location:

Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

Your Impact:

The Trustees seeks to strengthen local communities, demonstrate the viability of sustainable, grass-based livestock practices, increase public demand for local, sustainably produced food, and increase support for the conservation of agricultural land. The Trustees expects Appleton Farms to be a model for publicly accessible, sustainable, grass-based livestock operations.

The Role:

The Trustees seeks to strengthen local communities, demonstrate the viability of sustainable, grass-based livestock practices, increase public demand for local, sustainably produced food, and increase support for the conservation of agricultural land. The Trustees expects Appleton Farms to be a model for publicly accessible, sustainable, grass-based livestock operations.

This role helps to oversee the caretaking of multiple species, including grass-fed cattle, pigs, and barnyard education animals. Under the guidance of the Livestock team, the Livestock Caretaker will be responsible for daily farm chores and general upkeep of animal well-being, food and water as well as basic maintenance of animal areas. Central to this role is careful animal and land maintenance.

This role will also assist with upkeep of the general appearance, functionality and cleanliness of the farm and farm equipment. The Agricultural team interacts directly with the public on a regular basis, through communication with CSA and Trustees Members, community partners and educational program participants. Every member of the farm team plays a critical role in fulfilling The Trustees’ conservation, environmental and agricultural goals and priorities for the farm.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Help with day-to-day operational responsibilities including livestock care (primarily cattle and pigs), pasture management and equipment operation
• Assist with daily livestock chores including feeding and watering of livestock and barnyard animals
• Help monitor daily health and well-being for all animals as well as performing routine care for animals in need under the guidance of the Livestock Manager, including vaccination assistance
• Maintenance and upkeep of all pasture lands including clearing of fence lines, removal of downed tree material, and strategic mowing and/or weed-whacking of livestock areas
• Maintaining grazing infrastructure, including pastures, water systems, travel lanes, wooden fencing, and electric fencing
• Basic grounds maintenance for highest quality guest appearance and ease of operation for livestock areas
• Assist with the seasonal haying process in order to produce year-round feed for livestock
• Help manage, clean and maintain livestock buildings, equipment, and facilities, including public facing educational areas
• Center thoughtful, calm and respectful animal handling at all times
• Support educational programming, community outreach, and other events as needed
• Maintain awareness of and concern for the visual presentation of Appleton Farms
• Other duties as assigned

This is a limited-term nonexempt position reporting directly to the Assistant Dairy and Livestock Manager.