Job Description:

Location: Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
Position Type: Full-time, year-round
Reports to: Tom & Lizzie (Farm Owners)

The role:

Root to Rise Farm is seeking a skilled, self-directed, and hands-on Herdswoman/ Herdsman, Operations Lead to oversee livestock, land-based structural systems, and core farm and homesteading operations. This role is focused on Scottish Highland cattle, rotational grazing, pasture management, and infrastructure projects, as well as overall farm maintenance and operational planning.

This position is ideal for someone who loves working outdoors, thrives in a physically active role, enjoys hard work, and takes pride in a job well done. You should be passionate about regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming systems.

Our Core Values

We value integrity (doing the right thing and owning our actions), resilience (showing up and pushing through challenges), empathy (seeking understanding and meaningful connection), inclusivity (welcoming and respecting differences), and authenticity (being honest, transparent, and true to ourselves).

This role is a great fit if you:

• Have experience managing livestock, especially cattle, in rotational grazing systems

• You get satisfaction out of building fences!

• Enjoy working outdoors year-round, including cold Vermont winters and hot summers

• Take pride in hard work and in completing tasks thoroughly and well

• Are reliable, self-motivated, and able to follow through consistently

• Are willing to continually learn, own mistakes, and ask questions when unsure

• Are capable of leading infrastructure projects, fence building, and machinery operation

• Thrive on hands-on problem-solving and taking ownership of complex systems

• Align with Root to Rise Farm’s core values and collaborative family-centered culture

Responsibilities

• Oversee Scottish Highland cattle program: rotational grazing planning, animal care, halter training, and calf weaning

• Manage daily livestock chores and pasture health

• Oversee and assist Tom and Lizzie with calving

• Plan, build, and maintain farm infrastructure, including fences, water systems, and structures

• Perform general farm maintenance, including mowing, weed management, and machinery operation

• Snow Removal

• Collaborate with Tom and Lizzie on long-term farm planning and operational improvements

• Take primary responsibility for livestock and farm systems when owners are away

• Manage daily care, feeding, and health protocols for pigs (swine) and chickens (poultry)

• Lead grant identification and applications for land, livestock, and regenerative farm programs

• Approach all work with care, attention to detail, and pride in a job well done

• Be willing to continually learn, own mistakes, and ask questions when unsure

• Show consistent reliability and follow-through in all aspects of farm operations

• Show cattle at AHCA-registered events

• Take the lead on integrating an artificial insemination program

• Coordinate Hay deliveries

• Layout Hay Bales for Bale Grazing

• Lawn mowing

• Inventory and procurement of cattle materials

• Fill out grazing chart and document key metrics for cattle performance

• Document Systems

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in livestock management, particularly cattle and rotational grazing

• Strong understanding of regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices

• Physical ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions

• Experience with tractors, mowers, fencing, and basic carpentry

• Strong problem-solving skills, independence, and reliability

• Clean driving record and reliable transportation

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, $20-30 an hour depending on experience

• Full-time, year-round role with a consistent, predictable schedule

• Spring, Summer and Fall off-site housing available.

• A leadership role in a regenerative, values-driven farm environment

• The opportunity to directly shape the growth and operations of a thriving farm in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom