WHO WE ARE 

Caney Fork Farms (CFF) is a diversified regenerative organic farm in middle Tennessee. Our mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative organic farming in our region benefits farmers, the environment, and the community. CFF produces mixed vegetables, chestnuts, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised pork, and we sell them directly to consumers in our region. Our work is centered around the soil, focusing on carbon farming practices that store atmospheric C02 below ground. In addition to farm production, we have a robust research program studying different organic agriculture methods and how those methods impact soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall agroecosystem health. We organize and share the information we have learned with other stakeholders. 

We are a fun and exciting workplace filled with challenges and opportunities to expand your knowledge. We believe in the work we are doing, and we take ownership of it. The work environment is communal and nurturing, and we believe in having hard conversations, holding each other accountable, and building trust through vulnerability. We foster a safe space for walks of life. 

We share in the 5 Caney Fork Farms Core Values, and the right candidate will also. 

● Be Good to Each Other 

● Do the Hard Stuff that Matters 

● Honor Relationships 

● Be Curious and Innovative 

● Farm Holistically for Abundant Future 

The Farm is an equal-opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Farm’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. Details of our equal employment opportunity policies are further explained in Anti-Discrimination & Harassment..

INTRODUCTION 

The Livestock Team Members are integral parts of the livestock team, reporting directly to the Head of Livestock. They are responsible for carrying out much of the hard work that makes the way we manage our livestock as a regenerative farm so special, such as moving livestock through pastures and maintaining a high degree of animal welfare. They also work to maintain the infrastructure required for these things. They work directly with cattle, sheep, pigs, and dogs. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

● Ensure that pastures are grazed & maintained according to direction from Head of Livestock & full-time Livestock Team Members 

● Execute animal chores regularly & efficiently in a way that ensures a high standard of animal welfare for all 

○ Alert Head of Livestock immediately of any animal health or welfare concerns
● Keep tidy & thoughtfully use infrastructure such as fences, gates, barns, and equipment ○ Alert Head of Livestock immediately of any breaks or areas of concern 

DAILY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

● Conduct detail oriented animal welfare & health checks 

● Rotate animals through pastures as needed 

● Assist Livestock Team in working animals for weights, vaccinations, and minor veterinary care
● Operate equipment for pasture maintenance and renovation & other projects as needed
● Trailer livestock, equipment, feed, etc. between farm properties and to processing facilities, etc.
● Carry out small repairs, maintenance, renovations, and other projects as needed 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

● Valid Driver’s License 

● Alignment with company’s core values 

● Comfortability & knowledge about safely working closely with large animals
● Tractor & Implement Operations 

● Truck and Trailer Operation 

● Some basic mechanical, tool, and power tool knowledge 

● Knowledge about or interest in regenerative animal agriculture & forage 

● Knowledge about and interest to learn more about animal health 

● Problem solving skills 

● Ability to independently manage time & prioritize tasks 

● Adaptability to last minute changes in tasks & projects

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the team member in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

● Employee Handbook 

● Caney Fork Farms Google Drive, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Core Processes.
● Mission and Values Statement 

● Tractor handbooks 

● Chore checklists & notebooks and regular communication with Head of Livestock to keep up with constantly dynamic daily tasks 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

● Ability to lift 50 lbs safely 

● Must love animals 

● Comfortability with the reality of animal mortality 

● Ability to work outside on their feet for 8-12 hours a day, 5 days a week 

● Ability to keep up an attention to detail during monotonous tasks 

● Ability to keep a positive, grateful attitude and have fun! 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

● 25-30 hours a week, 2-4 days a week, one weekend day may be required 

● More hours in the spring, summer, and fall (peak grazing seasons), less in the winter
● Almost all hours will take place outside; rain, snow, and hot Tennessee summer days not exempt
○ We do try to minimize outside work during lightning & severe wind storms, bearing in mind a balance between animal welfare and human safety 

○ We may work early mornings and late afternoons in the hottest part of the summer
● 4 total farm properties where livestock may be located at a given time, may use personal vehicles or farm vehicles & equipment to commute between them (at most 13 miles away from each other) 

● Work alongside Livestock Team and independently 

● Many hours spent driving around the farm on an RTV, including down main roads to satellite farms at times 

● A few hours a week in a heated & air conditioned office with other members of the farm team for meetings, learning opportunities, discussions, etc. Full access to a full office kitchen for cooking, eating, making coffee, warming up or cooling off at any time. 

**This job description is designed to give you an overview of the main tasks and responsibilities for this position. As Caney Fork Farms evolves and grows over time this job description may be changed in consultation with you. You will be expected to embrace such changes, to work flexibly, and to rise to the challenge of developing your skills over time.**

Applicants can send their resume & cover letter to info@caneyforkfarms.com with "Livestock Team Member" in the subject.