Farm Caretaker Couple - Franklin, NC

Position Summary:

This 100 acre family retreat, is home to a variety of specialty breeds of animals, small gardens, orchards and wildlife.  A little bit of everything and a lot of love, located in rural Franklin, NC. We are seeking a dedicated and hands-on Farm Caretaker couple to live in the provided on-property housing to provide full-time, year round, care for the animals and property. This role requires a motivated couple (or individual) who is passionate about agriculture, animal husbandry, the environment, and property maintenance.  This couple will work closely with the Owner to ensure the smooth operation of the farm, including crop management, pet and livestock care, short term rental management, equipment maintenance and overall property upkeep. 

Key Responsibilities:

1.  Farm Operations:

• Daily animal and livestock care (7 days per week).
• Monitor and care for livestock, including feeding, watering, grooming, health checks and maintenance of living environments.
• Assist in daily farm operations, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting select crops.
• Assist with soil preparation, planting schedules, and pest management.
• Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment.

2. Property Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance on farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
• Perform and oversee landscaping tasks, including mowing, trimming, weed eating, and general grounds keeping.
• Maintain roads and trails, including but not limited to erosion control and fallen trees and branches.
• Ensure proper functioning of irrigation systems and manage ponds and water resources efficiently.
• Conduct regular inspections of the property and structures to identify and address any repair and maintenance needs

3. Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of farm activities, including planting plans and dates, supplement and fertilizer applications, pest control, livestock health, vaccinations and equipment usage and maintenance logs
• Assist in inventory management of supplies, feed, tools, equipment, and other necessary materials.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Property Owner including photo documentation and video calls as necessary.

4. Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Property Owner to implement farming strategies and property management plans
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of seasonal workers or other farm staff as needed.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to decision making processes.
• Communicate with renters and/or neighbors in a polite and professional manner, keeping the Owner aware of any issues that might arise.

5. Health and Safety:

• Ensure all farming and property maintenance activities comply with health and safety regulations.
• Promote a safe working environment by following best practices and encouraging safe behavior among staff.
• Ensure that guests and tenants remain safe when on the property and engaging the livestock and other animals on the property.
• Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides at all times and ensure that applications follow all regulations.

6.  Other Miscellaneous Tasks:

• General property management for rental home on property, including communication with tenants, cleaning, and scheduling services
• Prepare lodging and stay for Owner as necessary prior to and after arrival.
• Manage subcontractors as specified by Owner

Animals on Property:

• Great Pyrenees (2)
• Pygora Goats (4)
• KuneKune Pigs (2)
• Black Nose Valais Sheep (2)
• Highland Cattle (4)
• Alpacas (3 - soon)
• Chickens (30+/-) + Ducks (6)
• Trout (2 ponds)
• Bees (6 hives)
• Cats (3+/-)

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience relevant to Agriculture, Farm management, Property management, and/or Veterinary practice
• Knowledge of crop production, livestock care, and farm equipment operation
• Basic handyman skills, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possess the ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as with a team.
• Qualified and comfortable using a variety of power tools including a chainsaw and weed eater.
• Possess physical stamina and the ability to perform manual labor in various weather conditions, including the ability to lift 50lbs routinely.
• Legally eligible to work in the US with fluency in English.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate tractors and other farm equipment, including trailers.
• Must pass a background check and have an acceptable driving history. 
• Nicotine and drug free property.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification or degree in agriculture, horticulture, or a related field
• Experience with organic farming practices and familiarity with modern farming technologies / sustainable farming practices
• Spanish fluency

Compensation:

• Full Time/Salaried position
• Competitive salary based on experience/skills and if one individual or couple ($30,000-$60,000)
• On property single family housing provided / required - including utilities (trial period prior to occupancy, if local)
• Paid time off and 2 weeks vacation provided (timing coordinated with Owner availability)