Livestock & Grazing Lead

Livestock & Grazing Lead

POSITION: Livestock and Grazing Lead

DEPARTMENT: Farm

REPORTS TO: General Farm Manager

TERMS/HOURS: Full-time

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly / Non-exempt

WORK AUTHORIZATION: U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)

SUMMARY

This role leads day-to-day livestock operations at Norbut Farm with a primary focus on sheep as the core driver of grazing and revenue. The position also supports cattle, hogs, poultry, and guardian animals. This is a hands-on, independent role responsible for animal performance, grazing execution, and expansion of solar grazing operations across multiple sites in New York.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong, hands-on sheep experience (required)
• Working knowledge of multi-species livestock systems (cattle, hogs, poultry, guardian animals)
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in the field
• Willingness to travel to solar sites across NY State
• Ownership of livestock performance and grazing outcomes

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily care and management of all livestock, with sheep as the primary focus
• Execute and manage rotational grazing across solar sites and farm pastures
• Support cattle, hog, poultry, and guardian animal systems as needed
• Set up and manage electric fencing systems and paddock layouts
• Travel between and manage multiple grazing locations
• Maintain infrastructure, water systems, and equipment
• Monitor animal health and administer treatments
• Track livestock data, movements, and grazing activity
• Work closely with the General Farm Manager and other team members to ensure smooth integration of livestock into the farm’s regenerative system.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EDUCATION

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Agricultural or Animal Science background preferred but not required.
• Livestock Management: Working knowledge of multi-species livestock systems including sheep, cattle, hogs, poultry, and guardian animals. Strong understanding of animal behavior, nutrition, and daily care requirements.
• Sheep Systems (Primary Focus): Solid understanding of sheep health, parasite management, grazing behavior, and flock movement. Ability to identify issues early and respond appropriately in the field.
• Grazing & Pasture Management: Knowledge of rotational grazing, paddock design, forage management, and regenerative grazing principles. Ability to adapt grazing plans based on conditions.
• Solar Grazing Operations: Ability to operate safely and effectively within solar sites, including fencing setup, paddock movement, and maintaining vegetation targets.
• Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate tractors, UTVs, skid steers, mowers, and handheld equipment. Basic troubleshooting and mechanical awareness expected.
• Fencing & Infrastructure: Experience setting up and maintaining electric fencing systems (polywire, reels, energizers), water systems, and handling infrastructure.
• Recordkeeping: Ability to track livestock movement, health treatments, and grazing activity. Basic computer skills for communication and data entry.
• Independence & Work Ethic: Ability to work independently, manage time across multiple sites, and execute without constant direction.
• Communication: Clear and direct communication with management and team members. Ability to train and guide others in the field.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years hands-on sheep experience (required)
• Experience working with multiple livestock species preferred
• Experience with rotational grazing systems
• Knowledge of livestock health, parasites, and nutrition
• Ability to work alone in field environments

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS

This role functions as a working lead in the field, providing direction and training to farm staff supporting livestock and grazing operations.

• Lead and train team members on livestock handling, fencing systems, and daily operations
• Assign and oversee daily tasks during grazing and livestock activities
• Ensure work is completed to farm standards and protocols
• Provide feedback to management on team performance and operational needs

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily outdoors on the farm, with occasional work inside greenhouses and other farm structures.
• Safe and supportive work environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to stand, walk, crouch, kneel, and sit for extended periods during the day.
• Regularly use hands to reach; ability to talk and hear.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

FARM VALUES & CULTURE

At Norbut Farm, we are committed to regenerative agriculture, ecological stewardship, and community well-being. Our livestock are raised with respect, our pastures are managed to build soil health and biodiversity, and our practices are designed to create a thriving, resilient farm

ecosystem. We value teamwork, integrity, and continuous learning. All team members are expected to approach their work with care for the land, responsibility toward the animals, and pride in maintaining a farm environment that reflects our values of sustainability, beauty, and productivity.