Assistant Farm Manager – Sheep & Diversified Crops

Willow Pond Farm is seeking an assistant farm manager for its small, owner-operated farm in Sabattus, Maine. The 35-acre property combines two to five acres of current vegetable production, an orchard, CSA, farm store, and a small flock of sheep. Jill and Charlie Agnew own and work the farm with seasonal help. The opening blends working leadership with livestock care, crop management, equipment use, and the practical organization of a two- to three-person crew. What you will do • Build daily field and harvest lists and guide a two- to three-person crew through the priorities • Coordinate the weekly flow of seeding, transplanting, cultivation, harvest, wash-pack, and farm-store needs with the farm manager • Care for the sheep, observe health and behavior, maintain clean water and shelter, and complete rotational weekend duty as arranged • Operate tractors and implements such as a mower, rototiller, manure spreader, loader, post-hole digger, or sprayer when qualified • Scout crops for nutrient, weed, pest, and disease concerns and keep useful production records • Organize monthly crew meetings and assist with repairs, carpentry, fencing, and seasonal farm projects How the work fits together This is a working-manager position, not an office-only job. The assistant may begin by checking livestock and assigning the crew, move into transplanting or tractor work, and finish by adjusting a harvest list or preparing the wash-pack area. Sheep are one part of a diversified farm system that also supports vegetables, berries, orchard crops, laying hens, pigs, turkeys, and broilers. Good planning should keep the crew productive without sacrificing careful animal observation, crop quality, soil stewardship, or safe equipment use. What the farm is looking for The farm prefers at least three years of farming experience and looks for prior leadership or management capability. Desired skills include tractor and implement operation, equipment upkeep, carpentry basics, repairs, recordkeeping, livestock care, and crop management. The selected person should be observant, organized, positive, and able to solve problems and communicate clearly. Because the owners are considering a longer transition, this is best suited to someone interested in a committed relationship with a small diversified farm rather than a short stop between unrelated jobs. Schedule, conditions, and compensation The season runs from March or April through November or December. The normal workweek is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with a 15-minute paid break, 60-minute unpaid lunch, and rotational weekend duty negotiated so the farmer can take time off. Pay is $18–$20 per hour depending on experience. Benefits include farm produce, a 10% farm-store discount, and paid vacation or sick time relative to days worked after three months. A compatible long-term lease or lease-to-own path may be discussed but is not guaranteed. This is an in-person agricultural position. Priorities can change with animal health, weather, crop condition, water quality, equipment availability, and harvest timing. The successful person must communicate clearly, protect animal welfare and food safety, and leave useful notes when a task or concern carries into the next shift. Gates, tools, vehicles, feed areas, water systems, and production spaces should be left clean, secure, and ready for the next person. Applicants should expect physical work that may include long periods of standing or walking, bending, lifting, repetitive hand tasks, wet or dusty conditions, and work outdoors or in agricultural buildings. Dependable arrival matters because livestock and living production systems cannot simply wait for a late shift. Candidates should confirm the exact weekly schedule, overtime treatment, training period, and benefit eligibility with the employer before accepting an offer. How to apply Email Willowpondfarm89@gmail.com or use the contact link on the current job page. Include a resume and a concise introduction covering years of farm work, crew leadership, sheep or other livestock care, crop planning, tractor implements, repairs, recordkeeping, availability through late fall, and interest in the farm's longer-term transition vision.