Milker & General Farm Worker

1255 Oblong Rd, Williamstown MA

Description

Cricket Creek Farm is looking to hire a part-time or full-time milker to join our team! Cricket Creek Farm is a small, grass-based cow dairy nestled in the Berkshire hills of Williamstown, MA. We produce raw milk, grass-fed beef and whey-fed pork, in addition to 7 different styles of artisanal farmstead cheeses. We generally milk between 30-35 cows, and care for about 80 animals in total. Our dairy herd consists of pure Brown Swiss and Jersey cows as well as a variety of crosses as we have been breeding with Normande and New Zealand Fresian genetics. The beef herd is also mixed with some pure Hereford and Belted Galloway crosses. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working with animals, supporting local agriculture, and reliable work with room for growth. While this roles require quite a bit of independence, you will be joining a fun, small team of people passionate about food and farming. Experience milking or working with farm animals is preferred, but we would be willing to train candidates who demonstrate a high level of competency. RESPONSIBILITIES Bring cows in for and take them back out to pasture after milking Milking Cleaning milking parlor Feeding and bedding calves Feeding and bedding pigs If interested in additional work, other farm work that is typically done by milkers is available: Cleaning dairy barn with skid steer and bedding dairy cows Other bedding and feeding tasks Assorted basic maintenance and cleaning REQUIREMENTS - Be able to lift 50 lbs - Follow instructions extremely well - Have strong communication skills - Feel comfortable around large animals - Pay excellent attention to detail - Be available to work evenings and weekends - Work independently COMPENSATION DETAILS Compensation starts at $14.25 per hour + complimentary farm fresh raw milk and cheese. You also receive a 20% discount on our pasture raised beef and rose veal, and our whey-fed pork, as well as all products in our farm store. Staff also have complimentary access to a “seconds” section of the meat freezer, where meat with broken vacuum seals or freezer burn are stored, as well as access to ordering groceries at cost. These additional food benefits typically add up to savings equivalent to a $1-2/hr increase in pay. COMPANY DESCRIPTION Cricket Creek Farm is a small, grass-based cow dairy nestled in the Berkshire hills of Williamstown, MA. We produce raw milk, grass-fed beef & veal and whey-fed pork, in addition to 7 different styles of artisanal farmstead cheeses. We milk 35-40 cows at a time and care for about 80 animals in total. Our Mission is to produce nourishing food that honors our animals, respects the land, and feeds our community, and to exemplify a sustainable model for small-farm viability. We sell our cheese, raw milk, beef, veal, and pork in our farm store, alongside a wide range of local products. We also sell our cheese at a number of farmers markets we attend throughout the area. TO APPLY To apply, please email our Head Farmer Topher with a resume and brief description of why you are interested in the position. Start date is ASAP