Farm Hand

• Farm Assistant
• Farm Laborer
• Organic
• Sustainable Do you have a passion for sustainable agriculture, ecological farming, animal care, and fiber arts?

The White Violet Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence deeply committed to a land ethic, is seeking a versatile Farm Support Specialist to join our team! This unique role offers the chance to contribute to a thriving eco-farm, embodying principles of mindful land use, compassionate animal husbandry, and the creative transformation of natural resources. If you're seeking a non-profit career where you can make a tangible impact, learn diverse farm skills, and work in a beautiful setting, this opportunity is for you! This role offers diverse responsibilities that shift with the Indiana seasons. You will be a key player in our egg production management, ensuring the well-being of our flock and overseeing the entire process from collection to sales. You'll also work hands-on with our alpaca fiber, utilizing your fiber arts skills (or learning new ones!) in weaving, knitting, or crocheting to craft unique finished products. During spring, summer, and fall, your focus will expand to organic gardening, including planting, weeding, and harvesting produce, herbs, and flowers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Egg Production & Poultry Care:

Oversee all stages of egg production for wholesale and retail sales. Provide animal care for our laying hens, including health checks, feeding, watering, and cleaning coops.

Garden Management & Crop Production:

Assist with all aspects of farm production, including organic gardening, crop cultivation, and harvesting techniques. Lead garden activities when needed.

Livestock Care:

Participate in all levels of alpaca care, including health checks, feeding, watering, and administering medications.

Alpaca Fiber Processing & Crafting:

Create finished fiber products from our alpaca yarn (e.g., knitting, crocheting, weaving). Manage product tagging, logging, and inventory.

Farm Operations & Equipment Operation:

Assist with miscellaneous farm projects and operate farm machinery such as trucks and tractors, tillers, and brush cutters.

Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination:

Supervise volunteers and interns in basic garden tasks, animal care, and fiber work.

Community & Outreach:

Take the lead at our Farmers Market on a rotating basis. Support ministry outreach, special events, field trips, workshops, and programs. Weekend work and working on holidays is sometimes required, and scheduled on a rotating basis. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a sincere love of animals and appreciation for sustainable agriculture. Ability to use garden and pasture care equipment including trucks and tractors. Must have knowledge of and use good food safety practices. Must be personable and able to work with the general public and a diverse group of interns, volunteers, and summer help. Must be able to keep up to date with egg production laws and safety. Must be proficient in some fiber art skills such as knitting, crocheting and/or weaving. Understanding of logic, computers, and basic mathematical concepts Ability to work independently with strong decision-making skill Ability to organize and manage diverse activities in order to meet required deadlines Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize tasks and assignments Ability to organize and supervise others (interns and volunteers)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma, GED required; some post-secondary education preferred Previous experience in care of livestock desired Previous experience in working with fiber including knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting and/or carding Valid Indiana driver's license is necessary Basic computer skills required Excellent interpersonal skills and organizational skills. Attention to details

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Sisters of Providence (Sisters) are committed to the fair and equal employment of individuals with disabilities. It is the Sister's policy to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the congregation. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended, reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities when such accommodations re necessary to enable them to perform the essential functions of their jobs or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. This policy applies to all applicants for employment and all employees. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Physical strength to handle machinery, livestock, feed and equipment necessary to perform job duties. Ability to lift at least 50 pounds Ability to work in prolonged adverse weather conditions. Ability to work with gardening and farm equipment Tiller Tractors Three-point hitch equipment Weed eater Brush cutter

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed on the farm of the Sisters of Providence. The staff of White Violet Center functions as a team and routinely meets to assure that all projects of the Center are functioning well. All staff members must be willing to assist other staff if and when the need arises. Weekend work is expected on alternating weekends and as needed.

LAND ETHIC

In support of the Land Ethic, all persons employed with the Sisters of Providence will reduce, reuse, recycle and conserve energy. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The staff member may be required to perform other work-related tasks as assigned or requested by the supervisor or management. The job description is simply a communication tool and is subject to change as the needs prevail. This document is not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. High School diploma or GED required; post-secondary education in agriculture, animal science, or related fields preferred. Previous livestock care experience preferred. Valid Driver's License.

Physical Demands:

This hands-on farm job requires physical strength for handling machinery, livestock, feed, and equipment. Ability to lift at least 50 pounds, engage in repetitive motion, and perform strenuous activity. Must be able to work outdoors in prolonged adverse weather conditions.