Seeking Skilled Farm Hand and Farm Stay Host

Background: Leaping Lamb Farm is a 70-acre diversified farm in the Coast Range of Oregon, near Corvallis. With 20 acres of pasture, the farm is primarily focused on sheep production, but includes orchards, gardens, greenhouses, poultry yard, and 50 acres of forest. The houses, barn, two workshops, and two machine sheds constitute the extensive infrastructure. Water service includes irrigation rights to Honey Grove Creek, which runs through the property, 2 wells, and a year-round spring. Operational since 2003 under current ownership, the farm has repeat clientele for its locker lamb. The primary revenue stream is a farm stay with a 5-star national reputation and many returning guests. Website: https://leapinglambfarm.com

Job Description: We are looking for a couple (or possibly a very talented individual) to live and work on our farm. An overview of duties is listed below, with the understanding that the owners live on site, so this will be a team effort in many areas. To start, the owners expect to work side by side with the farm(ers) but anticipate handing over more and more of the responsibilities of the farm as experience and comfort allow. This position is salaried and on-site lodging is included. We are open to ‘product development’, e.g., CSA or Farmers Market sales, retreats, etc. with profit-sharing. We are seeking a long-term commitment.

Applicant qualifications: experienced in farming and farm equipment, self-directed, willing to collaborate, goal-oriented, able to prioritize schedules, flexible, entrepreneurial, friendly to strangers. Bonus points for: summer camp counselor, outdoor enthusiast, humanities education, any kind of host services experience (e.g. restaurants, hotels, travel and tours)

Farm:

• Livestock management: flock of 20+ Katahdin/Dorper ewes with 30-35 locker lambs in season. Includes feed, veterinary care, safety, breeding
• Pasture management: over-seeding as necessary, irrigation schedule, rotational grazing setup, mowing
• Fencing: repair & maintenance (cedar, field, hog panel, etc.)
• Irrigation: K-Line repair & schedule, includes pump maintenance
• Equipment: use, repair & maintenance (Kubota tractor and attachments, Bobcat excavator, chain saws, Kawasaki UTV, log splitter, generator)
• Pruning: fruit trees, grapes, berries
• Farmhouse/barn/shop/sheds: repair & maintenance
• Farm garden and greenhouses: determine planting schedule with farmer, assist with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting.
• Additional (seasonal) help: oversee hiring where and when necessary.
• Sales: oversee lamb, chicken (if produced), vegetables, fruits, eggs

Farm Stay:

• Housecleaning: oversee hiring and schedule for house cleaners
• Property presentation: oversee maintenance of driveway, lawns, and flower beds; also interior of house (e.g., bedding, furniture, furnishings, appliances)
• Food and supplies: shop and stock all necessary
• Reservations: confirm with system accurate schedule
• Hosting: greet and tour overnight and day guests. Include in daily chores. Make sure all safety rules are conveyed.
• Social media and website: keep updated on the back end; post on the front end (additional hours paid for this separate from salary)
• Gift shop: maintain and work with owner to keep inventory; open to development.
• Events/retreats/meetings/site rental for music, movie, ad production: open to development

Addition to Payroll Benefits:  Climate-controlled lodging provided • 1-week paid vacation plus paid holidays •  Profit-sharing considered on new product development • This is not a 9-5 job, but rather based on project schedules. Looking at 2080 hours per year with more demand in summer and less in winter.

It is understood that one person may have a remote or off-farm job, but will be able to fill in as necessary and possibly fill the estimated 20 additional hours per month of marketing work.