Part-Time Farm Manager - Animal Operations
Location
Orchard Hill Farms, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
On-site | Part-time | Seasonal variability
About Orchard Hill Farms
Orchard Hill Farms is a diversified farm committed to regenerative land stewardship, humane animal care, and ecologically sound practices. We are entering an exciting implementation phase and are seeking a hands-on, experienced farm manager to lead day-to-day animal operations and help refine systems that support long-term farm health and productivity.
Position Overview
The Part-Time Farm Manager (Animal Operations) will oversee daily livestock care, grazing and rotation systems, and animal-related infrastructure. This role is ideal for a self-directed livestock professional who is comfortable balancing hands-on work with planning, problem-solving, and system improvement. The position will work closely with the land owner and the farm consultant team at Farmer D Consulting to align animal management practices with broader farm goals.
The ideal candidate will have direct experience working with cattle, sheep, poultry, and/or camelids, as well as a strong working knowledge of animal fertility, breeding cycles, and preventative health management.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care and Operations
- Oversee daily care, health, and welfare of all livestock, including Belted Galloway cattle, Black Nose sheep, alpacas, and chickens
- Implement and manage rotational grazing and animal movement plans across species
- Monitor forage conditions and adjust rotations to support animal health, soil health, and parasite prevention
- Monitor animal fertility, breeding readiness, and reproductive health
- Manage maternity and birthing processes for Belted Galloway cattle, including pre- and post-calving care
- Oversee feeding protocols appropriate to each species and life stage, including growth, breeding, lactation, and recovery
- Proactively monitor, prevent, and manage parasite pressure, particularly in sheep, using best practices in grazing management, observation, and intervention
- Identify and address animal health issues and coordinate veterinary care when necessary
- Maintain accurate observations and communicate emerging issues early
Infrastructure and Systems
- Manage and maintain animal-related infrastructure, including fencing, water systems, and shelters
- Identify infrastructure improvements or repairs needed to support animal operations
- Support planning for seasonal infrastructure needs
Planning and Management
- Help define and refine animal management priorities and protocols
- Track key operational needs related to feed, supplies, and equipment
- Support seasonal planning and labor needs related to animal operations
- Support planning around breeding schedules, birthing seasons, weaning, and seasonal health management
Collaboration and Communication
- Coordinate with the land owners and the Farmer D Consulting team
- Contribute to onboarding and alignment around animal systems and goals
- Provide clear communication around challenges, observations, and opportunities
Time Commitment
- Part-time role with seasonal variability
- Estimated average: 10-20 hours per week, with flexibility during peak seasons
- Must live within close proximity to the farm for daily care of animals
- Farm located in Lawrenceville, NJ
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience managing livestock, with species-specific experience strongly preferred
- Hands-on experience with cattle breeding, calving, and maternity care
- Working knowledge of parasite prevention and management, particularly in sheep
- Strong understanding of regenerative grazing and animal management practices
- Comfort working independently and making day-to-day operational decisions
- Practical experience with fencing, water systems, and basic farm infrastructure
- Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
- Physically capable of farm work in varying weather conditions
Preferred Experience
- Experience managing multi-species herds that include cattle, sheep, poultry, and/or alpacas
- Experience working on small- to mid-scale regenerative farms
- Familiarity with pasture-based systems, forage management, and low-input animal health strategies
- Experience supporting breeding programs and seasonal livestock planning
Compensation
- Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience
- Details discussed during interviews
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A brief cover letter outlining your experience with livestock and regenerative systems
- Resume or work history
- At least one professional reference
Follow Company Alert×
Follow Company Alert Saved
Follow Company Alert