What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dairy Operations Team Member (Livestock) position at HAWTHORNE VALLEY ASSOCIATION?
Join a mission-driven organic farm where animal care, regenerative agriculture, education, and community come together.
Hawthorne Valley Farm is a diversified Organic and Demeter-certified livestock and vegetable farm located in Ghent, New York. As part of the Hawthorne Valley Association, our mission is societal renewal through education, agriculture, and the arts. Our vibrant campus includes a Waldorf school, creamery, bakery, farm store, educational outreach programs, and ecological and social research initiatives.
Our 900-acre farm includes a 60-cow grass-based dairy herd that supplies our on-site creamery, a 15-acre vegetable operation, and diversified livestock including beef cattle, pigs, and meat chickens.
About the Role
We're seeking a dependable, experienced livestock farm worker to join our livestock team. This position primarily supports our dairy operation through milking, calm and thoughtful animal care, and the daily chores and routines that keep our livestock healthy and thriving.
While occasional fieldwork and infrastructure projects are part of the job, this role is centered on dairy operations and essential daily livestock care.
You'll Enjoy This Role If You...
- Enjoy working outdoors in all seasons.
- Take pride in caring for animals with patience and respect.
- Value teamwork, community, and contributing to something larger than yourself.
- Appreciate meaningful physical work and the rhythm of farm life.
- Notice the small details and pay close attention to animal health and behavior.
- Are dependable, adaptable, and able to work independently when needed.
- Enjoy working in an environment where education, agriculture, and community intersect.
- Are comfortable working around children, visitors, and members of the public.
- Can be flexible with scheduling, including working at least one weekend day each week.
Responsibilities
- Milk cows in accordance with farm, organic, and New York State standards.
- Clean and maintain the milking equipment and milking barn.
- Safely and calmly handle livestock in barns and on pasture, always prioritizing animal well-being.
- Perform daily livestock care, including feeding, health checks, cleaning, pasture moves, and manure management.
- Assist with seasonal grazing tasks, including temporary fencing and water management.
- Communicate observations and animal health concerns to farm management in a timely manner.
- Support the care of beef cattle, pigs, and meat chickens as needed.
- Assist with occasional fieldwork and fence construction or maintenance.
- Help create a welcoming environment for the educational and community experiences that take place on the farm.
Qualifications
- Experience working in agriculture.
- Experience handling livestock, preferably dairy cattle. We are happy to train the right candidate with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding farm work.
- Comfortable operating, or willing to learn to operate, basic farm equipment, including a skid steer, ATV, and tractors.
Hours & Compensation
- Full-time, benefits-eligible position
- Anticipated start date: August 2026
- $18–$22 per hour, depending on experience
- Typical schedule of 40–50 hours per week
- Includes at least one weekend day with consecutive days off
- Benefits include health insurance within 30 days of start, farm products (vegetables, dairy, and meat), a 20% employee discount at the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store, Tuition Assistance for Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School after one year employment, and additional employee benefits.
Salary : $18 - $22