CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Farm Apprentice (Full Time) - OPEN

​We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated individual who is interested in becoming professional farmer. No experience is required but preference will be given to those with some farming experience and those who have knowledge of and willingness to strive for and work in regenerative agriculture as a profession and lifestyle. Applicants must be 18 years of age at start of position and able to lift at least 50 lbs. to shoulder height (feed bags, bale of hay, bucket of milk etc.), and be available to work early in the morning - as early as 5 am - into the early evening (evening chores often stretch to 7 pm). Potentially up to 60 hrs./week during peak season (May – November) and 35-40 hrs./week during winter months.

​About our Farm:
All Grass Farms is a diversified farming operation, with our main commercial farm located just 45 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois, which includes 160 acres or pasture and our busy farm store.  A second location near Elkhorn, Wisconsin has approximately 400 acres of pastureland and hay production.

The primary focus of our farm is on pasture-based livestock production, utilizing humane, organic, and regenerative agricultural practices. The farm currently raises dairy cattle for raw milk, chickens both for meat and eggs, beef cattle, and heritage hogs and turkeys. We also have 7 acres vegetable production, herbs, flowers and soft fruits which is managed by a former employee. Most products are sold directly to consumers at the busy onsite farm store. To learn more about the farm, please visit our website at www.allgrassfarms.com.

​Job Description:
The Farm Apprentice will take part in most farm activities, including learning about the micro-dairy enterprise on the farm, which is a year-round operation. Dairy operation includes once-a-day milking, cleaning the barn, feeding cows, cleaning out their sleeping quarters (mostly in winter), preparing them for milking, prepping and cleaning the milking equipment, and moving cows out to pasture as well as managing pasture rotations.  Occasional assistance with calving and care of newborn calves is also required.

​The poultry enterprise also operates year-round. Specific tasks associated with poultry include taking care of chicks and poults while in brooder phase of production, taking care of growing broiler chickens on pasture including feeding and watering, moving portable shelters, loading chickens and turkeys for processing, gathering, cleaning and processing eggs from up to 2000 hens, moving eggmobiles several times per week and taking down/setting up their portable fencing. Other farm tasks will include managing pasture rotations for beef cattle and hogs, loading and unloading feed and hay trucks, helping operate farm equipment, planting and maintaining the pastures, feeding and moving pigs. Additional help may be required on occasion with farm store, customer interactions, product marketing, farm tours and events.

As part of your job you will be using and working with:

1.     Livestock. Our livestock are to be respected and well-cared for at all times. It is essential to always be attentive to their needs and health issues. Apprentices will be taught how to handle and work with the livestock and expected to follow and remember instructions. Working with animals demands the development of intuitive intensive observation skills.

2.     Farm equipment, machinery, tools, tractors, vehicles, etc. You will be taught how to safely operate farm tools, machinery and equipment and are expected to follow the instructions and handle the equipment safely and responsibly.

General Expectations:
We expect for you to want to be here, to be interested, to work hard, to laugh when you trip over a fence or fall on a manure pile, to learn from your mistakes and ours, to be challenged, to have grit and determination, to look for inspiration, to ask questions, to try new things, to be observant, self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team, able to do repetitive tasks without complaining, with a willingness to be taught and accept constructive criticism. You must be motivated, thrilled and inspired about our farm and regenerative farming. Our methods of farming can be very challenging but also very rewarding in humble ways.

​Compensation/Hours:
Starting compensation is $15 - $18 per hour depending on experience, during winter hours will be limited to 6-8 hours per day with 1-2 days off per week. During the growing season some days may be 10-12 hours – 6 days per week. At this time we do not have housing available on the Dundee farm, but there is ample affordable housing nearby as we are located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. There is also access to farm produced goods including raw milk, grassfed beef, pasture-raised pork, chicken and eggs at a discount and with a monthly food stipend.  All employees also receive Paid Time Off and participation in the farm profit-sharing program.

If you think you are the right person for this demanding job, please send a copy of your resume/work history and a note describing your interest and why you would be a good fit to cliff@allgrassfarms.com .  Successful candidates will have the potential to advance into farm management roles as well as entrepreneurial opportunities.

Farm Store Sales Associate (Part Time) - FILLED

We are looking for a passionate and energetic individual to add to our Farm Store Team, ideally 2-3 days per week with availability to work weekends. 15 - 20 hours per week. 

Job Description:
Our Team Members participate in every aspect of running the Farm Store. While our store may be small, it is a bustling enterprise that requires dedication, focus, and enthusiasm to run properly. We begin our day about an hour before we open and often stay 30 minutes after closing. You will keep busy talking to and ringing up customers, restocking products, keeping up on the milk supply and answering emails. Weekends can be particularly hectic when the weather is good and folks flock to walk the property, stock up on the week’s groceries and enjoy the Farm Tour on Saturdays.

Job Requirements:
Team members will need to be good multitaskers, prioritizing excellent customer service in person, via email and over the phone. We are often doing several things at once, including but not limited to:

- Restocking frozen meat, milk, vegetables and a variety of food products.

 -Keeping track of milk levels throughout the day.

- Restocking store products throughout the day and is able to lift up to 40lbs.

- Checking in, unpacking and inventorying orders.

- Completes store opening and closing tasks as assigned, including washing milk tank, cleaning store, restocking products and closing out the cash register.

- Other tasks as assigned.

Must be comfortable standing most of the work shift with limited time for sitting.

Applicants must be 18 years of age at start of position and able to lift at least 40 lbs. to shoulder height (boxes of eggs, containers of milk), and have a flexible work schedule that would include some nights, weekends and holidays. While most of the shift would take place in the farm store, sales associates are exposed to cold (walk in cooler/freezer) and hot temperatures (occasional customer support outside).

Ideal candidates are self-motivated, are able to work independently and as part of the store team, have willingness and interest in learning about the products sold in the store especially ones produced by All Grass Farms. As well as interest in local food and an excitement to share that information with our customers. Retail experience is preferred though not necessarily required.

Compensation $15 - $17/hr. based on experience, plus employee discount, a food stipends, and paid time off.  Interested candidates should forward resume and letter of interest to info@allgrassfarms.com.