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.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks:
- 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.
- 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.
- Livestock Care: Participate in all levels of alpaca care, including health checks, feeding, watering, and administering medications.
Qualifications & Skills We’re Looking For:
- Sincere love of animals and appreciation for sustainable agriculture practices.
- Ability to use and maintain garden and pasture care equipment.
- Knowledge of and commitment to good food safety practices (especially for egg handling).
- Personable and capable of working effectively with the public, interns, and diverse volunteer groups.
- Willingness to learn and develop fiber art skills (e.g., knitting, crocheting, weaving).
- Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks, and excellent decision-making abilities.
- 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.
- Basic computer skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
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.
Join Our Non-Profit Mission!
Become part of the White Violet Center in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, a place dedicated to ecological justice and sustainable living. You’ll gain invaluable experience in a unique eco-farm environment and contribute to a meaningful mission.
Ready to grow a sustainable future with us? Apply for this rewarding Farm & Fiber Specialist position today!
