DGA Apprenticeship Program

Wolfe's Neck Center; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 17,616 - 25,089; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid vacation

Paid sick days

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

A leading agricultural education center in Freeport, Maine is offering the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program for early-career farmers. This two-year, full-time program provides hands-on training in pasture-based farming systems. Apprentices will learn livestock care, rotational grazing, and dairy operations, under mentorship. Starting wage is $15.50/hour with on-site housing provided for $350/month. Benefits available after a probationary period, including health and dental insurance, paid vacation, and retirement savings plan.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work flexible hours including weekends.
• No prior farm experience required.
• Eagerness to learn and work hard.

Responsibilities

• Milking a herd of 30–40 cows according to standards.
• Cleaning and maintaining milking facilities and equipment.
• Handling livestock and conducting health checks.
• Setting up fencing and water systems for grazing.
• Maintaining digital records related to farm operations.
• Operating farm equipment including tractors.

Skills

Passionate about farming

Physically capable

Comfortable in all weather conditions

Observant and curious

Resilient

Job description

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) is a two-year, full-time, on-farm training program designed for early-career farmers interested in regenerative, pasture-based systems. As apprentices advance through the program, they take on greater responsibility in farm decision-making and management, supported by mentorship and formal instruction.

Apprentices work alongside experienced staff, gaining hands‑on experience in all aspects of seasonal livestock care, rotational grazing, and dairy operations. The program includes 3,712 hours of mentored, on-farm training and 300 hours of structured coursework, providing a comprehensive pathway toward becoming a skilled dairy grazier and earning Journeyperson certification.

Key Learning Areas & Responsibilities

Apprentices progress from foundational skills to increased responsibility, building competency and confidence in:

• Milking a herd of 30–40 cows in accordance with organic and state dairy standards
• Cleaning and maintaining milking equipment and facilities
• Livestock handling, including moving animals for grazing, conducting health checks, and sorting
• Setting up and managing fencing and water systems for rotational grazing
• Maintaining digital records (e.g., PastureMap and herd records)
• Supporting daily chores, haymaking, and general farm maintenance
• Operating farm equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, and trailers

Candidate Qualities

We are seeking individuals who are:

• Passionate about farming and eager to learn
• Observant, curious, and resilient
• Comfortable with physically demanding work in all weather conditions
• Respectful of people, animals, and the land
• Able to lift 50+ pounds and work a flexible schedule, including weekends

Previous farm experience is helpful but not required.

Position Details

• Starting wage: $15.50/hour, with incremental raises ($0.50 every six months)
• Approximately 40 hours per week; schedule varies seasonally and includes at least one weekend day
• On‑site housing is required and provided at a cost of $350/mo (paid via payroll deduction)
• Includes mentorship, field trips, peer learning opportunities, and access to DGA coursework
• A 12‑week probationary period at the start of the apprenticeship

After the 12‑week probationary period, the apprentice is eligible for benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a retirement savings plan.

Build your career in regenerative agriculture with Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment through the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship.

Additional Information

The qualifications listed above represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this role successfully. If you do not meet every qualification but believe you would be a strong fit, we encourage you to apply or reach out with questions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation (including gender identity or expression), veteran status, or disability. Applicants are evaluated based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the position, relevant experience, and professional references.