Allegheny GoatScape is hiring for a part-time seasonal position this year!
Seasonal Shepherd (PT)
Allegheny GoatScape’s mission is to reduce invasive and unwanted vegetation in public spaces and vacant lots, utilizing goats for browsing. Working in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny GoatScape accomplishes this mission by partnering with organizations, land owners, and businesses and allowing our goat herds to eat vegetation on overgrown properties. Giving goats access to intentional properties removes vegetation in an eco-friendly and efficient manner, setting the stage for additional land management and restoration. Allegheny GoatScape also promotes goat husbandry, education and resource access for those interested in raising goats in the Pittsburgh region.
Allegheny GoatScape seeks an energetic and physically able person who enjoys working outside with animals and people, and wants to help improve our environment through a unique means of invasive plant control in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our shepherds are a vital member of our small organization, performing formidable but fulfilling work.
Regular tasks for the seasonal shepherd (goatherd) position will include:
Preparing sites for projects by clearing fence lines and setting up fencing
Maintaining fencing equipment
Support care of our animals while they are working on projects
Supporting the animals’ efforts by landscaping along side the animals as they work
Regularly helping load and move animals from project to project
Interacting with the public and occasionally working with enthusiastic volunteers.
Candidates must have their own vehicle, be self-motivated and organized within a flexible work schedule, and may need to work on Saturdays and/or Sundays. They must have the ability to move heavy (40 pounds +) materials on a regular basis and feel comfortable working with large animals on hillsides and uneven ground in all types of Western Pennsylvania summer weather. They will work closely with the other Allegheny GoatScape staff to accomplish tasks, but some of this work will be independent.
This position is ideal for someone who wants to work outside this summer, has prior experience working with farm animals or landscaping, has at least some working plant knowledge, and feels comfortable speaking with the public in one-on-one and group settings.
Responsibilities Include:
Having reliable personal transportation
Supporting and monitoring the care of our animals in five small goat herds and their miniature donkeys, while they work on projects throughout Allegheny County
Preparing sites for projects by clearing fence lines and setting up fencing
Help with moving animals from project to project
Responsibilities may include:
Posting information through social media platforms
Mapping and database input
Public presentations
Skills Needed and other requirements:
Excellent communications skills
Ability to carry in excess of 40 pounds on a regular basis
Ability to work on hillsides and precarious landscape situations such as natural areas where poison ivy, thickets, or ticks may be present.
Ability to work in inclement weather including on hot and sunny, wet and rainy Pittsburgh days
Ability to work independently
Comfort working with and around large animals
Positive attitude and flexibility, including work on weekends; capacity to work well on a small team
Passion for social and environmental justice
Experience Wanted:
Relevant experiences with animals and/or outdoor environmental landscaping and improvement
Experience with diverse populations
Time & Compensation:
Up to $18.00/hour for 20 hours/week; holidays paid time and a half;
Travel and phone correspondence can be compensated
Seasonal time period that can begin as early as mid April and conclude between September and November 2024
How to apply? Please provide a letter of intent (which can be in the email body) and resume to jobs@alleghenygoatscape.org, along with 2-3 references.