Activities include goat care (feeding, watering, cleaning pens), cheesemaking (ladling cheese curds, salting cheeses, packing & wrapping cheeses, cleaning cheeserie, etc.), assisting with milking and cleanup after milking and occasional orchard management activities (mainly weeding, mowing and fruit picking).

Hours are somewhat flexible but we prefer someone who is willing to work afternoons/early evenings week days.  Occasional weekend hours may be required.  

Qualifications:  willingness to work hard; attention to detail, particularly in maintaining sanitary and hygienic conditions in the cheeseerie and dairy; interest in the “science” of cheesemaking (biology, chemistry) as well as the art.  Experience with goats or other dairy livestock a plus. 

Position is hourly and will start at $9/hr.  Workers compensation is covered, but no other benefits are available. Position is somewhat seasonal in that hours will decrease dramatically during January and February when the goats are dry and cheesemaking is suspended. 

Start date: on or before September 1, 2006. We prefer someone who is willing to commit to at least one year of employment. 

For inquiries, contact: Leslie Cooperband, Co-Owner and Cheesemaker, Prairie Fruits Farm

Telephone: 217-643-2314

Email: prairiefruits@gmail.com

For more information about our farm, visit our website: www.prairiefruits.com