Goat Grazing Apprenticeship – Forestry & Sustainable Agriculture

Slippery Slope Goats | Vermont

Overview

Slippery Slope Goats is a Vermont-based mobile goat grazing business seeking apprentices interested in sustainable agriculture, forestry, ecology, and land stewardship. Apprentices will work in remote, forested landscapes using no-fence (virtual fencing) technology to manage goats for invasive species control, forest health, and regenerative land use.

This apprenticeship is well suited for students or graduates of Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related programs seeking hands-on, field-based experience. GOAT EXPERIENCE NOT REQUIRED– I will train any candidate with strong work ethics and eagerness to become a part of the future of sustainable land management. 

Apprenticeship Emphasis

This position bridges agriculture and forestry, with a focus on:

• Regenerative and conservation grazing systems
  
   
• Forest and understory vegetation monitoring
  
   
• Plant and invasive species identification
  
   
• Grazing impact assessment and adaptive management
  
   
• Ecological data collection and record keeping
  
   
• Mobile livestock systems and land-based decision making
  
   

Field Responsibilities

• Managing goats using no-fence collar systems
  
   
• Working in forested, steep, and remote terrain
  
   
• Traveling to grazing sites throughout Vermont and New York 
  
   
• Wilderness camping with goats during multi-day projects
  
   
• Daily livestock care and behavioral observation
  
   
• Collecting vegetation, grazing, and site data
  
   
• Safely operating four-wheelers (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles
  
   
• Operating basic farm and land-management equipment
  
   
• Assisting with hauling goats and equipment using a truck and trailer
  
   

Ideal Candidate

This apprenticeship is a strong fit for someone who:

• Is 18 years or older and has a valid driving license
• Is studying or has studied sustainable agriculture, forestry, ecology, or land management
• Enjoys hands-on fieldwork in rural and remote settings
• Has wilderness camping and backcountry travel skills
• Is comfortable with physical labor and variable weather
• Values observation, record keeping, and ecological outcomes
• Is reliable, adaptable, and safety-minded
• Must have own cell phone to run mobile grazing software 
• Ability to lift over 50 pounds
  
   

Experience with ATVs, side-by-sides, equipment operation, or hauling is a plus but not required.

Teams Welcome

Teams of two are encouraged to apply together, including partners, friends, or classmates with shared outdoor experience.

Skills & Experience You’ll Gain

• Applied experience in regenerative and conservation grazing
  
   
• Forest and pasture vegetation assessment
  
   
• Invasive species management using livestock
  
   
• Ecological data collection and site monitoring
  
   
• Use of no-fence livestock technology
  
   
• Safe operation of ATVs and side-by-sides
  
   
• Mobile farm and fieldwork logistics
  
   
• Insight into operating a mobile grazing business
  
   

Location & Field Conditions

• Project sites across Vermont and New York, often on remote mountainsides
  
   
• Frequent travel and extended wilderness camping
  
   
• Physically demanding, weather-dependent work
  
   
• Limited access to services and cell coverage
  
   

Compensation & Timing

• Apprenticeship duration: Dates are flexible but ideally May 15th 2026 until October 1st 2026, but willing to be flexible for the right candidates. 
  
   
• Compensation: Negotiable depending on experience 
  
   
• Schedule: Full Time Seasonal 

Typical Days In the Life

Along with the hard work comes the opportunity to explore and travel throughout Vermont and New York.  Goats are contained by a virtual fencing system and in some areas portable electronet fencing.  Sometimes we will have multiple jobs happening at one time– some with sheep on solar, and some with goats in various locations.  Moving and setup days are the most chaotic- loading goats, traveling to new locations, (wrangling goats onto trucks and trailers) and moving equipment.  Once goats are on a job site the expectation is that you will let them out into their new pasture in the morning, check water, and set up new portable fencing for the day.  Once the goats are settled, you will have until dusk to do as you please- within a reasonable driving distance to the job location.  Some days are crazy and require physical labor, other days are easy going, relaxed, and very flexible.  

How to Apply

Please submit resumes (and a brief note describing your interests in sustainable agriculture and/or forestry and your outdoor experience), and letters of recommendation to: ------------