Our company owns a rural property in the hills of Hot Springs, NC (about an hour outside of Asheville) and are looking for a homesteader to live on-site. This leader will oversee the property and help build, sustain and upgrade infrastructure, food (crops and livestock), and assist with various projects.

This role requires a strong work ethic, a passion for sustainable living, and the ability to adapt to various tasks and challenges. We are looking for a candidate with a wide variety of core skills, the highest integrity, and a desire to live for an extended period of time on-site.

Direct or immediate family (wife and children) may also live on-site. Compensation includes lodging, utilities, and other benefits.

Responsibilities

• Land Management: Utilize land effectively for agriculture, gardening, and livestock raising. This includes planning, planting, weeding, and harvesting crops, as well as managing pasture for livestock grazing.
• Animal Care: Raise and care for various animals such as chickens, goats, sheep, cows, rabbits or other livestock, ensuring their health, nutrition, and welfare.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Build, repair, and maintain infrastructure essential for homesteading such as fences, animal shelters, barns, and greenhouses.
• Food Preservation: Process and preserve food through methods such as canning, drying, fermenting, and freezing to ensure a sustainable food supply throughout the year.
• Resource Management: Manage resources efficiently, including water, energy, and waste, with a focus on sustainability and conservation.
• Off-Grid Living: Implement and maintain off-grid systems for power generation (solar panels, water turbines, etc.), water collection and purification, and waste management.
• Homestead Finances: Manage budgeting and financial planning for the homestead, including income generation through the sale of surplus produce, eggs, meat, or value-added products.
• Community Engagement: Participate in local homesteading communities, farmers markets, and educational outreach to share knowledge and resources with others interested in sustainable living.

Qualifications

• Experience: Previous experience in farming, gardening, animal husbandry, or related fields is preferred.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to troubleshoot and solve problems independently, especially in remote or off-grid settings.
• Passion for Sustainability: Strong commitment to sustainable living practices and environmental stewardship.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances inherent in homesteading life.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as communicate effectively with neighbors, suppliers, customers, and leaders.

Benefits

• Self-Sufficiency: Opportunity to live a self-sufficient lifestyle, producing your own food and resources.
• Connection to Nature: Immersion in natural surroundings and the satisfaction of working with the land.
• Community: Engagement with like-minded individuals in the homesteading and sustainable living community.
• Learning Opportunities: Continuous learning and skill development in various aspects of agriculture, animal husbandry, and sustainable living practices.
• Health and Well-being: Physical activity, fresh air, and wholesome food contribute to overall health and well-being.