Company description

Emergency Food Network (EFN) is located in Lakewood, WA and was established in 1982. In a given year we move over 14 million pounds of food and serve more than 71 partner programs. Our Board of Directors is active and engaged and we also have an Ambassador Board.

EFN also operates Mother Earth Farm (MEF), an 8-acre farm in the Puyallup River Valley to meet the need for fresh food in the community. Each year, MEF uses organic practices to grow over 120,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables a year for our partners. Mostly focused on vegetables, MEF also has an orchard, beehives, a flock of laying hens, and flower garden. We grow and harvest throughout the year, using two high tunnels and three caterpillar tunnels over the winter. MEF works closely on all farm tasks with a crew of incarcerated people from the Washington Correctional Center for Women in Gig Harbor as an educational and job-training program. The farm also relies on the work of farm assistants, interns, and volunteers from our surrounding community.

The Emergency Food Network’s mission is to provide Pierce County with a consistent, diverse, and nutritious food supply so no person goes hungry. We are excited about adding to our robust and talented team to achieve our mission. We are looking for someone with the experience growing high quality organic produce, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with a team.

Job description

Qualified candidates will have a passion for working with diverse groups of people and, preferably, at least one year of experience on a diversified organic farm.  Candidates should also have experience performing physically demanding and repetitive tasks, such as standing or bending for long periods of time, heavy lifting, and working outside in extreme weather.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry out all aspects of organic fruit and vegetable production including seeding, cultivating, transplanting, and weeding
• Lead tours describing Emergency Food Network and Mother Earth Farm’s mission, practices, and work in the community
• Maintenance and operation of drip irrigation systems
• Willingness to learn how to operate farm machinery including tractors, implements, and small engine machinery
• Ability to work independently or with groups of people
• Familiarity with light carpentry or equipment maintenance is a plus
• Train, lead, and work with groups of volunteers, including youth, with the supervision of farm management
• Work alongside a diverse crew of farm laborers while maintaining professional boundaries
• Lead crew members through farm tasks, such as harvesting, with the supervision of farm management
• Work on the farm independently with written instructions

EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO:

• Has at least one year of experience growing organic vegetables using systems similar to those at Mother Earth Farm
• Able to physically work long hours in hot or inclement weather with the possibility of bugs, ticks, snakes, or other critters
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly
• Demonstrates the ability to give and receive direction
• Demonstrates the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Able to work on many different tasks at once efficiently and with flexibility
• Enjoys working in a diverse, fast-paced environment with passionate, talented and committed people
• Has the ability to take initiative and to work independently and collaboratively as needed
• Exhibits patience, kindness to others, and a sense of humor
• Is a passionate advocate for access to nutritious food as a social justice strategy
• Has a valid driver’s license

WORK SCHEDULE:  This position starts mid-March and ends mid-November. Specific schedule and hours to be discussed. Hours available are between 24-35 hours per week. Work will need to be completed on weekends and select evenings for farm events.

COMPENSATION STARTING: 

• Hourly pay at $15/hour
• Sick time accrued at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours of work

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline