Company description

Orkestai Farm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Nassau County, Long Island. Our primary worksite is in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on an acre plus of land in the park’s grassy meadows, adjacent to forests. Our no-till certified organic practices prioritize the vitality of the soil, the food and other life we cultivate and the people drawn to our community. We also share and teach our regenerative methods of vegetable farming to Growers with and without Developmental (Dis)Abilities. We exist to promote the creative participation of All people in society through the practice of ecological agriculture and the expressive arts. 

Job description

Orkestai Farm is looking for an experienced Organic Farmer. The ideal applicant will have experience both working on a vegetable farm and interfacing with people of diverse backgrounds, and also be passionate about sustaining local food systems and connecting people to our Earth and to each other. Ideally, the Organic Farmer will also be familiar with regenerative agriculture and no-till methods of growing. The Organic Farmer will report to the Director of Farm Operations and Executive Director and assist in planning, executing, and overseeing vegetable farm production, which includes but is not limited to: crop planning, seed ordering, succession planning, greenhouse management, irrigation and mulching, nutrient management, CSA coordination, weed management, organic pest management, harvest and post-harvest handling of vegetables, and record keeping for NOFA NY organic certification.  In addition, the Organic Farmer will guide volunteers and program participants where indicated. The applicant must be a self-starter, able to take initiative and communicate that initiative to others in an effective and inclusive way. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and complete manual field work, including but not limited to bed preparation, transplanting, hand-weeding, trellising, irrigation set up and management, pest and disease management, etc. Propagation, cultivation, and care for greenhouse and field crops, under supervision and guidance of the Director of Operations.
• Maintain task, seed, harvest, input, sales records, both on paper and digitally
• Harvest, wash, and pack for CSA and farmers markets
• Drive farm van and possibly cool-bot trailer to Farmers Market and run farm stand
• Keep farm neat and orderly at all times
• Teach volunteers and program participants when indicated
• Communicate effectively other staff, volunteers, and program participants

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Has at least two full seasons of experience on an organic or no-till farm, and the ability to learn quickly and be resourceful in the moment
• Has a passion for soil and protecting our Earth and can speak about it to visitors and program participants
• Is energetic and has a great work ethic
• Loves working outdoors in any weather
• Can take direction and give direction, communicate effectively,  and is a team player
• Is organized and professional
• Is able to work independently and be very self-motivated
• Is punctual and time efficient
• Is able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly, and to squat, kneel, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time
• Has a valid driver's license

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• A progressive and social work environment as part of a small team
• An embodied life under the sun, with access to 400 plus acres of trails and gardens to explore when not working
• The excitement, innovation and health of regenerative no-till agriculture
• The potential for a long term sustainable career as a farmer
• A living competitive wage
• Potential to be creative in the field
• 30-40 hours per week (4-5 days a week) from March - November
• Fresh vegetables to take home, when available

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $17.00 - $20.00

Application instructions

Deadline

February 28, 2021