Company description

The Farm at Our House's mission is to grow fresh produce sustainably and provide work development opportunities for young people.  We are  located in Brookeville, Maryland, 15 miles north of Washington, DC. We grow certified organic small fruits and vegetables and raise honey bees on 12 acres.  We manage an additional 15 acres. The farm is located on 140 acres owned by Our House www.our-house.org , a residential job training center for young men ages 16-21.  We do not own the land we farm on, but have farmed the land for over a decade and have a 5 year lease.  We manage a 200 member 24-28 week CSA, sell at 2 local farmers' markets, both of which are within 15 miles of the farm, and sell to wholesalers.  We are a great farm to work for if you are interested in learning how to grow mixed vegetables and berries sustainably and efficiently, enjoy working with a truly diverse group of people and are interested in taking on additional responsibility as you develop your farming craft. 

Our House residents have the opportunity, should they choose and comply with our work expectations, to work on the farm, earn income, and develop job skills to prepare for adulthood.  College students and high school students also intern on the farm.   
 
This position has not been filled and we welcome candidates to apply.

Job description

Fieldwork (85 %): Implement daily priorities and policies as determined by the farm manager. Lead and perform fieldwork, including planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of crops; assist with mushroom production, equipment maintenance, repair and requisition, greenhouse and high tunnel maintenance and supervision, and property landscaping;  

Marketing, Wholesales Management and Business Development (10%):
Represent the farm at weekly farmers markets or CSA pickup sites including driving, packing and unpacking the farm truck.

Manage wholesale orders and work towards developing a broader client base.

Planning/Professional Development: Participate in budgeting, crop rotation planning, crop/variety selection, capital project planning and conferences.

Administrative (2.5%): Ensure work is documented; sales are recorded and organic certification documentation requirements are met.  

Management (2.5%): Help oversee a team of college summer interns, high school volunteers and Our House residents.  All farm crew members report directly to our farm manager.

Requirements:

• Enthusiasm and Curiosity for Farming
• Driver's license and willingness to drive box truck - operating a vehicle will be essential to your job duties
• Ability to do physical labor for long periods of time in heat, rain and cold.
• Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills.

Not Required, but Preferred

• One year of experience farming or horticultural experience with the application of sustainable agriculture principles and organic farming. 
• Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in relevant subject matter is preferred, but not required. 
• We will work with you so that you can focus on your specific interest on the farm as much as possible.
• Experience working with at-risk youth preferred, but not needed.
• Construction, irrigation, electrical and mechanical repair skills are always a plus.
• Social Media and Website development skills.

Future Opportunities: The position does have the potential to become a year-round job. Opportunities to receive a pay raise and bonus during the season also exist.  Ultimately, we would like to hire an assistant farm manager.  

Compensation: 

Depending on experience- pay starts between $15-$16/hr. free produce, free access to professional development, flex time for paid leave. No health insurance or housing is available at this time.  Bonus for folks that stay the whole year. Opportunities for promotion.

We are looking to hire 1more farm crew member by Memorial Day or sooner ideally.  This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in sustainable vegetable farming or would like to own their own farm one day or has a deep interest in the farming and the business of farming.

International Workers: At this time we are unable to hire anyone living outside of the United States who does not already possess appropriate work authorization documents.  

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $15.00 - $16.00

Application instructions

Deadline

June 01, 2023