Company description

Ecolibrium is a bio-intensive, market garden located in the Sammamish Valley in Washington (about 10 miles from Seattle).

While our focus is on growing produce, the principles we employ in our field support the larger ecosystem within which we farm. These principles are rooted in a profound reverence and fascination with the natural world, and the belief that the more diverse the land is the more resilient the farm can be.  

Techniques we use to sustain the farm and regenerate the ecological robustness of the world around us:

• Adhere to low-till methods as we prepare our beds

• Maintain organic certification - WSDA and The Real Organic Project

• No synthetic pesticides

• Targeted fertilization with granular organic amendments, reducing run-off into local waterways

• Keep the edges of the field wild so beneficial, birds, insects and fungi can have habitat

 

Job description Ecolibrium Farms seeks passionate Farm Crew Members for 2024 Season.
 

At Ecolibrium we are driven by market gardening principles, utilizing human-scale tactics and keeping a light footprint, as we produce a large quantity of quality produce on small acreage, using ecologically-sound practices. We have high expectations of our team - both physically and mentally, and hope to build a successful team of fully committed members looking to ensure the proper function of a successful farm.

Working together and under the farm leadership team (farm manager and farm director), the farm crew will be involved in most aspects of the operations required to successfully run a farm. This includes bed prep, greenhouse/nursery management, planting, cultivation, irrigation and assuring harvest occurs on schedule and to a high standard of quality.

The ideal candidate will share our fervent passion for growing the best tasting food in a way that is good for the land. They will have at least one season of farming experience (internships/apprenticeships available for those who have no experience), preferably in the Pacific NW. Good communication and self-motivation are essential as the position requires daily collaboration with the entire field crew.

Due to the seasonal nature of vegetable production, this job will start in early-to-mid spring and end in the fall.  For those graduating college, a late May-early June start date is possible. Field crew members must be willing and able to work long hours (40+ at times) during peak season as the needs of the farm dictate. Regular schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm, with a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break and some weekend work in rotation with the other members of the team (typically 1-2 days/month). Applicants should not plan extended vacation time during the primary growing season (April 15-October 15).  

This is ideally a full-time, temporary position, though with the right experience we will hire for part-time positions (3 days a week at least).  Compensation is $15-18/hr, depending on experience. Perks include free produce from the farm (and typically pastries from the Belgian bakery we sell to:)! 

We're committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply.

Skills/competencies required:

• Desire and passion for working outside, with seasonally heavy work loads and public interaction 

  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work long hours in all types of weather conditions

  • Represent the values of the company while interacting with anyone on site

  • Enthusiasm for sustainable food production

  • Maintain positive attitude and team cohesion amongst the field crew

• Market gardening experience

  • Experience with content (web or print) created by JM Fortier, Curtis Stone, Ben Hartman, Conor Crickmore and/or Eliot Coleman

• Familiarity with the Pacific NW climate and unique growing challenges

• Proven track record of operating a vehicle safely, valid driver’s license and ability to drive large passenger van/box truck

• Familiarity with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards

• Familiarity with Google Suite software 

• Adaptability - ability to be flexible when changes occur - weather, tasks, etc.

• Ability to identify potential problems, make decisions and recommend viable solutions

• Drive for Results/Resource Management--Identifies new ways to improve quality and productivity. Uses available resources efficiently (e.g., time, materials, equipment).

Working directly with the rest of the farm crew tasks will include:

• Implementing Crop plan

  • Perform tasks in 4-season greenhouse, propagation greenhouse and field

  • Maintaining/mowing unplanted areas around production field

  • Be at morning check ins to learn tasks for the day (8:00 am sharp)

• You will learn about:

  • Soil fertility

  • Designing and implementing irrigation for fields, orchards, greenhouses

    • Including PVC piping, drip tape, sprinklers, misters

  • Data collection to improve farm operations and meet organic certification needs

  • Creating logs - (i.e. greenhouse, seeding/transplanting, bed prep, harvest) with attention to detail and meticulous record keeping

Compensation this position is : hourly, varies DOE, $15.00 - $18.00 Application instructions Deadlineno deadline