Company description

Our Farm(s) are a branch of the cooperatively owned grocery store: Weavers Way Co-op.  See below!

Weavers Way is a not-for-profit organization that’s doing things differently to support our local community. As a member-owned co-op, we don’t exist just to make money. Weavers Way operates on a triple bottom line philosophy known as People-Planet-Profit - which means every action we take, we strive to benefit people (our community, employees, and local vendors), planet (we strive to be one of the most sustainable places around!), and profit (so we can support our team members and operate as a business). By joining us, you’re helping us fulfill our mission of keeping dollars in our local community, supporting over 300 local food vendors, and being a part of strengthening and enriching the people and planet around us.

Job description

Early April - late November

This is the longest season field assistant position working at Henry Got Crops Farm, working alongside the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager. This is a full-time position working seasonally from April until November, so assistants get to see the full season of planting and harvest. Expect everything from transplanting, weeding, and harvesting in a quick-paced, community-focused environment with a dedicated field crew!

The ideal candidate will assist with all farm operations and the implementation of the seeding, planting and harvest plans for the farm. This position is ideal for someone who has one or two years of apprenticeship/internship experience and is looking to deepen and broaden their farming skills at a community centric, urban, production farm. 

 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

The field assistant is responsible for supporting the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager in day-to-day farm operation and maintenance. Basic tasks include preparing beds, planting, watering, and harvesting, as well as amending the soil, weeding, thinning, and pest and disease prevention and control. Field assistants should be comfortable instructing, supervising, and working alongside a diversity of volunteers and high school students. 

Weavers Way Farms consists of two vegetable farms and an orchard. Our food goes to a 260-person CSA, Weavers Way stores, an on-site farm market, and other outlets in the community. The assistant position will primarily focus on Henry Got Crops farm site, but may be required to help with large harvests or large projects at the other farm location, on an as-needed basis. Field assistants may also be asked to assist with the on-site CSA pick-up or in the orchard.

We are primarily a no-till farm but field assistants may occasionally use a walk behind two-wheel tractor. Field assistants will also use mowers, weed whackers, and frequently drive a utility vehicle on-site. Field assistants may also be asked to utilize our farm truck to move plants, produce, and supplies between farms. Training will be provided. 

Administrative Tasks: clocking in and out, completing invoices, logging harvest pounds, submitting receipts for expense reimbursements or mileage reimbursements if any arise.

Minimum Qualifications:

A season farming, landscaping or gardening preferred. 
Physical Requirement and Timeline Commitment: Field Assistant is expected to commit to a minimum of one growing season, starting in April until the end of November. You should be able to work under adverse conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain) and be able to lift 50 lbs, preferably at the same time. 
Skills/Attributes: Must be team oriented, a strong communicator, and flexible. Must have a strong work ethic and willingness to get dirty. Must have attention to speed and a desire to learn efficient work processes. Must have a high attention to detail and superb quality control skills.  Must be able to work well in a team as well as independently. Must have an ability and desire to work with and supervise volunteers and students of all ages and abilities. 
Hours: Hours and days are dictated by the ebbs and flows of the season. Field Assistant is expected to work 5 days a week, averaging 35-44hrs per week (8-9 hours/day) More/less hours per week might occasionally be necessary during the slower/busiest times of the season. Occasional weekend days might be requested for special events or additional harvesting.  Any rare weekend day will be scheduled with as much advance notice as possible.

Compensation/Benefits: This is an hourly paid position, starting at $18/hr, eligible for Weaver Way Co-op benefits.  Farm staff are welcome to have produce from the farms, and receive a staff discount and working member discount of 15% at Weavers Way Coop and our own Farm Market. All hours worked over 40 hours/week are straight pay, not subject to overtime rate, unless the assistant engages in “non-agricultural labor” such as working at the farm market.

Staff must complete child abuse clearances and a PA background check, because this role interacts with vulnerable populations.

Reports to: Farm Manager (of respective site)

Salary Description:
Starting at $18 per hour
 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $18.00 - $18.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

November 10, 2024