Company description

College of the Atlantic’s (COA) Beech Hill Farm produces certified organic vegetables for COA and the local community, while using methods that maintain the integrity and health of the land, and work toward environmental and economic sustainability. We have six acres in production and six greenhouses. In addition to providing locally and sustainably raised produce and meat to COA, Beech Hill Farm operates a busy seasonal farm store, offers a CSA program, sells to local markets and restaurants and distributes food through our student run food access program. We are located on Mount Desert Island, home to beautiful Acadia National Park.

Beech Hill Farm provides educational opportunities to COA students and community members through our work-study program, summer work program, independent projects, class visits, events, and workshops.  

Job description

Job Overview:

Full season crew leaders are responsible for leading student employees and summer field crew in all aspects of production including seeding, transplanting, cultivating, harvest, wash/pack, sales and distribution. Depending on experience, the full season crew members have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities in various aspects of the farm including greenhouse propagation, post harvest handling and tractor work.

Qualifications:

• Willingness to work collaboratively and productively with a diverse group of people. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in all kinds of weather.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time. 
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced environment. 
• At least two seasons working on a commercial vegetable production farm. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead summer crew members and student employees in all aspects of production, while setting pace and providing support, feedback and training to the production team.
• Participate in all aspects of seedling production including preparing soil trays, seeding, watering and transplant care. 
• Assist with greenhouse production including bed preparation, cultivation, planting, harvesting and maintenance. 
• Assist with field production including bed preparation, transplanting, cultivation, row cover application, mulching, trellising, pruning, tarping and harvest. 
• Assist with washing and packing produce for distribution.  Maintain a high standard of cleanliness, aesthetic appearance and food safety protocols. 
• Assist with general farm cleaning and maintenance. Tasks may range from cleaning the crew kitchen and bathroom to rebuilding greenhouses.
•  In addition, full season crew leaders may be asked to: 
  • Deliver produce throughout Mount Desert Island.
  • Pack and distribute CSA shares.
  • Operate tractors and other farm equipment. 

Compensation:

$20/hr, free farm produce and 40% off in our farm store. 

Housing:

Full season crew leaders have the option to rent a room in a five bedroom apartment in Northeast Harbor with other farm staff. Rent is $475/month and includes utilities. There is also an option to live in an on-farm seasonal cabin. 

 

Vacation and time off:

Full season crew leaders are allotted 1 hour paid time off (PTO) for every 40 hours worked. PTO can be used starting 120 days from commencement of employment. In addition crew leaders may take 10 days unpaid time off. 

 

Schedule:

March 31st - November 26th.

We work Monday - Friday or Tuesday - Saturday, 7am  - 4pm during the height of the season, but start at 8am in the shoulder seasons.

 

 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline