Company description

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center is a nonprofit, certified organic farm located on over 50 acres of conserved land along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, Vermont. Our organization has a deep commitment to developing regenerative agriculture systems for our fruit, vegetable, and flower production and to offering educational programming that builds connections between our food, ecosystems, and community.

Our farm is a community hub with a farmstand, retail greenhouses, a farm kitchen, a coffee shop, a cut flower garden, education programs, and unique CSA options. It’s a place where folks can learn about and deepen their appreciation for organic regenerative agriculture.

Our staff is a reflection of our community and is the most essential aspect of our farm. When you join our dynamic team, you’ll have the opportunity to make valuable contributions to our greater mission of promoting organic, regenerative farming and the transition to a localized food economy!

Job description

Full Time, Year Round

We believe it takes self-initiative, constant and thoughtful communication, a strong belief in the purpose and impact of our work, creativity, and love and appreciation for one another in order to accomplish the challenge that is diversified farming. The vegetable production team at Cedar Circle carries out all of the food-crop growing responsibilities on our 25 acres and 9 in-ground greenhouses. From seed to transplant to washed and packed product, we all partake in the manifold tasks required to grow healthy and abundant food for our community

We are currently seeking a leadership team member with multiple years of diversified organic vegetable growing experience and an interest in joining our team for multiple growing seasons. Bring your experience and learn, collaborate and grow with us!

Leadership members within the production department participate in all aspects of farming, collaborating on team goals, with each member taking ownership of a subset of responsibilities and accountabilities for the department. We look forward to getting to know about your experiences and interests as we define the key areas of responsibilities for this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All growing duties can be expected to be a part of this role including prop house work, bed prep, transplant, weeding and cultivation, pest-management, irrigation, wash pack, harvest etc. However, leadership responsibilities that extend beyond these tasks include:

• Crew Coordination - One of the chief responsibilities of leadership team members at Cedar Circle is to coordinate and train crew members, ensure their health and wellbeing, and help to navigate any conflict that may arise. Team leaders are expected to be considerate and caring and attuned to people’s temperaments such that the farm can function both efficiently and harmoniously. Much of crew coordination entails setting goals, pace of work, and quality standards. It is important for experienced leadership team members to connect farming tasks with their desired end-goal such that the crew has an understanding of and feels fulfillment in their work. All leadership team members are also responsible for ensuring harvest quality standards.
• Weekly Planning - Though coordination is ongoing and tasks are dynamic through the week, the leadership team comes together weekly to develop a prioritization of tasks and general workflow. During this time, each member brings to the table a list of objectives pertinent to their responsibilities. Interdepartmental collaborations are also a part of this planning.
• Farm Strategy (Annual Planning) - In addition to the weekly boots-on-the-ground planning, the leadership team develops (mostly during the winter months) the annual farm strategy. From crop plans, to equipment and infrastructure needs, to developing and adjusting cultural techniques, the leadership team collaborates at the close of each season to set the farm up for success in the following year. Many of these topics are mapped out in full such that as the busy season ramps up, much of the to-do’s are already in place. This strategizing requires a great deal of reflection, creativity and an eye towards innovative methods and new enterprises.
• Record Keeping and Documentation - It may not be the thing that gets us out of bed in the morning but the leadership team works together and individually within their areas of accountability, to make sure that all paperwork and records are in order and up to date. Record keeping is important for Organic and FSMA compliance, and as a tool for financial and cultural planning such that the farm can continue to improve its processes and meet our collective goals.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• At least three seasons of production vegetable farm experience
• Leadership experience (we want to hear about it!)
• Excellent time management skills
• Consistent attention to detail
• Positive and energetic interpersonal skills
• Clear communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
• Ability to work for long durations in inclement weather – standing, sitting, bending over, or kneeling
• Flexibility to work long days and weekends during the growing season
• 2+ years of commitment

COMPENSATION

This is a year-round position with full-time hours. A reduction in winter hours is typical so as to make up for the additional hours accrued during the growing season. The Vegetable Production Lead is an hourly position with benefits including health care coverage (100% of the group premium is employer paid), paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan, fresh produce, and a discount to our farm stand. Salary range is $17-21/hr, depending on qualifications.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline