Company description

Good Cheer Food Bank serves Whidbey Island. We are a choice-based food bank and focus on providing whole foods and fresh produce. The farm is a program of the larger Good Cheer organization, which also operates the food bank and two thrift stores. The farm is just outside of  Langley- a very sweet seaside town along Puget Sound with small businesses and gorgeous ocean views. We are kitty-corner to a coffee shop, a town hall that throws dances, and the field where one of the island’s farmers markets is located. 

The garden team is composed of 3 individuals: two Farm Coordinators and a seasonal Farm Associate.  We are currently hiring a Farm Associate. We are a very small and close-knit crew and work closely together. Shared leadership is a central facet of the garden team and overall Good Cheer culture–we aim to make all members of the team feel that their opinions are valued in the decision making process. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in our food system and/or a strong understanding of the physical nature of farming.

Our Farm program focuses on growing produce and supplying the food bank in the fall, winter and spring when produce donations are at their lowest. We cultivate 1.25 acres on 2 sites, following organic practices and low- to-no-till principles. We have minimal machinery and everything is done by hand: silage tarps and a weed whacker allow us to manage cover crops and other organic matter, materials are moved with wheelbarrows, and beds are broadforked and shaped with a tilther. All of the food and flowers we grow go directly into the food bank, offering what we consider to be a farmer’s dream scenario–growing food without having to market or sell anything.  Most of our space is dedicated to annual row crops but we do have a few perennial row crops, fruit trees, fencelines dedicated to creating beneficial insect habitat, and small berry patches we stop by for summer snacks.

Volunteers are a crucial component to our organization’s success. We hold community as a central tenet to our goals and a driving force in the work we do. We have potluck lunches with farm volunteers, and throw pizza parties once a month where we invite volunteers and friends alike to make and enjoy woodfired pizza from our cob oven. 

While we strive for a high standard in our growing spaces and of our team, we also believe that farming is impossible without balance. We try to weave fun into our days and focus on gratitude for our ability to be outside and among the wildlife that surrounds us. When it is extra hot we make sure to keep each other hydrated and when it is very cold we all eat together in our heated break room with tea. We expect diligent, detail oriented hard work, and we also want to foster an environment that understands the whole person. 

While this position is at a food bank, this is a farm/garden position. Work days will be spent in the field, not working directly with people in the food bank. 

Job description

We are a small crew, so tasks are often performed as a team but you can expect to work independently as well. 

Field Work (85%)

• Field Work
• Transplanting
• Amending/ plant and soil care
• Weeding- with standing tools and by hand
• Bed prep- adding compost, manure, raking, broadforking, and shaping beds
• Miscellaneous projects- trellising, wood chipping, pruning, tarping etc.
• Irrigation
• Shared responsibility for daily/weekend watering and minor repairs
• Assist with major repairs and installation
• Harvesting, washing, and packing
• Site maintenance 
• Support mowing, composting, keeping a clean workplace, and general repairs

Management and Coordination (15%)

• Internal Communications
• Attend monthly peer check ins
• Support Garden Team communication with the Food Bank Team
• Occasionally work independently while co-leads meet with other departments
• Record keeping 
• Assist with maintaining records of volunteer hours, harvest data, planting data, and purchases
• Help ensure volunteers are following food safety guidelines
• Volunteer coordination 
• Assist with planning and preparing for volunteer days
• Work with volunteers in a supportive role on designated weekly volunteer days 
• Lead small groups of volunteers independently during large community work days (on average, twice per month)

Position Requirements

• Physical and mental strength to perform hard, manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift, carry, and drag at least 50 lbs
• Strong initiative and strong, self-motivated work ethic
• Positive attitude, and ability to function as a supportive team member
• Interest in connecting with and supporting the community
• 1-2 years of previous experience in a physical labor job preferred

Compensation & Schedule

• Temporary position (April 1- September 30)
• 6 month position, some start date flexibility
• Average of 40 hours per week
• Monday-Friday with weekend responsibilities one-two weekends per month
• Compensation at an hourly rate of $18.76 
• Vacation and Sick time
• Optional vision and dental insurance
• Discount at Good Cheer thrift stores
• Fresh produce from the farm

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

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Deadline

February 09, 2025