Company description

Green Things Farm Collective is a community-centered, organic, and no-till farm located just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. We specialize in the direct sale of produce, flowers, and beef, to our local eaters through our farm stand, farm memberships, farmers markets, local restaurants, and a variety of local grocery and food distribution programs. With respect for age-old traditions, practices, and economics of small-scale farming and land stewardship, we seek to pioneer a new model of regenerative agriculture that reflects the world we live in today and moves us towards a healthier future. 

We pride ourselves on building an organization that empowers our team members to hone their farming craft over time and contribute to a compassionate farming community that celebrates good work and well-earned bounty.

Job description

Our Field Crew Members are the heart of our operation, working as a team to carry out a wide range of day-to-day tasks associated with producing, processing, and selling our vegetables and flowers. Because of the highly diverse and seasonally shifting variety of tasks, unique practices and systems associated with our operation, new crew members, regardless of their past farming experience, are considered 'in training' on our farm for a full season. Trainings and presentations around standard operating procedures and practices take place throughout the season. Regular one-on-one check-ins with leadership are scheduled to create a space for regular feedback between employees and leadership, reviewing crew member expectations and standards within their daily tasks, developing and reviewing work-related goals, and discussing future roles and employment on the farm.

Working as a member of our Field Crew is fun and it is challenging! The best candidates for this position are hard working, fun loving, and ready for whatever the season brings.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Crew tasks may include but are not limited to: 

• Harvest and post-harvest handling of vegetables, herbs, and flowers
• Order fulfillment/delivery
• Transplant production
• Field and hoop house planting
• Crop maintenance (weeding, trellising, pruning, and row cover)
• Field preparation and tarping
• Cleaning, upkeep, and reorganizing farm spaces
• Groundskeeping (mowing, weed wacking, fence and hoop maintenance, etc)
• Membership distribution operation
• Farm stand operation
• Farmers market operation (all crew must sign up for at least two market shifts per season)

ADVANCED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In addition to their training in entry-level crew tasks and processes, those who show interest and aptitude will be trained on and regularly scheduled in ‘crew lead’ positions such as harvest lead or wash/pack lead.
• Experienced or returning crew members may also be offered a specialist or assistant position with additional training, responsibility, and focused time working in a specific department on the farm. 

Weekly schedule, hours, and compensation:

• The position runs in line with our field production season, beginning in May and running through mid-November. Work hours in December may be offered to interested crew members.
• Full-time crew members will be scheduled to work 30-45 hours/week based on seasonal needs.
• Full-time crew members preferably work full days Monday through Friday. Part-time crew members are preferably available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Additional work hours to cover membership distribution, farm events, and weekend market shifts will be available and may be requested. Crew members who work a weekend market shift will be offered a week day off from on-farm work during the next week.
• Pay starts at $17-19/hour with the opportunity for raises as crew members develop skills and efficiency, take on responsibility, and show performance excellence.

Benefits include:

• Up to 40 hours accrued paid time off during the field season for full-time employees
• Seasonal bonus pay upon meeting work time commitments
• $100 Gear reimbursement
• Free produce (farmer food)

Required Qualifications for all crew members:

• At least one full growing season of experience working on a vegetable farm as an intern or crew member.
• A deep interest in farming as a career and lifestyle and working with GTFC for multiple seasons.
• The ability to wake up early and be prepared, focused, and on time for physically and mentally rigorous work.
• The ability to balance focused and effective work and meeting goals with the social aspects of working on a team.
• The ability to work alone, one-on-one, or in a group with speed, precision, and attention to detail.
• The ability to carry up to 50 pounds for periods of time.
• The ability to work consistently in challenging weather conditions (within reason).
• The ability to squat, kneel, and stand safely for periods of time while doing tasks.
• The ability to actively listen, take direction, and process feedback.
• Strong work ethic and verbal communication skills, positive attitude, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Because our business is located in a rural area and has no access to reliable public transportation, we only recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• At least one full growing season working in Organic no-till production systems
• Experience and comfort operating equipment.
• Mechanically inclined, with experience in basic construction skills as well as operating power tools and machinery.
• Customer Service experience.
• Passion for home cooking with farm fresh produce.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

March 17, 2025