Seasonal Farm Production Crew – Washington

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Taylor in Employment, Farming // 0 Comments

Seasonal Farm Production Crew Wanted On Oxbow Farm in Washington – 3 positions available for 2017

OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

The Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 30 acres of mixed vegetable crops using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation farming practice.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that produces plants for habitat restoration projects, educational gardens, and urban landscapes, and conducts research on native plant propagation using sustainable growing methods.

Connect children to nature. We offer environmental education programs for children pre-K thru high school to build their comfort in the outdoors and provide them with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out conservation projects and research to learn how humans can use land to our benefit while protecting biodiversity.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a member of our energetic Farm Production Crew you will have the opportunity to work within all aspects of our operation, including in the field, pack shed, and order delivery. Your primary responsibilities will be harvesting, propagation house, hand-weeding, hoeing, transplanting, post-harvest handling, CSA packing, cleaning, and deliveries. We harvest, wash, and pack product daily for our CSA program, wholesale, and restaurant accounts. Strong attention to detail and operating efficiently while performing time-sensitive tasks in a rapidly changing environment are a must for this position.

Our operation functions at a very unique scale requiring a great deal of manual physical labor as well as sophisticated mechanization. This is a seasonal, hourly position with a 5-6 day work week. Hours may be variable and long depending on the time of year.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Field:

Harvesting of produce quickly, efficiently, and consistently for a variety of accounts

Transplanting crops quickly and efficiently

Cultivation of crops by hand and with various tools

Irrigation set up and maintenance

Fertilizing

Mechanical pest control

Field construction, such as trellising and high tunnels

Grass mowing and weed whacking

Post-Harvest Handling and Processing:

Post-harvest handling, including receiving and processing of produce quickly, efficiently, and consistently for a variety of accounts

Consistently rotating stock and maintaining product inventory

Communicating with appropriate project lead, either the Pack Shed Coordinator or the Farm Sales Coordinator, when issues arise that impact order fulfillment or CSA pack out

Packing CSA and Fruit Shares

Pack Shed safety upkeep and hygiene cleanliness

Order deliveries

General Farm Production Team:

Tracking project time and communicating with Assistant Farm Manager, Pack Shed Coordinator, or designated crew leader if forecast can’t be met

Working and tracking within GAPS/FSMA food safety regulations

Maintaining a smooth, timely flow with team members while working through projects

Making sound judgment calls on product grading and time management

QUALIFICATIONS

At least one year previous farming experience preferred

Small engine operation and tractor experience a plus

Physical dexterity and agility necessary in all aspects of the job for safety and efficiency

Punctual with good time management skills

Consistent attention to detail

Positive, energetic interpersonal skills

Strong back; able to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 75 lbs

Work well independently and in a team setting

Fast, adaptable learner

Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique

Ability to give direction and act in lead role when necessary

Clear, consistent communication

Flexibility within a multicultural, dynamic organization

Ability to work for long durations in inclement weather – standing, sitting, bending over, or kneeling

Capability to perform repetitive physical work with endurance

Ability to speak Spanish a plus

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow production farm is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

COMPENSATION

This is a seasonal, full-time position, paying $11-$13 per hour, DOE, with some paid time-off and access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Farm Manager with oversight from the Farm Manager.

TO APPLY

Please read carefully, incomplete applications will not be considered. Email a resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to:

Megan Boyce-Jacobs

Finance & Operations Manager

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center

thedirt@oxbow.org

Please write Seasonal Farm Crew in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

Deadline to apply: Open until filled

Applications will be processed as they are received. We are looking to fill 3 positions: