Farm Carpentry and Maintenance Job in WA

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Farm Carpentry and Maintenance Job at Oxbow Farm in Washington State – 2020

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 15 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 responsibly while protecting biodiversity.

FARM CARPENTRY AND MAINTENANCE JOB OVERVIEW

Oxbow’s Carpentry & Maintenance Lead splits time between supporting maintenance of farm equipment and facility maintenance. Time will be spent both directly supervised on technical projects and performing independent work such as interior/exterior, rough and finish carpentry and critical systems/equipment maintenance. This is a great position for an individual looking to expand their skills and technical knowledge in a wide variety of subjects including: electrical, carpentry, plumbing, mechanical, diesel/gas/small engine repair, irrigation, landscaping, land stewardship, etc.

FARM CARPENTRY AND MAINTENANCE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Facilities & Grounds Manager, assist with all aspects of equipment and property maintenance with a focus on old and new buildings. Key tasks include:

Property and Facilities Maintenance, 45%

• Maintenance of barns, out buildings and plastic growing houses
• Build new structures as needed
• Perform light renovations of existing spaces
• Install landscape features using machines and hand tools
• Supervise other grounds keepers and volunteers as needed
• Assist/ lead maintenance crew during festivals and events

Equipment Maintenance, 45%

• Repair and servicing farm vehicles, tractors and implements
• Small engine care/repair
• Repair and servicing of specialized farm equipment
• Safely operating large vehicles to move material, equipment and soil around Oxbow
• Build and maintain irrigation systems
• Care for and maintenance of tools

General

• Ensure Facilities and Maintenance team’s objectives, strategies and messages are aligned with and supportive of Oxbow’s mission and strategic plan
• Work cross-functionally with program teams to ensure efficient and effective communication and operations
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the Finance & Grounds Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong and demonstrated experience with all aspects of general carpentry, including familiarity with different mediums such as wood, metal, cement
• Comfortable dealing with and supporting activities revolving around public engagement
• Able to work with a positive attitude: standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling, to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 60 lbs., perform physical work such as digging or constructing, in inclement weather
• Willingness and capacity to take initiative
• Able to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Clear, consistent communication
• Mechanical aptitude
• Tractor driving experience a plus, but not necessary
• Consistent attention to detail
• Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure

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

The Oxbow Facilities and Maintenance team  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 regular, full-time position, paying $16.50 – $18.50 per hour, with competitive benefits including: 100% employer paid healthcare, annual dental stipend, generous holiday, vacation and sick pay, and access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO: 

Facilities & Grounds Manager

TO APPLY FOR THE FARM CARPENTRY AND MAINTENANCE JOB

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

Tara Baron
Recruitment Specialist
Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center
thedirt@oxbow.org

Please write Carpentry & Maintenance Lead in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

Deadline to apply is Sunday, March 01, 2020

To see this job posting, and our other open jobs, on our website, click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff members bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/