Farm Crew Job in Michigan

Title: DeLano Farm Crew Member Supervisor: DeLano Farms Manager and Assistant Manager Date Prepared:  January 31, 2014 Duration:  April 21 – mid November Compensation:  $7.40/hr The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for the environment by providing experiences that lead them to understand their connection to the natural world. Summary of Position: DeLano Farms is entering its fourth season of production at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, with a goal of feeding 200 CSA member families, taking food to farmers market, and donating surplus local organizations.  Crew members will work as a team under the leadership of the Farm Managers to run the day-to-day operations of DeLano Farms and its CSA, performing all tasks involved in vegetable production and CSA management. The crew will be expected to attain proficiency in all basic farm skills and provide excellent customer service to CSA share holders and visitors to the Kalamazoo Nature Center, as well as during farmer’s market.  Available positions are seasonal, temporary, fulltime or part time, with a variable weekly work schedule. Applicants must be available to work April 21 – mid November.

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Experience and Skills Required:

Be nice even when you’re super hot and tired.

Knowledge of organic or ecological vegetable production

Strong work ethic

Ability to work quickly, multi-task and be flexible on a daily basis

Ability to maintain organized records

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work in and dress appropriately for all weather conditions

Initiative and ability to prioritize and complete tasks without direct supervision

Ability to cheerfully follow directions

An inclination toward efficiency and problem solving

Physical strength to perform repetitive, heavy and light manual labor

Love and appreciation for good food

Desire to positively, actively contribute to a growing farm community

Duties:

Attain proficiency in all basic farm skills including composting, cultivating, harvesting, irrigating, washing and packing produce, seeding, transplanting, weeding, and other field chores as needed

Provide excellent customer assistance and education at weekly CSA distributions

Responsible use of equipment and facilities with a priority in safety

Learn routine maintenance and perform it for all tools and equipment

Assist with marketing of shares, through positive shareholder interactions

Contribute ideas and submissions for the weekly CSA newsletter

Work effectively and cooperatively with other KNC staff

Complete special projects as assigned by the DeLano Farms Manager

Be a part of taking surplus produce to Farmers Market – setting up the stand, running the booth, and cleaning up at the end of the day.

To apply send resume, cover letter, three references, and availability to:
Bronwynn Kelly, Assistant Farm Manager bkelly@naturecenter.org
Or mail to: Kalamazoo Nature Center, Attn:  Bronwynn Kelly, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI  49009

For more information about the farm, visit: https://www.naturecenter.org/DeLanoFarms.aspx

Application Deadline:  March 16, 2014

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the society in which we live.  We encourage applications from candidates representing diverse backgrounds.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is an equal opportunity organization that will not discriminate in its programs or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation.