Company description Hayshaker Farm is a small-scale, draft powered vegetable growing operation based in the SE Washington state. 2021 marks our seventh season. The business is owned and operated on leased land by Chandler Briggs.
 

We farm on 8 irrigated acres, growing diversified vegetables and fruit for the local farmers markets, grocery stores and restaurants. Our farm is draft horse-powered, thanks to the help of our fuzzy teammates, Dusty and Jackson, and sometimes other helpful horses. In addition to the compost they help create daily, they help us plow, disc, harrow, cultimulch, cultivate, spread compost, pull loads and harvest crops. We also use a BCS for tilling the salad field and flail mowing. We have a small tractor for pallet forks, bucket and a rotary mower. We are 4 miles from downtown Walla Walla and part of a fantastic local community. It is a thriving college-town city of 33,000, with excellent outdoor activities, restaurants, bakeries, breweries, music, theater, lectures and wine production.

Applicants should desire to work on a small-scale, high production vegetable farm. Ideally all candidates have the the ability to lift 50+ pounds regularly and work 8-10 hour days, sometimes in the rain and wind, and often in a hot, dry, sunny environment. Ideal candidates love food, cooking, being outside, warm weather, and sunshine. Previous farming experience is not required for all positions, and pay varies depending on the extent of your experience and what position you apply for. See each position for specifics.

If the amount of physical work in field work is too much for you, but you have interest in joining our team, please reach out to inquire about opportunities in bookkeeping, store management and customer service.

Having apprenticed on three separate farms in WA and CA and managed this farm for six years, we have the background and experience to help facilitate an educational, positive working experience for everyone.

We are a crew of 3-7 people depending on the time of year with occasional work trade volunteers and Whitman College interns. Some work is independent, and some is in a team. You will need to be able to work with others, listen and follow directions well. During the hottest time of the summer, we usually start at 6am but in the shoulder season we have a later start time that varies depending on work load and weather. We work hard but believe in time for you to regenerate, explore and enjoy time off the farm so you will get two consecutive days off—for most of the crew that is Saturday/Sunday. Sometimes we share weekend chores.

Our team of draft horses power most of our implements. These job positions are not crafted to teach you how to work horses, but you will be working with them at times, when we harvest some crops, or cultivate. Previous experience with horses is not necessary, but a respect for these gentle giants is required.

Housing: we are able to help find a room or house for rent if you are moving from out of town. There is no housing available on the farm.

Food: all farm seconds and some items we grow are available for the crew. Crops that are limited in quantity available at 50% off retail price. Meals are on your own, occasionally we do farm crew lunch and hope to expand this in the future.

Paid Worker’s Compensation: covered with LNI state program

Paid Sick Leave: offered with all positions; one hour earned for every 40 hours worked; more info

Paid Family Medical Leave: new program in WA state began Jan 1, 2020 more info

Our farm is close to town, and it is bike- and bus-friendly. Having your own vehicle is desirable, but not required. However, you must have a valid driver's license. Ability to drive manual is helpful, but not required.

We are excited to share our seventh season at Hayshaker Farm with hard-working, positive and fun individuals. We grow lots of food on this 100-year old farm and we would love your help in helping get it onto the tables of our customers.

Job description

Full Time: 40 - 45 hours per week (sometimes less)

Seasonal: early June through end of October, later work flexible

Schedule: Monday - Friday
Paid sick leave: one hour for every 40 hours worked

 

We are looking for smart, strong and detail-oriented folks to join our 2021 farm crew. Ideal farm crew candidates will have a strong interest in food and farming, and enjoy working both on a team and individually. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

 

Responsibilities

• Harvest, wash and pack produce
• Perform field work including but not limited to seeding, transplanting, trellising, hand weeding, hoeing, using row cover, and moving irrigation
• Perform some or most of the following non-field work: greenhouse work, plant starts, delivering, tractor driving, farm clean up
• Work under direction from farm owner and farm managers (Packing Shed, Harvest, etc.)

 

Background and Skills

• One or more seasons previous farm experience preferred but not necessary
• Flexibility and desire to learn new methods and farm systems
• Good communication skills
• Energetic and motivated personality
• Excellent work ethic and positive attitude
• Conscientious and able to work with all kinds of people
• Strong back and knees
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
• Willingness to commit to the farm for the full summer season

 

Compensation: $15.00/hr

 

Housing: we can help search for a private apartment or house if you’re moving from out of town, and ask our network about rentals. There is no housing available on the farm.

Food: all farm seconds and some items we grow are available for the crew. Wholesale cost on other products sold in our farm store. Meals are on your own, with some shared lunches when possible. Compensation this position is : hourly, $15-20/hr Application instructions Deadlineno deadline Attachment click here to download the attached document.