Field Crew Leader | Equip. Operator Sogn Valley Farm
- Date Posted October 24, 2020
- Location Cannon Falls, MN
- Category Agriculture
- Job type Full-Time
- Field Crew Leader
- Equipment Operator/Farm Handyperson
Field Crew Leader (FCL)
FCL responsibilities include:
Conducting pre-harvest walks of each crop on the harvest list to determine the optimal portion of the planting to harvest first, identify potential quality or food safety concerns, and otherwise prepare an approach to most efficiently harvest the crop.
Leading the farm crew on harvest days. This means setting high standards for quality control, harvest technique, and work pace, while also overseeing fellow crew members to assure they are working to the same standards.
Always think several steps in advance to ensure the appropriate harvest tools and containers are loaded onto the truck to allow seamless flow from one crop to the next without needing to pause harvest activities to return to the pack shed get additional items.
Providing initial training to crew members when a crop is harvested for the first time, and providing subsequent “tune-up” training, as needed.
In coordination with the Postharvest Manager, ensuring all harvest and food safety records are properly kept.
Along with Postharvest Manager, maintaining cleanliness and organization of harvest tools/containers, vehicles, and workspaces.
Leading crew in other farm activities, including, but not limited to, greenhouse seeding, transplanting, crop maintenance (trellising, pruning, mulching, row cover application/removal, weeding, etc.), and packing shed/post-harvest work.
All farm staff should be physically fit (able to lift 50 lbs, bend over or crouch to weed and harvest), detail-oriented, self-motivated, and open to constructive feedback. Farming is incredibly rewarding, but not always glorious. We work in all weather conditions, and although we try to mix up work activities to keep things interesting, some days will be monotonous. Our crew is a team, and the ability to work collaboratively with others is essential. We work quickly and efficiently, and expect our employees to do the same. We seek an individual who is always looking for a faster and more effective way to complete a task. But above all, we strive to create an open, positive, and fun work environment.
Qualified candidates should have a minimum of one full season of work experience on a vegetable farm. This person should have demonstrated leadership capability, good interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and an aptitude for maintaining crew morale when days get long and weather gets harsh.
Equipment Operator/Farm Handyperson (EO)
The EO will be involved primarily in the following activities:
Tractor work, including primary tillage, bed preparation, transplanting. direct seeding, precision mechanical cultivation, flail mowing, and cover crop seeding.
Setup and management of drip and overhead irrigation.
Routine maintenance of tractors, implements, vehicles, and hand tools.
Other odd jobs and projects that arise, such as small carpentry projects,
Help crew with planting, crop maintenance, harvest, wash, and pack, as needed.
Expectations and qualifications
Qualified candidates will have plenty of experience safely operating tractors and equipment, and an aptitude for repair and maintenance. Problem-solving skills and general handiness with tools are necessary. Previous work experience on vegetable farms is a plus, but isn’t necessary so long as the individual is eager to learn. All farm staff should be physically fit (able to lift 50 lbs, bend over or crouch to weed and harvest), detail-oriented, self-motivated, and open to constructive feedback.
**For all positions, we offer affordable housing in either an on-farm cabin or a nearby house. PTO and IRA contributions available to year-round employees after one full year of employment.