Company description
At Blue Sky, farming is more than a job; it’s a sacred philosophy. Our team cultivates deep, profound connections with the land, animals and people that call Blue Sky home. Sustainability and reverence for the land are at the forefront of the Gracie's Farm ethos.
Gracie’s Farm employs a “no-till” method, eschewing convenient, modern farming machinery for working the land by hand and with the aid of selective animal rotation. A “broadfork” is one of the most well-used hand-tools at Gracie’s, literally resembling a massive fork which is driven into the soil and which our farmers stand on, using their body weight to rock the broadfork back and forth to aerate the soil. Various animals will be rotated into the farm throughout the year to assist our farmers; they help to naturally till the land by grazing, and their manure fertilizes the soil to maintain rich nutrients and stable pH levels so that our plants thrive in our high-alpine climate.
Job description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Blue Sky Farm Assistant will work alongside the Farm Director in day-to-day operations on Gracie’s intensive and diverse vegetable farm. The farm will supply fruits, vegetables and flowers to Blue Sky Ranch and Lodge restaurants, events, and banquet services. The farm will also be a space in which guests of the Lodge will share adventures and experiences which will enhance their luxury experience.
Responsibilities consist of participation in and some ownership over the farm’s activities. These activities include but are not limited to: seeding and maintaining the greenhouse, preparing the ground, irrigation installation and maintenance, transplanting seedlings, weeding, harvesting, processing, and packaging. The position will also include being a steward and representative of Gracie’s Farm for Lodge guests and visitors during programmed experiences.
The position will likely involve some interaction and supervision of other seasonal workers as well as interns and volunteers. The position requires significant autonomy, but also the ability to follow a direct management plan. The Farm Assistant position will require attention to detail, commitment and love for the art and science of farming, great interpersonal skills and the love of being outdoors.
While farm experience would be a preferred skill set, we will be willing to train the right candidate.
Some holidays and weekend days will be REQUIRED for this job.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
- Support field operations, including soil and bed preparation, planting, cultivation, harvest, and cover crop establishment
- Help maintain greenhouse operations – sowing, watering, material storage
- Direct hoophouse operations
- Maintain the landscape and grounds of the farm to be an inviting and beautiful space
- Ensure irrigation plan is installed, executed and maintained
- Participate in and eventually lead processing procedure with unique and innovative techniques
- Learn the organic and biodynamic process that will be used on the farm including the tools and equipment used, the science of soil development and growth, and our minimal tillage practice
- Be involved in the use of livestock to enrich the soil
- Harvest and process flowers (including bouquets when needed)
- Participate in farm planning and execution
- Keep an up-to-date inventory of farm supplies and equipment
- Help direct and manage seasonal workers, interns, or volunteers as needed
- Deliver produce to the lodge kitchen as well as maintain positive relationship with chef and kitchen staff
- Develop and maintain consistent communication and delivery plan with other chefs and restaurants throughout the area
- Help initiate farm stand, farmer’s market presence or CSA program to distribute produce to the community
- Provide support to other staff with regard to the farm property
- Communicate with the Lodge staff to coordinate farm experiences for guests
- Consistently communicate with the Farm Director about farm activities, challenges and innovative solutions
- Welcome and guide guests through the farm depending on their chosen experience
- Participate in farm activities that the lodge guests will reserve – dinners, tours, etc.
- Fill in for Farm Director on their days off or during vacation times
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong work-ethic, potential leadership ability and exceptional interpersonal skills
- Adaptability to changing situations with the ability to perform multiple tasks, with multiple priorities
- Positive, observant, quick learner, interest in expanding skill and knowledge
- Able to work fast and efficiently, on a variety of tasks
- Interested in growing organically/sustainably and enthusiastic about local food movement
- Excellent communication skills for work with operational personnel on the farm as well as with lodge guests
- Motivated to work independently and also able to take directions and be a contributing team member
- Adherence to high aesthetic standards in all areas
- Maintain a professional and outstanding customer service attitude
- Ability to use vegetable hand tools and power equipment safely and efficiently
- Basic knowledge of vegetable gardening techniques
- Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Able to perform physically strenuous task and be able to lift up to 50lbs
SCHEDULE
This is a blended, seasonal position spanning year-round. Full time through the main season and part time in the off-season, with potential to grow. The schedule can be discussed upon the discussion of the position.
- 40 hours per week: April – November (including two weekends per month during high season)
- 20-30 hours per week: November - April
Compensation
this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr
Application instructions
This job expired on April 18, 2021
Deadline
May 01, 2021