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this job's deadline has passed
This job expired on November 21, 2021

Seasonal Crew Member (Generalist) Wild Hope Farm

  • Date Posted September 22, 2021
  • Location Chester, SC
  • Category Agriculture
  • Job type Part-Time
Company description

With 12 acres under production and other mixed use acreage with greenhouses, walking trails, a large pond, and diversified natural areas, there is always a lot to do on the farm. Our produce is sold through a 300-400 person CSA, to local chefs, wholesale to foodhubs, and at two farmers markets (Uptown & Matthews farmers markets). In addition to farming, we also host complementary on-farm events including retreats, farm-to-table dinners, and educational workshops to cultivate community and encourage people to learn about our farming practices. We welcome you to help with the planning and implementation of at least one of our on-farm events.

Internship description

We are seeking people with a passion for diversified organic vegetable production. All farm employees are integral members of our 8-15 member team at Wild Hope Farm. Over the course of the season, you will be exposed to all aspects of our farm and deepen your knowledge of our regenerative organic farming methods including: CSA planning, produce harvest and post-harvest techniques, transplanting, cultivation, cover cropping, flower production, soil health improvement strategies, customer interfacing and small farm marketing. 

 

During your time at Wild Hope Farm, you will work directly under our Crew Manager, Rachel Klein. Along with our Field Manager, Joe Rowland, the pair have a combined 20 years experience in sustainable agriculture. 

 

THE WORK SCHEDULE - March 28th through November

The work at Wild Hope Farm is seasonal and the length of the workday varies within the busy season. Crew members  work 40-45 hrs over a 5 day work week. Pay is $11.50/hr. The pay for agricultural work at Wild Hope Farm is exempt from overtime pay.  

  • Working Monday - Fri (6:00 AM - 2:45 PM during peak summer, 7:00 AM - 3:45 in the early spring/fall 45 min lunch break) 
  • Rotating weekend duty (1-2 hours/wknd every 7 weeks)

FARM RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Crew Members will mainly participate in harvest, wash and pack for CSA and markets throughout the season
  • Additional crew tasks will include transplanting, hoeing, hand weeding, greenhouse seeding, bin washing, and flower harvesting
  • Maintaining focus and mental engagement in the task at hand 
  • Depending on needs, crew members may need to drive the truck and trailer for a weeknight CSA delivery 
  • Other activities could include weed whacking, mowing, basic drip irrigation setup and removal, sheet mulching 
  • Rotating weekend duty (approx every 7 weeks) includes monitoring greenhouse seedlings twice a day, opening and closing high tunnels as needed and checking on any other specific needs for the farm during Saturday & Sunday  
QUALIFICATIONS
  • People person - able to interact with farm share members and others who visit our booth
  • Ability to stay calm in stressful situations like running the booth at peak hours (8-9:30 am) or dealing with a difficult customer
  • Enjoys strategizing about how to increase sales and customer satisfaction at the booth
  • Experience driving a truck and trailer (or willingness to learn)
  • A good driving record 
  • Experience in retail or food sales is a plus
  • Previous farming experience is a plus
  • Experience with physical labor or intense outdoor activity - able to lift 50 lbs regularly
  • Ability to stay focused throughout the day, keeping an efficient pace no matter the activity.
  • Ability to work in all types of weather (hot, rainy, and cold)
  • Farming requires flexibility and a can-do attitude
  • Prefers working within a team
  • Curiosity and a sense of humor
  • Must have reliable transportation as we are in a rural location without access to public transportation
 

Our seasonal farming opportunity is a hands-on working and learning experience. We accept people from all backgrounds who want to explore agriculture as a career option.

 

Orientation: During the first week we will conduct an orientation to go over safety policies, farm policies, and the location and names of buildings and equipment. We will review the farm calendar, begin to set vacation times, go over job responsibilities and start figuring out how to live in a community together.

 

Evaluations: The first 4 weeks of work is a trial period to ensure worker/farm fit. At the end of this trial period, both parties will sit down to discuss if expectations are being met for both sides. We will have two additional check ins throughout the season to discuss workflow and expectations. 

 

Daily & Weekly Meetings: The farm crew convenes every morning to clarify the day's agenda and make alterations due to the weather and other events. Every Thursday the crew meets to look at the harvest and field tasks involved in the upcoming week.

 

All crew members have access to the drive where we store our digital planning documents. These materials include crop plans, seed orders, planting schedules, maps, overall farm plans, and supporting information. Farm managers might not have time during the peak season for in depth teaching so crew members are encouraged to use the resources at hand and ask follow up questions as needed. In addition there is a small farm library from which crew members are welcome to borrow books.

Compensation this position is : hourly
Application instructions
This job expired on November 21, 2021
DeadlineJanuary 31, 2022

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