Located in the scenic Berkshire-Taconic Landscape in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is a community in which faculty and staff members build careers and grow as professionals.  We seek to identify, recruit, and develop faculty and staff members who possess a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Collectively, we are dedicated to supporting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of 600 students who come from around the country and the world. 
The primary mission of Fairfield Farm is to serve as an education focused production farm that invites Hotchkiss students to work and learn on the land and become inspired to contribute to a food system that is sustainable and equitable for all living things.  In order to achieve our mission, the Farm must be a true production-oriented farm providing significant amounts of food to the School’s dining program.

Hotchkiss School seeks an individual that are dependable, communicative, & good-natured, interested in participating in a summer employment experience working in a school setting supporting our campus farm comprised of three acres, producing approximately 25,000 lbs. of mixed produce during our peak growing season.  You must possess some knowledge of farming &/or gardening, and willingness to perform physical labor in various weather conditions.  Interest in organic agricultural practices, sustainability and food justice issues are preferred. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Working with the Farm Manager as well as our Summer Farm Interns, you are primarily responsible for a variety of daily farming tasks associated with the planting, maintenance, watering, and harvesting of vegetables, imparting your knowledge, guidance and direction, along with that of the Farm Manager, to support the work and community at Fairfield Farm during the summer months. Seasonal support is integral to the success of our program. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in daily farming tasks; seed starting, watering, including management of two high tunnel greenhouses.
• Participate in hand planting and weeding, cultivating, pest management and harvest of mixed vegetables crop.
• Assist with washing and packing of produce.
• Assist in produce deliveries to dining and community partners using school vehicle.
• Follow safety protocols associated with equipment operation
• Support Livestock Management (Laying Hens)
• Provide direction & support working alongside Summer Farm Interns
• Provide assistance with other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma required
• Experience farming in a production, educational, or comparable setting is preferred.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to effectively interface with fellow farm staff and farm visitors in a friendly and engaging manner.
• Must be able to work as part of a team, as well as independently on a self-directed basis.
• Must possess a desire for continuous personal and professional growth and development.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to take initiative sharing ideas with co-workers.
• Must be flexible and adaptive.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Experience driving farm equipment is preferred.
• Basic light farm carpentry and proficiency with power tools is preferred.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and elements, including dust, dirt, high/low temperatures and rain.
• Ability to walk extensively, stand for long periods, frequently bending and stooping, kneeling, squatting, shoveling to complete farming duties.
• Ability to climb, and be comfortable working with height.
• Ability to lift and carry/or move up to 25 lbs. repeatedly and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. 
• The individual will work in potentially hazardous physical conditions (around active machinery, power tools, etc.)
• Given the persistent risks of the spread of the Covid-19 virus – risks that are heightened due to the emergence of more highly transmissible variants – all employees of the School are required to be fully vaccinated by their first day of work as a condition of employment.  Employees who are unable to receive the vaccine due to disability, medical condition, or a sincerely held religious belief may request an exemption, which will be reviewed by the School to determine the availability of any reasonable accommodations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATON:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.
Department:          Environmental Initiatives-Fairfield Farm

FLSA:                        Non-Exempt; Hourly

Job Status:              Staff, Temporary Seasonal Assignment-
                                June 13-August 26, 2022 - Variable Hours 
                                (20-25) Mon-Fri with occasional weekend day
                                depending on weather affects & Farm needs.
Reports to:              Fairfield Farm Manager

Travel:                      Local

Salary Range:         $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

 The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities.  The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).