Company description

Harlem Valley Homestead is a hospitality-focused, diversified vegetable, flower and livestock farm on 250 acres in Wingdale, NY. Our mission is to deepen our connections to place, to each other, and to ourselves, through hands-on learning and experience in rural and agrarian living. Currently, we maintain 50 acres in pasture, 1.5 acres of intensive crop production, and 3 acres in cover crop for future production as a working farm. We raise beef cattle, layer chickens, feeder pigs, vegetables, fruit, cut flowers, mushrooms, and a modest apiary. While we are not certified, we adhere to organic practices. In the future, we intend to build accommodations to host overnight guests, with on-site dining, events and workshops.

Job description

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about farming to join our farm crew for this season. We are a diversified crop and livestock farm, and are looking for individuals to work with both our crops and livestock. All farm crew members will be trained across basic crop and livestock competencies, though we tend to have individuals focus on either crops or livestock more intensively.

For crop production, we have about an acre of intensive vegetable cultivation that includes a 3000 square foot movable greenhouse, and a 3000 square foot permanent heated greenhouse that we also use for propagation and wash/pack. We use a combination of tractor, BCS and hand tools for bed prep and turnover, though most day to day field work is by hand (planting, harvesting, etc.). The work can be very physical at times, but we strive to have the right tools and systems in place.

For livestock production, we graze about 50 acres of pasture with our herd of 40 beef cattle and 150 layer chickens, and will be raising 30 pigs in our woods. The majority of livestock work is focused on setting up fencing, moving and/or feeding animals, and maintaining livestock infrastructure like fencing and waterlines, and monitoring animal and pasture health.

Self-motivation, flexibility and a collaborative spirit are essential, and team members must love physical labor and be able to keep up a rigorous pace. They must also be willing to work in all weather conditions (safety permitting) while maintaining a positive attitude. Equally important are soft skills such as excellent observation skills, ability to work efficiently and safely, and the ability to transition quickly to new tasks.

As a team we care about the quality of the products that we produce for our customers, as well as the people, land and animals that are all essential to a successful farm. If you want to get your hands dirty and are eager to learn on the job and ask questions, then join us! Previous farming experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Please note: depending on interest individuals may focus more on crop production or livestock production
• Most if not all aspects of intensive vegetable and herb production, including but not limited to: propagation, soil prep, seeding, planting, harvest, irrigation, cultivation, weeding, trellising, wash/pack and equipment maintenance
• Most if not all aspects of livestock production, such as daily chores, maintaining water lines and fencing, moving animals as needed, and supporting animal health needs through observation and assisting with livestock handling in our corral.
• Selling products at market while educating customers on farm practices and products, and interacting in a friendly and informative manner with customers and on-site guests.
• Additional duties may include work with perennial crops such as hops and orchards, cut flowers, land management or snow removal (when applicable), on-farm programming, and other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Availability from spring through fall of 2023
• 40 hours per week, occasionally more, fluctuating seasonally, with reduced hours in the shoulder/off seasons, though we are open to part time arrangements as well.
• Availability and willingness to work weekends for chores, markets and/or events
• Clean driving record (insurance requirement) and valid driver’s license for farmers markets and pickups/deliveries
• Willingness to drive and/or learn to drive farm vehicles (pickup, box truck, and van)
• Respect for safety guidelines and procedures (including COVID protocol)
• Punctual and reliable
• Harlem Valley Homestead has a mandatory vaccination policy for Covid-19 compliant with applicable state and federal law.

COMPENSATION

• $15-$18 / hour, dependent on experience (housing not included)
• Overtime paid after 40 hours a week when available
• PTO (Paid time Off)
• Access to surplus produce when available and staff discount on farm product
• C.R.A.F.T. (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) membership with the opportunity to visit regional farms
• Training will be provided for all tasks and equipment as needed, and may include: hand tools developed for intensive vegetable production, BCS and other small engine equipment
• Limited shared on-site housing may be available
• Reimbursement for up to $300 in medical bills when receipts are provided for the duration of employment

TRAINING, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT

• Required Training: Farm safety, farm SOPs, and other trainings as required by law
• Farmer’s Market training
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently within the office, around the farm and off site in farm vehicles. Ability to move throughout the office, as well as attend off-site appointments, and the ability to consistently and safely lift 50 pounds, and on occasion up to 75 lbs.
• Safety: In addition to safety training, the employee must obey all safety policies and wear proper PPE as needed or specified in safety policies.

Work Environment: Work will be divided between outdoor and indoor duties, on the farm, and in the community. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time, including heat, wind, rain and snow.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

April 30, 2023