Harvest Leader Boston Area Gleaners
- Date Posted March 16, 2023
- Location Acton, MA
- Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
- Job type Full-Time
The Harvest Leader is responsible for overseeing the harvesting of produce harvested on partner farms for distribution to food access partners. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope and nature of the work. This is a full-time, seasonal position.
Expected Schedule
June – December: Average schedule of 40-50 hours/ week (Wednesday – Saturday 7:00am – 6:00pm)
Benefits & Pay
Paid sick time, paid wellness days, paid holidays, cell phone stipend, gear reimbursement, retirement benefits, & seasonal produce. The pay range for this position is $21 - $23/ hour and overtime (1.5x hourly rate) is paid for time worked over 40 hours/ week.
Primary Responsibilities
Harvesting
Facilitate gleaning trips by preparing supplies, communicating clearly with farmers, setting up for the trip, truck organization, and record keeping.
Accommodate reactive nature of gleaning by quickly assessing crop quantity and quality upon arrival to a farm.
Communicate field conditions, crop quality, and expected yield to Food Access Manager.
Manage time and resources effectively to prepare for trips, adhere to schedule, and accomplish necessary tasks within allotted time to meet harvest goals.
Harvest and pack produce on local farms with the assistance of volunteers.
Ensure handling, packing, and quality standards comply with the Gleaners’ food safety plan.
Accurately collect and report gleaning data, complete paperwork, and verify food safety for all incoming products.
Ensure a culture of safety while harvesting; most significantly while practicing ladder-work during apple season.
Develop strong relationships with local farmers informed by a high degree of understanding of different growing practices and factors that influence farm level decision making.
Instruct volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards during harvests.
Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve harvest goals while maintaining a positive volunteer experience.
Manage and direct volunteers with varying levels of experience to ensure the protection of private property, the personal safety of volunteers, and that efficient labor is applied to the job at hand.
Safely operate vehicles
Safely operate power jacks, pump jacks and forklifts
Assist with training and mentoring seasonal Apprentices
Lead repacks at Stonefield Farm as needed
Assist our Operations and Farm Teams with a variety of needs
Basic Smart Phone competency
First Aid knowledge (training is provided)
Basic mechanical competency (training is provided)
Ability to operate pump and power jacks (training is providing)
Experience working in a fast-paced environment
Experience working on a harvest crew with a high level of efficiency
Extensive knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties, produce quality, and proper storage conditions
Experience leading others and motivating them towards a common goal
Physical ability to lift 50 pounds repetitively and be on your feet for most of the day
Able to work in a variety of weather conditions from hot, humid summer days to cold, wet fall days
Ability to follow instructions and to clearly express ideas in a concise and professional manner
A fun, energetic, team-oriented attitude