Company description

The Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust is dedicated to the preservation of the wild and working lands of Vashon and Maury Islands.

We maintain hundreds of acres of forest, watershed, and shoreline. The Land Trust also owns and operates Matsuda Farm, a regenerative agriculture operation that promotes food access and ecologically sustainable practices on our island home.

Internship description

Description:

Matsuda Farm is one of the last remaining historic Japanese American farms on Vashon Island. Today, the farm is owned and operated by the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust. Matsuda Farm is dedicated to expanding our Farm-to-School program, supporting food access, and demonstrating regenerative agriculture.

Matsuda Farm, part of the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust, seeks a motivated and skilled Farm Steward for our 2023 field season.

The Farm Steward works alongside farm staff in all aspects of vegetable production and distribution. The work will vary across a variety of tasks and projects related to Matsuda’s fruit and vegetable cultivation. Workers may also be involved in greenhouse work, grounds maintenance, marketing, sales, or other aspects of the operation such as community engagement. The ideal candidate brings some personal or professional experience in farming, landscaping, or horticulture, and can work both independently and within a team.

Essential Functions:

• Work with farm staff and volunteers to accomplish a variety of farm-related tasks, including bed preparation, planting, weeding, irrigation, harvesting, washing, and packing a variety of vegetables.

• Maintenance of buildings and other infrastructure owned by The Vashon Land Trust.

• Represent Vashon Land Trust to preserve visitors, neighbors, and community members.

Qualifications:

• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds

• Capacity to perform strenuous physical work in all weather conditions

• Hardworking, enthusiastic and curious approach

• Previous interest or experience in agriculture, biology, ecology or related field

• Professional or personal skills working within diverse audiences and teams

• A valid WA State driver’s license (The candidate may need to use a company vehicle to transport crops to various vendors, including the local food banks, high schools, and farmer's market)

Compensation and Schedule:

This position is paid an hourly wage of $18.00/hour. It is part-time non-exempt, 20 hours/week, and temporary (through October 31). Benefits include sick leave and holidays.

We are committed to adding voices to our team that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), military veterans and spouses, LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, and those with work gaps to apply and help us in our vision to realize a community that celebrates inclusion and diversity through innovative leadership and partnerships.

Upon a contingent job offer, candidates must complete a background check and COVID-19 affidavit. This candidate will be working with volunteers, as we host a volunteer Friday event at the farm every Friday. Most of these volunteers are from vulnerable communities (the elderly and minors). We run background checks to protect these vulnerable groups. Even if something is flagged in someone's background, it is not necessarily an immediate disqualification for employment. We are screening to ensure the candidate does not have violent convictions or any convictions relating to the abuse of these vulnerable groups.

To Apply:

Please send a resume of previous employment, education, and experiences to jobs@vashonlandtrust.org. Position open until filled. A letter of interest is appreciated, though optional. References may be requested.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline