Company description

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center inspires people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization located on 240 acres of forest and farmland bordering the Snoqualmie River in Carnation, Washington. Oxbow researches and practices sustainable farming methods, grows food and native plants, and educates people of all ages about agriculture and the environment. Collectively, Oxbow’s work takes real-time action to combat climate change, promote biodiversity, and encourage healthy food systems.

Oxbow connects to the public through special events, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Job description

Oxbows Farm Stand strives to be a vibrant hub of discovery, engagement, and learning. The Farm Stand and Farmers’ Market Staff role allows you to: help people learn about local food, get your hands dirty in the earth and build relationships with community. You will work at the Farm Stand and local Farmers Markets (Duvall, Issaquah, Mercer Island) where you will welcome visitors, sell Oxbow produce, native plants and locally produced products (e.g. eggs or honey), and be an ambassador for Oxbow and its programs. We are looking for someone with a positive, can-do attitude, who enjoys interacting with customers and shares our passion for food, farming, and the environment.

Initial Schedule - with hours increasing in May:

Feb – April Shift Options:

Option 1: Saturday + Sunday 8AM-4:30PM

Option 2: Saturday 8AM-4:30PM

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Farm Stand and Farmers Market Sales

• Perform direct retail sales to customers, with a focus on cultivating positive customer relationships
• Restock, cull, and reorganize as needed throughout the market day

• Maintain accurate cash handling, and reporting
• Speak to the benefits + uses of Organically grown produce and Washington native plants
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Perform other duties, as needed and assigned by the Farm Stand Manager

Farmers Market Specific (Markets every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, May – October)

• Participate in loading/unloading Oxbow vehicle with all produce, materials, and display supplies needed for the Farmers Market
• Drive Oxbow vehicle safely to and from market
• Present produce and native plants in a visually appealing way – thinking about abundance and color
• Set up and tear down Farmers Market booth and displays in a timely and organized manner

Farm Stand Specific (Open Sat – Sun, Feb.– April and Nov. – Dec., and Fri – Sun, May – Oct.)

• Participate in loading/unloading Oxbow vehicle of all produce
• Present produce and partner products in a visually appealing way – thinking about abundance and color
• Ensure Farm Stand is clean and organized to welcome visitors.
• Assist with weekend tasks around the farm (watering prop-house/opening and closing greenhouses)
• Care for native plants at the Farm Stand, including watering, pruning and weeding

Farm Field Duties (Every Thursday, May – October)

• Join the Agriculture team on their busiest harvest day of the week

• Dress appropriately to work outside rain or shine

QUALIFICATIONS (preferred, not all required)

• Excellent customer service
• Experience in retail sales and/or farmer stand/market sales.
• Able to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 50 lbs.
• Experience using Sales POS platforms and EBT machines
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse weather conditions and under pressure.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Available for 1-2 shifts per week, Saturday - Sunday
• WA state Driver’s License
• Experience driving large vans and box trucks (desired)
• Ability/ willingness to learn to drive manual transmission mini-truck
• Experience in or passion for product design or presentation (desired)
• Environmentally conscious, interested in organic farming, cooking (desired)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION:

This is a non-exempt, seasonal part-time role. Benefits include sick pay, monthly cell phone stipend and weekly veggies. The pay rate for this role is $22/hr.

Priority application deadline Monday, January 8th, 2024

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline