Company description

Upriver Organics is hiring! We are a small farm 30 minutes east of Springfield along the beautiful McKenzie River. We actively manage 8 acres of annual vegetable crops, ¾ acre of greenhouse crops, and 5 acres of perennial fruits, mainly blueberries. We employ a large team of skilled farmers, drivers, marketers and support staff that all work towards a common goal of growing a large amount of exceptional food for our community.

We market our produce through a small number of grocers, a farmers market in Eugene, a farm stand at the farm and our weekly produce shares (CSA)

We farm 3 unique parcels all within 3 miles in our narrow river valley. We farm a diverse range of fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on carrots, cucumbers, blueberries, winter squash and tomatoes. We also farm some interesting crops such as asparagus, melons, strawberries, cauliflower, figs and much more.

We have a mature farm with developed systems and set expectations. That being said, we have lots of potlucks, donuts, and a strong social community surrounding the work.

Job description

The Propagation Coordinator is an integral member of our Farm Management Team and field crew at Upriver Organics, with two main roles. The primary role (~20% of the time) is being the main steward of our 3000 sq ft heated greenhouse where we produce all of our transplants. This role works closely with the Farm Manager to effectively carry out the farm’s transplant seeding calendar, from seeding, watering, monitoring and transplanting out in the field. As a fresh market and CSA farm, we produce over 40 types of crops including about 250 varieties.

The second role (~80% of the time) is being a member of our upbeat and fast paced field crew of up to 8 people. Our two harvest days are Monday and Friday and include harvesting and washing our various crops for various sales outlets. Tuesday through Thursday, when not seeding or transplanting, the Propagation Coordinator works on the field crew, tackling all of the necessary hand work in our mixed vegetable and fruit fields. These days are led and managed by the Field Crew Manager and their Assistant.

Main Responsibilities:

Prop House (1-2 days a week):

-Leading the production of all the vegetables starts in our propagation house, working closely with the Production Manager and the farm seeding plan. This includes:

• Tray filling
• Seeding (by hand, vibra seeder and vac-seeder),
• Uppotting
• Supplemental fertilizing
• Moving flats as needed for germination and hardening off
• Communicating supply needs: potting soil, trays, seeds, fertilizers

-Irrigation of the prophouse 5 days a week (M-F) plus 1x per month on weekends (Sat & Sun)

-Record keeping for our farm records and Organic Certification including:

• Seeding
• Germination rates
• Transplanting
• Greenhouse pest management

-Coordinating transplants with Field Crew Manager and Production Manager

-Attending and contributing to the weekly planning meetings, Thursday 2nd half of lunch, 30 min.

-Monitoring pests and diseases in the prophouse and managing possible vectors

-Maintain and coordinate proper seed storage and inventory

-Maintain a clean and safe work environment in the propagation house

-Lead other crew members on properly seeding and watering seedlings

-Make any recommendations (infrastructure changes, fertility etc) needed to produce quality starts.

-Additional space in the prop house may also be leased out to ancillary users, and farm staff, this space will also be overseen by the Prophouse Coordinator.

Field Crew (3-4 days a week, with 1-6 others):

-Harvesting and washing all types of fruits and vegetables as a member of the field crew under the direction of the Field Crew Manager, Monday & Friday

-All necessary field work in our annual and perennial vegetable and fruit fields including but not limited to: transplanting, weeding, trellising, pruning, using row cover and landscape fabric, amending the soil, crop removal and renovation among others projects

Skills and Experience Desired:

-At least one season working on a vegetable farm washing and harvesting vegetables and completing the necessary vegetable field work

-Previous experience seeding and watering in a propagation house

-Effective communication and coordination skills to operate as an integral member of a farm management team

-Effective personal time management and ability to work alone up to 20% of the time

-Attention to detail and ability to keep digital records.

Compensation

$16.00 Hour

We pay a bonus at the end of year if financial goals are met by the farm business.

$250 towards continued education.

Retirement fund with varying contributions in 3rd year of employment

On-Farm housing not provided but opportunities may be available

Schedule:

April-November 32-40 hours per week.

December-March. Hours are not guaranteed but some work is generally available 16-32 hours per week. Offered to employees based on role, skills and seniority.

Projected hours:

April 32-40 hours per week, depending on weather

May 40 hours per week

June 40 hours per week

July 40 hours s per week

August 40 hours per week

September 40 hours per week

October 40 hours per week

November 32-40 hours per week, depending.

December 3-4 days per week, till December 24th, depending on weather

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

February 29, 2024