Gateway Farm is an ambitious, cutting-edge farm project and business located in Plymouth, Michigan. It is putting into practice a regenerative, permaculture-inspired design that weaves together USDA certified organic market gardening, food forests, land regeneration and re-wilding, and is a demonstration site for these approaches. Gateway Farm is a place of abundance and beauty; a community hub offering nutrient dense food, education, events, sanctuary, and hope for the future.
 

In our 7 years of operation, the farm has been converted from a golf driving range to a certified organic food growing farm and community events space. In 2022 offerings were expanded beyond fresh produce to include farm tours and workshops as well as value-added products. Now in 2024 we are weaving all our enterprises and community network together to develop Gateway Farm into an innovative farm hub.

Gateway Farm is a diversified business that offers work, experience and learning opportunities in a variety of roles. Each worker has a main area of responsibility and tasks. You will however, from time to time, be working in other areas of the farm as well as at our sister farm Plymouth Orchard. 

There are annual and perennial crop production systems on the farms along with native and ornamental gardens, ground and infrastructure to be cared for. We also have a line of value added products and host events, markets and educational workshops, and attend a few off site markets and events. 

At Gateway Farm we recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are a proud equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusivity throughout our business. 

Position Description 

Gateway Farm is seeking a highly motivated, responsible and organized person to be the  Harvest & Distribution Coordinator to oversee documentation and flow of all incoming produce. 

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Working with coordinators to arrange harvests
• Harvesting/field work
• Documenting all incoming produce & recordkeeping 
• Sorting, grading, washing and packing all produce
• Maintaining quality 
• Packing all CSA boxes, online retail orders, wholesale orders, and farmer’s market offering
• Organization of Wash/Pack area
• Implementing food safety protocols and sanitation guidelines
• Maintaining inventory of all necessary supplies
• Cleaning and sanitizing all equipment and the room itself
• Training and Supervising crews working in the wash/pack
• Worker Safety & clear communications 
• Attends regular Gateway Farm meetings
• Working with and reporting to farm directors 

Job Qualifications 

• Wash Pack and or Kitchen experience
• Communicate clearly and follow instructions
• Have some knowledge of plants/gardening/farming/mechanics
• Good record keeping skills 
• Cleanliness and safety minded
• Pay attention to detail yet able to work efficiently
• Lift heavy materials, bend, kneel, squat, balance and reach, sometimes repetitively, for most tasks - Able to spend the day on concrete, lifting and moving boxes of vegetables
• Be reliable, punctual and conscientious
• Operate in, and contribute to, a positive work environment
• Be available weekdays and some evenings and weekends
• Work both independently and as part of a team
• Work outdoors in most weather conditions
• Because our business is located in an area without access to reliable public transportation, we only recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply.

Preferred Experience:

• ServSafe or similar food handling certification 
• Gardening, horticulture &/or farming experience
• Mid-sized to large farm/garden/lawn machine operation

• Basic farming/gardening tool use and knowledge
• Passion for growing and caring for plants, waterways and living systems

Position Details

• Employment Schedule - We are seeking a Full Time (28-40 hours/week) Harvest & Distribution Coordinator. Gateway Farm crews generally operate daily Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and in the evenings and weekends for workshops, events, and markets. Times can change with the season and weather. Coordinator positions generally run year round with reduced winter hours. 
• Job Compensation - Pay starts at $18/hour for entry level coordinators.  Experience and skill will be considered with compensation. Employment opens up access to benefits, farm perks and discounts at Gateway Farm and our sister farm to Plymouth Orchards.
• We have a 40 hour trial period, and a 30 day evaluation period.