Island Grown Initiative is a non-profit on Martha’s Vineyard that works to build a regenerative and equitable food system for our community. We operate a 42-acre farm in the center of the Island, and are in the process of transitioning our field acreage to low till, regenerative practices. We seek a hard-working and community-oriented Field Hand and Gleaning assistant to help us build soil and share food throughout the 2024 growing season.

This position will be split between our farm and Gleaning program. Gleaning is the act of gathering food that would otherwise not be sold. This includes harvesting surplus crops with volunteers, receiving surplus food, and harvesting or receiving food grown specifically for donation. Our Gleaning program serves local food distribution programs, public schools, and prepared meals programs. In 2023, IGI gleaned 67,000 pounds of food, 52% of which was grown by our farm for the Gleaning program. In addition to local produce, we also receive fish donations and venison through a collaborative Venison Donation Program.

This position starts on or around June 3, 2024, and ends December 31, 2024. Work averages 40 hours a week over the course of the season, with the expectation that some days will be longer than others depending on the season and needs of the farm. Daily start and end times are subject to change during the hot summer months. 

Field Crew Responsibilities (50%): 

• Field work: Seeding, planting, laying irrigation, greenhouse work, weeding and hoeing, mulching, moving tarps and landscape fabric, regular lifting and moving of sand bags and irrigation pipes, and more. 
• Vegetable processing: harvesting, washing, sorting, packing, and labeling produce for CSA distribution or other customers. 
• Other: Tracking and entering field data, interaction with CSA members and other farm visitors. 

Gleaning Assistant Responsibilities (50%):

• Direct volunteers during gleans at IGI and other Island farms.
• Make deliveries to food pantries, local organizations, and schools with an Island Grown vehicle.
• Facilitate gleaning field trips for local school groups of various ages and ability levels.
• Occasionally coordinate with farmers and gleaning recipients via text and email.
• Track and record gleaning data.
• Wash and pack produce, maintain gleaning supplies, perform various farm-based tasks.
• Assist with IGI’s Venison Donation Program, including processing whole deer.

What we’re looking for: 

• Job and/or educational experience in agriculture (vegetable experience is a plus).
• Detail-oriented, focused, organized, tidy, and computer literate. 
• Excellent listening skills, with a willingness to learn and discuss new ideas. 
• Skilled in both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to adapt and to respond to dynamic needs of IGI programs.
• Self-motivated, able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 
• Willingness and ability to work hard while maintaining a positive attitude. 
• Safe and conscientious driver with a clean driving record and up to date driver’s license.
• Physically capable of sustained manual labor, including the ability to safely lift 50 pounds repeatedly. 
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, cold, etc. 
• Willingness to work with and around animals slaughtered for food (butchering experience is welcome but not required.)
• Ability to pass CORI background check (required for working with schools)

Compensation: Pay is commensurate with experience. Field crew members enjoy access to the food they grow.