Company description

Rhubarb Botanicals LLC is a diversified specialty horticulture farm in eastern Iowa. Our work is centered on providing high quality produce and botanicals through organic and ecological farming practices. We cultivate herbs and cut flowers on approximately 3 acres across two farm locations. Our herbs are grown primarily for use in our own value-added apothecary production and sold locally to local chefs and restaurants. Cut flowers are grown for our Flower CSA, farmer's markets, and local florists. We utilize low-till and no-till practices on our farm to restore soil health and resilience.

Job description

The Herb Farm Lead will work closely with the owner to oversee and accomplish our medicinal and culinary herb production. We grow 30 varieties of medicinal herbs and 40 varieties of culinary herbs on approximately 1.5 acres. Herbs are grown for use in our value-added products, fresh sales at markets and to local restaurants, and dried for bulk sales. This full-time position runs from April - November with the possibility of extending part-time work into the winter months.

Herb Farm Manager tasks include (but are not limited to): seedling production and greenhouse management; field and bed preparation; high tunnel management; irrigation set-up and maintenance; transplanting and direct seeding of crops; weeding and cultivation; organic pest and disease management; forecasting herb availability and inventory management; harvesting, bunching, washing, packing, and labeling of fresh culinary herbs to order for sale to restaurants, food hubs, and farmers markets; managing the drying and and processing of dried herbs; post-harvest processing (garbling) of dried herbs; cleaning tools and equipment.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently and has a propensity for efficiency. Strong communication skills are a must. Adaptability, prioritizing, and the ability to problem-solve in real time is key. Some knowledge of herb cultivation is preferred but not required; training and resources will be provided. Prior experience working with produce and/or on a farm is highly preferred.

The ideal candidates for our team are those who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and interested in growing, literally and figuratively, with our company. Employees must be able to work collaboratively, practice open communication, and take direction & feedback with ease. Employees should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

We strive for efficiency, ease, and mechanization of tasks when possible. Still, many daily tasks required in farming can be repetitive & physically taxing. Employees should be in a physical condition that allows them to stand, kneel, bend, and walk for extended periods of time up to 8 hours a day. Employees must be able to occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs and frequently lift and carry objects between 20-30 lbs. We do our best to adjust daily tasks based on weather conditions, but employees should expect to work in all weather conditions including wind, rain, and heat. Our farm is located in a rural area only accessible by car and travel between our two farm sites may occasionally be needed via personal or company vehicle. We recommend that only applicants with consistent access to a vehicle and a valid driver's license apply for this position. Housing is not available.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $17.00 - $22.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline