Company description

Orkestai Farm is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Nassau County, Long Island (an hour outside of Manhattan). Our primary worksite is in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on an acre plus of land in the park’s grassy meadows, adjacent to forests. Our practices prioritize the vitality of the soil, the food and other life we cultivate, and the people drawn to our community. We also share and teach our regenerative methods of vegetable farming to Organic Growers with and without developmental disabilities. We exist to promote the creative participation of All people in society through the practice of ecological agriculture and the expressive arts.

Job description

Orkestai Farm is looking for a part-time Farm Crew and Educator for 2025, and possibly beyond. The role is dynamic, diverse, challenging and is designed for personal and professional growth. Our preferred applicant will have experience working on an organic vegetable farm and/or extensive experience with home gardening. In addition, the candidate will have interfaced with people of diverse backgrounds in professional/public settings and is passionate about developing local food/ecological systems and connecting people to the “natural” world.

The candidate will also be involved in community outreach (welcoming diverse groups to the farm), Second Saturday Community Days, and as a liaison for any farm-based therapy that will be piloted in 2025. The crops grown will be shared with our participants, sold at pop-up markets and to local restaurants, and donated to a local food bank. The Farm Crew and Educator will work in concert with the Executive Director, the Director of Operations and other farm staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities related to the vegetable and flower farm production include but are not limited to:

• Planting and succession planting
• Greenhouse, propagation management water, nutrient, soil, weed and pest management
• Irrigation
• Compost
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• Cover Cropping
• Harvest and post-harvest handling of vegetables
• Distribution of vegetables for donation/market

Responsibilities of the educational and community outreach aspect include but are not limited to:

• Work with the Executive Director to develop curriculum for our educational programs
• Teach farming/arts/cooking and work hands-on in the field to people of all abilities (mostly adults)
• Initiate and lead workshops
• Act as a liaison between the therapists, clients and the farm
• Other related tasks if and when they become relevant

QUALITIES OF THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE:

Physical Skills

• Multiple seasons of agricultural/gardening work
• Energetic, physically fit and has a great work ethic
• Lifts up to 50 lbs repeatedly, push heavy wheelbarrows and to squat, kneel, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time, in any weather conditions.
• Loves working outdoors in any weather with the appropriate gear
• Exceptional at task management, reliable, tidy, efficient and punctual
• Emotional/Social Skills
• Sensitive and empathetic toward others, a good listener, intuitive to others needs
• Acts with integrity, always tells the truth even if it inconvenient or unpleasant
• Articulate, speaks up if they believe there is a problem/conflict and works through with empathy and integrity.

Intellectual Skills

• Proficient at research, both online and offline, taking notes and communicating ideas
• Can both make and listen to arguments
• Inherently curious, broad and open-minded, yet value-oriented.
• Takes initiative, is able to work independently and is self-driven and directed

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• A forward thinking, community based, mission driven milieu
• Dedicated, competent and kind co-workers
• A beautiful and peaceful nature-based environment
• 15-30 hours a week depending on skill-set and availability
• Fresh vegetables for personal use, when available

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

March 12, 2025