Company description

Hall Brook Farm is a certified organic, commercial scale vegetable farm located in Thorndike, Maine; owned and operated by Pheonix and Megan O'Brien since 2014. We grow 20 acres of produce in the field and 3/4 of an acre in our greenhouses. At peak season we employ around twelve people. We put great value and emphasis on growing high quality produce in a way that is ecologically, financially and physically sustainable.

We sell our produce to grocery stores from Mid-coast, Maine to Eastern, Massachusetts. We focus on growing a handful of vegetable crops in order to maintain the highest quality possible, increase efficiency and meet our market's needs. We are fairly mechanized, so while there is some hand weeding, we do most of our cultivation mechanically. We are always trying to optimize efficiency and make a job as easy on our bodies as possible. We utilize harvesting equipment like harvesters and conveyors for major, bulk harvests.

The crew at Hall Brook Farm enjoys a fast-paced, efficient, team-oriented work environment. As managers, we emphasize clear and open communication, reasonable expectations, fair wages, fostering a work environment of inclusion, promotion and team- work.

Job description

The Lead Tomato Grower is responsible for overseeing and managing all soil grown tomato production in our 3 heated and climate automated tunnels and 2 unheated tunnels. Tomatoes are one of our, and our customers, favorite crops! We love growing heirloom types as well as red slicers and cherries. We are looking for an experienced greenhouse grower to help us manage all aspects of tomato production, from grafting to pruning to harvest. We are looking for a self-motivated individual who can work efficiently alone and also manage a crew effectively when required.

Responsibilities include:

• Light tractor work: using bucket to move necessary materials to and from work area, prepping and turning over beds
• light greenhouse infrastructure maintenance/repairs: patching holes in plastic, maintaining climate system, etc
• irrigation management and installation
• pest management
• managing farm crew on tasks such as planting, picking etc.
• nutrient management
• communicating to sales manager expected yields prior to harvest days

Requirements:

• experience, efficiency and knowledge of tomato production tasks including pruning tomatoes, picking, irrigation set-up, planting
• competence working within organic systems
• 2+ years' experience working on farms
• management experience preferred

During tomato production season, the tomato lead will be part of all aspects of growing. During peak season there is a lot of pruning to be done. We utilize a lower and lean system, with electric lifts to make the job efficient, easier and safer (no ladder work).

The tomato production lead is a year-round position, 40+ hours during the growing season, and 3-4 days per week during the off-season (December-March). Off-season tasks include working in other aspects of the farm, including washing root vegetables, picking winter greens and packing orders. Compensation is $19/hour+ DOE, plus PTO, OT and workers comp. We are open to starting the right person immediately but are flexible on start dates.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $18.00 - $20.00

Application instructions

Deadline

May 01, 2025