Company description

Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm, approaching its 27th season, is a James Beard nominated farm-to-table restaurant in Southern Utah. We believe deeply in the importance of organic, locally produced, regionally, and seasonally appropriate cuisine. On our 6.5 acre farm, we grow vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, and raise hens for eggs, all of which is lovingly cooked and served (or pickled & jammed!) in our restaurant. We rely largely on local ranchers for the grass-fed and finished meat we serve. Our commitments to sustainability and environmental ethics are central to our restaurant and farm.

Being a restaurant on the edge of wilderness, we must be stewards of the land that provides for us. Boulder is a town of 250 people, surrounded by the vast Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and on a scenic road connecting Southern Utah's National Parks. We are public lands advocates who take seriously our role as environmental and social activists. We have the good fortune to nourish people as they experience this wild and important landscape, so we are committed to using our voice to protect it.

Though we are located in a remote town, Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm is bustling during the season (March through November). The restaurant is a fun and fast-paced work environment, with an emphasis on quality and connection. With a restaurant staff of around 40 people, and a farm team of 2-4, the Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm community is tight-knit and diverse. Our staff works very much as a team, so a willingness to pitch in and good communication skills are a must! Even if you work in the restaurant, we invite and encourage everyone to help out on the farm as much as you want. This can be a great opportunity to learn about growing food, which are skills we believe everyone should have!

Job description

Farmer at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm

Overview

A farmhand for Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm participates in all aspects of farm work in order to provide our restaurant with sustainable, high quality food. Our 6.5 acre farm utilizes organic, “no harm” practices to grow and care for a wide range of crops, including annual and perennial vegetables, about 100 fruit and deciduous trees and bushes, berries, herbs, flowers and eggs. In addition to being a part of the farm team, farmers are a part of and interact with the restaurant community as well, as they deliver produce directly to the restaurant and support restaurant needs on occasion. So good communication skills and a helpful attitude are a must!

Essential Functions:

• Participates in all aspects of farm work, including greenhouse propagation, bed/field preparation, transplanting, direct sowing, irrigation, weeding, mulching, thinning, pest/disease management, harvesting, post-harvesting handling
• Helps maintain all perennial areas, including orchards, flowers, herbs and ornamentals
• Helps ensure the health and well-being of all animals on the farm (layer hens). This includes: providing sufficient feed and clean water daily, maintaining clean living areas, ensuring predator protection at night
• Landscaping and maintenance of assigned areas in order to keep farm attractive and safe for staff and visitors
• Participates in occasional small-scale construction (fence building, animal structure construction, etc.)
• Helps with farm truck oriented chores and maintenance, such as compost and chicken bucket swapping and cleaning, and occasional Saturday dump runs.
  

Expectations:

• Treat coworkers and restaurant/farm guests with kindness and respect
• Maintain positive and professional attitude
• Be nimble and flexible - living and working in a remote place requires an ability to adapt and be resourceful
• Respect Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm resources (ingredients, equipment, time, etc.)

Qualifications & Skills:

• Ability to easily lift 50 lbs
• Ability to perform significant physical labor in varying outdoor conditions (sun, heat, wind, cold, rain, snow, etc.)
• Must have strong computer and communication skills- we use Excel, google docs, and do lots of texting and emails.
• Teamwork - must work well with others, which includes using clear and respectful communication and being willing to help others
• Listening skills - ability to follow tasks to specific instructions; ask clarifying questions if unclear
• Time Management - manage time effectively in order to complete required tasks
• Problem Solving - engage critical thinking skills when confronted with problems
• A driver's license is required as driving a company vehicle is necessary
• Non-Smoker
• Must be willing to interface with the public and restaurant staff during farm tours and restaurant events.
  

Work Schedule, Compensation & Housing:

• Full-time (40-45 hours a week)
• 5 days/week with two days off
• Wage of $18+/hr, depending on experience
• Benefits include: Employee Assistance Program (mental health services), 50% off employee discount at restaurant, access to restaurant wholesale ordering with no mark-up
• Time off requests granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on workload and co-workers’ schedules
• Housing available for rent onsite in furnished farm trailer

Other Things to Note:

• We prioritize applicants who can commit to the entirety of our season
• As we are in a remote location with no public transportation, you MUST have a sturdy car or truck .
• A friendly dog is negotiable.
• All restaurant staff are welcome to visit or volunteer on the farm as much as they'd like, as we know many are interested in learning more about farming while they're here

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $18.00 - $25.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline