Company description

The Farm at Good Sam grows diversified Certified Naturally Grown fruits and vegetables on one acre located directly on the Good Samaritan Health Center campus. All of our produce goes to our multi-day onsite market, where our priority is providing high-quality, affordable food to the patients and neighbors we serve.

Our farm crew is small and collaborative. We work closely together, and because of our size, we often divide tasks to cover more ground, so the work includes a mix of teamwork and independent responsibility. We strive to follow LEAN farming principles that emphasize efficiency, organization, and continuous improvement. Clear communication is important to us so that expectations are shared, understood, and achievable.

While the farm team is not responsible for setting up or running the market daily, we collaborate closely with the market team to keep them informed about produce availability and our schedule. Occasionally, we may step in to assist with market operations as needed.

Our two-person farm team has worked closely together for over eight years, and we’re excited to welcome a Farm Hand to grow the team and support ongoing farm operations. This role is physically engaging and rewarding, and we hope to find someone interested in joining a collaborative, mission-driven farm. Most importantly, the farm operates in alignment with Good Sam’s mission: “To spread Christ’s love through quality care to those who are most in need,” through the opportunity to serve our community with fresh, nutrient-dense food.

Job description

This is a year-round position. "Busy Season" is from April to December, and "Off Season" is January to March.

Hours: Busy Season: 24–28 hours/week, with shifts typically ranging from 6:30 am–2:45 pm, depending on sunrise Off Season: 16–20 hours/week, with shifts typically ranging from 7:30 am–2:45 pm. Farm Hands are typically scheduled Monday, Wednesday–Friday. Please still apply if your availability is slightly different.

What You’ll Do:

• Participate in morning farm setup under the direction of the Farm Managers
• Help wash and sanitize harvest bins and the harvest sink
• Support Farm Managers in sorting freshly harvested produce
• Help with washing produce according to post-harvest standards
• Help package produce for market and program needs
• Join Farm Managers in harvesting designated crops
• Weed within crop beds using hands or long-handled tools based on crop spacing
• Thin seedlings (e.g., carrots, beets, radishes) following spacing guidelines
• Transport mulch, compost, weed debris, and sandbags using a wheelbarrow
• Take part in planting tasks alongside Farm Manager(s)
• Assist in seeding crops in the greenhouse
• Transplant seedlings that have been soaked in seaweed fertilizer
• Spray fish fertilizer on crops as directed
• Contribute to end-of-day cleanup and organization
• Fill and repair sandbags as needed
• Help set up hoops, row covers, and other season extension tools
• Participate in pest-management tasks, beginning with hand-removal before any spray applications
• Support bed-flipping tasks by removing rocks, old crop debris, and weeds using manual bed preparation tools to prepare beds for the next crop
• Follow and uphold all Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) practices while performing daily tasks

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experience in farming, gardening, or landscaping is a plus, but not required – a willingness to learn is most important
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team
• Strong attention to detail, punctuality, and physical stamina
• Demonstrates adaptability, and respectful communication when working with diverse teams, volunteers, and community members
• Strong work ethic with history of good attendance

Physical Requirements:

• Work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Tolerate biting/stinging insects
• Lift/move up to 50 lbs. (occasionally 100 lbs. with assistance)
• Tasks include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and repetitive hand and arm movements

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with no prior farming experience. If you are enthusiastic, dependable, and interested in supporting our mission to provide fresh, nutrient-dense food to our community, we encourage you to apply!

Benefits & Perks:
• Complimentary access to clinic visits
• Access to mental wellness and support resources via the WeConnect app
• Opportunity to share in surplus farm produce, when available

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline