Company description

Red Fire Farm feeds over 7000 people weekly in Massachusetts with local organic food through our CSA farm shares, farmers markets, local wholesale, food relief, and the Granby farm store. We are motivated to feed the local community inspiringly delicious food that’s raised right and to get them out onto the farm to connect with agriculture and the ecology that we all rely on for life.

We seek to transform our diets and reconnect to nature through organic seasonal food and activities. Our work builds community connection and care between people, in the workplace and with our customers, vendors, other local food producers.

By farming organically, we improve and preserve prime farmland, growing resources and increase healthy habitat in the ecosystem.

We would love to have you come help us do this work!

Job description

Red Fire Farm is looking for an Assistant Field and Harvest Manager to help oversee harvest and field work at our Granby farm to keep this ship rolling in shape! The ideal candidate has experience working on a diverse vegetable farm and is committed to growing local food. This person will be working closely with our Farm Manager and other management staff; as well as helping to lead farm crews. They must be able to work well both independently and collaboratively. We are looking for someone who is organized, hardworking, and thinks creatively to solve problems and improve systems.

Our Granby farm includes 30 acres of organic vegetables and a few acres of orchard fruits managed with low-spray IPM methods. It's a very diverse food scape!

Join us in the beautiful river valley of Western Massachusetts, with close access to lots of live music, art, and natural beauty.

We may have more positions open at the farm, please visit us at redfirefarm.com to view other roles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Help with these areas of managing, supporting the Farm Manager:

• Create daily harvest lists with crew and field information
• Manage the morning meeting, along with the manager, for concise communication and fast activation of all farm crews
• Coordinate with farm crews throughout the day for harvest and field work to ensure efficiency
• Lead or be on crews when not fulfilling other duties
• Coordinate changes to orders and CSA with farm owners and other department managers
• Oversight and double-checking of farm quality standards
  Train new crew members, and assist in overseeing the team
• Give harvest tips at morning meeting as new crops come online for the season, based on weekly list details and packing department input
• Tractor operating for field care or harvest (can be trained)
• Assist with email box monitoring and responses
• Assist with customer communication for special orders
• Help insure food safety standards are being met and exceeded
• Assist in defining and maintaining schedules for work day processes – make sure meeting goals, allocate, coordinate hours for the day
• Assist in overall management of labor efficiency for harvest –such as position planning, and labor allocation, define training goals, training schedule and bring in assistance as needed

REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants MUST have a valid driver’s license to be considered for the position. (Driving crews from one field to another is a requirement.)
• Experience with field care and harvesting a diversity of produce
• A desire and willingness to work outside (in the rain and the heat & cold too!)
• Comfortable with computers, email and Excel
• Must be able to lift 30-50 lbs repeatedly, and work physically all day
• Ability to work well in teams
• Have a good attitude and be willing to learn
• English reading and writing required, Spanish language skills a plus

SCHEDULE:
Work hours in the main growing season are typically Monday-Friday 7/8 am – 5/6 pm (schedule varies depending on the time of season). Some weekend work may be needed in rotation to cover asparagus harvest, greenhouse care, or seasonal irrigation or frost needs. This position can start part time work in April and continue with full-time hours starting in May through mid December. Part-time winter work available.

Compensation is based on experience

Other Perks:
All the organic veggies you can eat!
15% discount at the farm store
Paid sick time
Opportunities to advance and build on your skills

Location: This position is based at 7 Carver St, Granby MA

On-farm housing may be available, inquire if interested.

Job Type: Year round, variable hours: more in the main season, fewer during the winter months (December thru March)

Compensation

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

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline