Company description

Theo’s Market Gardens is a fifth-generation family-farm located in the heart of Littleton, Massachusetts, just a short drive from Boston. The farm is a classic example of diversified New England agriculture, growing a variety of vegetables and berries and sustainably raising livestock for processing. When you arrive, park in the gravel lot just steps from the fields where we hand-pick and gather crops for distribution through our beautiful farm market and expansive all-season CSA. We pride ourselves in offering the freshest picked produce directly to our neighbors. As you arrive at the market front, you can often see the farm crew bringing in produce that was picked only moments ago. Our Farm Market dates all the way back to 1931 and features two additions that have allowed our farm to offer a wider selection of produce from trusted growers and suppliers to compliment all we grow and produce on our own homestead. On the farm you will find our Owner/Operator deep in the fields, carefully monitoring upcoming seedlings in the greenhouse, working alongside our field + retail teams, and chatting with regulars. This is a place where kids play, where customers become regulars, shareholders, and friends. It's an environment where folks have the opportunity to get their boots muddy and their hands dirty learning about agriculture.

Job description

Our Field Crew Members play a vital role in the daily operations of our diversified farm. This position involves a wide range of physical tasks related to the cultivation, harvest, and post-harvest handling of various crops. This is a position that requires prompt and effective communication as well as significant collaboration (often across language barriers). Our ideal candidate is reliable, possesses a strong work ethic, attention to detail, has previous experience working on a diversified agricultural operation and is eager to learn and contribute to a collaborative farm environment. This is a part time position with early morning starts.

Key Responsibilities -

Crop Cultivation and Maintenance:

• Prepare soil for planting (e.g. cultivation, bed preparation and more)
• Direct seeding
• Various methods of transplanting seedlings including those by hand and assisted by machinery such as the water wheel tractor
• Weeding by hand, hoe, and other tools
• Trellising, pruning, staking, and thinning crops as needed
• Pest and disease monitoring and management

Harvest and post-harvest handling:

• Harvest Crops as directed according to quality standards and specific harvest protocols (e.g., proper maturity, gentle handling).
• Complete post-harvest handling tasks such as washing produce, packing, ensuring crops that need to be placed in water after harvest are, and more to ensure freshness and quality.
• Communicate with retail staff members and management to ensure all stakeholders are aware that crops have been harvested and are ready to be distributed and if any problems arise.
• Communicate any pest damage, animal damage, weather damage of crops etc. to management and collaborate to find a solution.
• Assist with inventory management and quality control while harvesting.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the wash/pack area - clean up after yourself and ensure the area behind the farm stand is free of waste and trash.

Teamwork & Communication:

• Work effectively and respectfully as part of a small team.
• Follow instructions clearly and ask clarifying questions when you are not certain you understand.
• Communicate effectively with farm managers and other crew members.

Qualifications -

• Previous experience working on a diversified farm.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Punctual, reliable, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and commitment to communication across language barriers.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including bending,
• kneeling, lifting, and standing for extended periods in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, direct sun).
• Ability to lift and move packages weighing up to 50 lbs

Benefits and Pay

• Access to daily farm fresh produce and other groceries
• Access to our barnyard, farm, and walking trails beyond the farm stand
• Compensation is an hourly wage based on previous experience and expertise

This is a seasonal agricultural position averaging 40-60 hours a week. Please note that we are located in an area without much bus or train access; you’ll need to have a confirmed plan for getting to and from the farm each day.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

no deadline