Company description

Orkestai Farm is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Nassau County, Long Island (an hour outside of Manhattan). Our primary worksite is in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park on an acre plus of land in the park’s grassy meadows, adjacent to forests. Our practices prioritize the vitality of the soil and the connections between the human and more-than-human world. We also share and teach our regenerative methods of vegetable farming to a Neurodiverse community and the community at large. We exist to reweave people and land through Expressive Agriculture — integrating human scale farming, nature connection, and creativity to cultivate belonging, wonder, and ecological stewardship.

Job description

Orkestai Farm is looking for a part-time Farm Crew and Educator for 2026 and beyond. The role is dynamic, diverse, challenging and is designed for personal and professional growth, with the potential to grow into a leadership role if the right fit is determined. Our preferred applicant will have experience working on an organic vegetable farm and/or extensive experience with home gardening. In addition, the ideal candidate will have interfaced with people of diverse backgrounds and ages in professional/public settings and is passionate about developing local food/ecological systems and connecting people to the “natural” world. The candidate will also be involved in community outreach (welcoming diverse groups to the farm), Second Saturday Community Days, fundraising events, CSA and farm markets, and any other programming that evolves. The Farm Crew and Educator will work in concert with the Co-Directors, Lead Grower, other Farm Crew and Educators, board members, and volunteers.

Responsibilities of the educational and community outreach aspect include but are not limited to:

• Teach farming/arts/cooking and work hands-on in the field
• Develop and implement curriculum for our educational programs
• Initiate and lead workshops
• Act as a liaison between visitors and the farm
• Other related tasks if and when they become relevant

Responsibilities related to the vegetable and flower farm production include but are not limited to helping Lead Grower with:

• Planting and succession planting
• Greenhouse propagation
• Water, nutrient, soil, weed and pest management
• Irrigation
• Composting
• Mulching
• Cover Cropping
• Harvest and post-harvest handling of vegetables
• Distribution of vegetables for donation/market

QUALITIES OF THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE:

Emotional/Social Skills

• Is sensitive and empathetic toward others, a good listener, intuitive to others needs.
• Able to improvise and think outside of the box when needed.
• Acts with integrity, always tells the truth even if it inconvenient or unpleasant
• Speaks up if they believe there is a problem/conflict and works through with empathy and integrity

Physical Skills

• Multiple seasons of agricultural/gardening work
• Energetic, physically fit and has a great work ethic
• Lifts up to 50 lbs repeatedly and can push heavy wheelbarrows
• Can squat, kneel, bend over, and reach for extended periods of time, in any weather conditions.
• Loves working outdoors in any weather with the appropriate gear
• Exceptional at task management, reliable, tidy, efficient and punctual

Intellectual Skills

• Proficient at research, both online and offline, taking notes and communicating ideas
• Both makes and listens to arguments (respectfully)
• Inherently curious, broad and open-minded, yet value-oriented.
• Takes initiative, is able to work independently and is self-driven and directed

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING:

• A forward thinking, community based, mission driven milieu
• Dedicated, competent and kind co-workers
• A beautiful and peaceful nature-based environment
• 15-25 hours a week depending on skill-set and availability
• Hourly pay $22/hr-$24/hr.
• Fresh vegetables for personal use, when available
• Work begins April/May 2026

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline