Assistant Farm Manager Rolling Hills Farm
- Date Posted September 29, 2016
- Location Lambertville, NJ
- Category Agriculture
- Job type Full-Time
Rolling Hills Farm is set on 10 acres of land in Lambertville, New Jersey and grows over 100 varieties of fruits, mushrooms and vegetables on 2 acres of land. Using intensive growing techniques so that we can get the most production out of our “market garden”, we strive to grow the best food possible. Our vegetables, fruits and mushrooms are chemical free, hand tended and sustainably grown. We are about to reach our organic certification as well.
We have been farming together since 2012 and founded Rolling Hills Farm in 2014. With over 18 years of farming experience between us, we quickly realized our love for small scale farming after working on a 20 acre farm together. On a smaller scale we found it easier to grow more nutritious and beautiful produce while being good stewards of our land. Practicing a lot of season extension, including high tunnels and low tunnels, every year we work hard to have even earlier and later vegetables.
We grow for a 200 member CSA program and 2 large farmer’s markets as well as some wholesale accounts on our small acreage by using quick rotations of crops and crop planning very intensely.Through our assistant manager position you will learn the ins and outs of all that we do here and how to produce a lot of produce on a small amount of land.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Work under the owners of the farm
- Participate in the production, harvesting, distribution and marketing of crops including: soil preparation, planting, cultivation, transplant production, high tunnel management, irrigation, harvesting, and distribution through CSA pickups and farmers’ markets.
- Manage the stand and workers at farmer’s markets when owners are not present
- Assist in the maintenance of farm buildings, vehicles and equipment
- Help supervise and train seasonal apprentices, workshares and volunteers
- Assist in researching farming methods, pricing, equipment, etc.
- Assist in record-keeping
- Assist in marketing and shareholder relations
- Assist with CSA events and fundraisers
- Maintain and run the farm when the owners are not around with professionalism and efficiency
- Assist with mushroom growing and maintenance of mushroom grow rooms.
Requirements:
- At least two years organic vegetable crop production
- Quick work pace, you are expected to keep up with us and move efficiently and quickly around the farm while keeping up with our high standards when it comes to the quality of our produce
- Passion for farming and a dedication to the farm you are working at.
- Understanding of CSA and agricultural principles, crop rotation, soil enhancement methods, basic soil science, and general ecological principles
- Ability to supervise and manage volunteers/interns
- Effective communication with the public
- Capable of clearly communicating needs, questions, and concerns
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to handle constructive criticism with grace
- Able to work in all weather conditions (with a positive attitude, it gets real hot in the middle of the Summer)
- Physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds to chest level continuously
- Must have a good attitude, especially in stressful situations, with a willingness to be flexible
- Commitment to achieving the goals of Rolling Hills Farm
- Valid drivers’ license
- Ability to see the whole picture and understand the importance of menial tasks
Terms of Employment: April-November with 5 days paid vacation. Farming Mon-Fri, working one market day on the weekend, and one CSA pickup every other week. Hours during the week are typically 8-5 pm with one afternoon off a week. When it is hot out we start earlier. Weekend hours are 6:30 am to market’s day end. On your CSA pickup day you have the morning off and your day begins when you load up for CSA distribution (around 1pm)
please send resume AND cover letter to rollinghillsfarm @ gmail .com Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions