Farm Crew Member - Job Description
Part/Full-time, seasonal, March through October work on an organic farm
We are located at the foot of the Olympic Mountains in Western Washington. Our beautiful 720-acre farm is owned by 18 families, working together to provide tasty, certified organic vegetables, fruit, eggs, poultry, and lamb for the local community. We are passionate about our community, the food we grow, and supporting a truly local and sustainable food system.
Position Details:
As a member of our Farm Crew, you will be a part of a team of co-workers and farm owners, aiding and assisting in a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities. We are seeking individuals ready to work efficiently in a physically demanding and fast-paced environment. We are looking for applicants with farming experience, but motivation and a good attitude is more important than previous employment. We will provide on-the-job training to ensure success. We can offer part-time or full-time positions (20-40 hours/week).
The crew will usually work as a team, especially during harvest, but individuals will also be expected to be able to work independently once sufficiently trained. Tasks range throughout the season, but during the height of harvest season (roughly from June through September), the work is primarily harvesting and packing vegetables.
Responsibilities can at times be physically demanding, so all candidates must be capable of lifting heavy and awkward items, capable of performing repetitive tasks with a positive attitude and sufficient stamina and flexibility to bend/kneel/squat for hours at a time, able to traverse and work on uneven and unstable ground, and willing to work in inclement weather.Please note:Candidates must be able to repetitively lift 50 pounds, carry and move heavy items, and work low to the ground and up overhead.
Benefits:
● $17.50 starting pay with potential raises very quickly based on performance and commitment.
● Access to farm fresh food
● Beautiful location and amazing co-workers
● Learn valuable skills
● Opportunity for advancement
● Flexible schedule and tasks – never a dull moment
Tasks/Responsibilities may include:
● Harvesting, washing, and packing
● Seeding, transplanting, trellising, pruning, weeding
● Bed preparation: tilling, spreading compost, drip tape
● Animal care: feeding, egg collection/washing, processing
● Farmers market sales
● General farm labor as needed
Qualifications:
● Interest in farming a must!
● Prior farming/produce experience desired but not required
● Attention to detail
● Punctuality and strong time management skills
● Positive and energetic disposition with strong interpersonal skills
● Strong back with the ability to lift heavy and awkward objects
● Ability to work well in both a team setting and independently
● Fast learner with ability to adapt to new tasks & work with others
● Ability to take direction, accept constructive feedback, and to ask for help when needed
● Ability to work for long durations in inclement weather
● Ability to perform and endure repetitive physical work
Working Hours: 8 hours/day (hours change with the season). 2 to 5 days each week to be determined based on required tasks, availability, and season. Primary season is Mar-Oct, but some winter employment may be available.
To Apply: Please email us a letter of interest including two references at farmer@SkokomishValleyFarms.com.