Seasonal Farmer Jobs

ABOUT OUR FARM

Our farm is located on over 100 acres of what was historically the Lafollette/Frye Farm and is bordered by the Cacapon River. We are currently growing over 40 different vegetable crops. Our production is focused on two intensively-managed acres and we are in the process of refining our vegetable programs, as well as evaluating the potential opportunities of fruit and livestock production to better serve our CSA, markets and other connected enterprises (market, bakery, kitchen, etc.)

Our farm, and nearly half of the other acreage, has been certified organic since 2019 and we have loyally followed sustainable principles such as crop rotation, soil nutrient balancing, and cover-cropping.

As a nonprofit social enterprise, our farm serves as a living classroom teaching local high school students (what we call our “Junior Crew”) organic and sustainable farming techniques as well as how the farm interacts with, and is integrated into, the larger ecosystem. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand and CSA customers gaining hands-on, real life experience.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated Farmer to support the day-to-day operations of the farm at Farms Work Wonders. In conjunction with the Farm team, Farmers participate in and understand all farm activities related to food production, sustainability, conservation & youth education. Farmers are our boots on the ground, ensuring timely planting, cultivation and harvesting, and maintaining orderly and efficient workspaces. We are accepting applications for both full and part time positions.

This role reports to the Agriculture Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure staff, crew, customer and visitors’ personal safety by promoting individual awareness of hazards and teaching safety skills on the job, as well as identifying new hazards.
• Help provide education and instruction to local high school students (Junior Crew team members) who participate in many of our enterprises
• Any other task or activity required to ensure smooth operation of the farm and non profit organization.
• Assist with content creation for social media and other platforms.
• Set up and operate irrigation equipment.
• Ensure farm and production spaces are clean, presentable and attractive at all times
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Ensure quality control in the inspection, grading, sorting, storage, harvest and post-harvest treatment of crops.
• Support sales outlets including bakery, kitchen, onsite produce and plant sales, wholesale, and CSA
• Perform general field work including weeding, cultivation, transplanting, seeding and harvesting.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous farm experience is preferred, but not required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (Our farm is rurally located with limited public transportation available.)
• Passionate about working for a youth-driven nonprofit organization
• Must be able to work with a sense of urgency
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must have weekend availability
• Must have a friendly and positive demeanor

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Must have enjoyment of working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must be hardworking and understanding that farming is rewarding, yet physically demanding

WORK SCHEDULE AND POSITION DATES

This position is expected to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with 2 days off per week. Must have weekend availability. The position term is expected to be filled May 1, 2023 through October 31, 2023.

COMPENSATION

This position is classified as nonexempt with a starting wage of $15/hr. There are part time and full time opportunities available. In addition to competitive pay, we offer the following benefits for seasonal employees:

• Paid training opportunities
• Discount on items in the market

HOUSING

Housing options may be available.

ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS

Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders started with the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm and farm stand. Since opening, our enterprises have expanded to include a market, bakery, glass blowing studio, and restaurant (expected to open Summer 2023) that have currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with many held by local high school students.

Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.