Field Crew Leader Job on Long Island

FIELD CREW LEADER JOB AT AMBER WAVES FARM ON LONG ISLAND – 2017

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Amber Waves Farm is entering its ninth season as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational farm located about a mile from the beach in the village of Amagansett on Eastern Long Island. Amber Waves consists of ten acres of vegetable production and three greenhouses to serve a 150 member CSA, farmers markets, and several restaurant wholesale accounts. In addition to intensive vegetable production Amber Waves Farm has a flock of laying hens and ducks and produces 10 acres of wheat and other small grains for sale to local bakers and restaurants. The farm is also involved in intensive educational work with nearby schools and the public, which includes frequent farmer-led field trips, tasting tours, and group work projects at the farm. The farm subscribes to NOFA’s “Farmer’s Pledge” program of growing fruits, vegetables, and grains organically. Much of the farm’s field cultivation is completed by hand with the regular use of tractors.

FIELD CREW LEADER JOB DESCRIPTION

Amber Waves Farm is seeking an experienced and energetic candidate for our crew leader position for the 2017 season. The primary responsibility of the crew leader will be to implement the daily plan set by the field manager by directly supervising our crew of 6-7 apprentices and other crew members during daily field work. With guidance and support from farm managers, the crew leader will ensure that all tasks are completed correctly, efficiently, and safely while maintaining a positive and supportive work environment for crewmembers. This requires a combination of being able to follow directions, pay strong attention to detail and being able to make strong independent decisions while remaining flexible and adaptable to changing situations. The crew leader must be willing and able to lead by example in the quality of their work when seeding, transplanting, harvesting, post-harvest handling and processing, greenhouse work, cultivation, and irrigation, and. At times, the crew leader will be expected to keep the farm running smoothly and efficiently in the absence of other farm managers. An ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills and be comfortable supervising a small crew, holding a group accountable to efficiency and quality standards and working on or around medium sized farm equipment.

The crew leader will be responsible for:

Arriving at the farm 30 minutes before the crew to go over the daily plan with other managers

Leading and motivating the crew through daily field work including seeding, transplanting, hoeing, trellising, hand weeding, greenhouse work, harvest, post-harvest washing and packing, and other field projects

Ensuring tasks are completed correctly, efficiently, and safely with attention to detail and quality standards. This includes training apprentices and crew members in proper techniques and managing transitions between projects to maintain a good workflow and pace throughout the day

Maintaining a good attitude and contributing to positive team morale

Supervising monthly volunteer work days throughout the season

Maintaining harvest logs and ensuring proper records are kept and farm policies are followed

Operating tractors, trucks, trailers, wagons, and other farm equipment

Helping scout for pests, diseases or other problems encountered during daily harvests and communicating crop conditions, abundance or scarcity to the other managers

Keep the farm running smoothly in the absence of farm managers, which includes independent decision-making and time good time management

Field Crew Leader Job Qualifications:

2-3 seasons of experience working on a small to medium scale vegetable farm

A strong, foundational understanding of food production systems having experience with irrigation systems, soil fertility and management, plant life, pests and diseases, etc.

At least one year of experience supervising employees, interns, and/or volunteers in some capacity

Excellent time management and strong sense of pace and urgency associated with task completion

Strong communications skills and desire to teach and inspire crew members

Ability to quickly pick up new concepts and techniques and then teach them to others

Strong physical work ethic and excellent attention to detail

Upbeat positive attitude and desire to set a positive daily tone for the crew

Valid drivers€™ license

Prior experience using tractors and equipment is a plus but not mandatory

Start Date (slightly flexible): March 1-15, 2017

End Date: November, 2017

Farm housing is available for rent

FIELD CREW LEADER JOB COMPENSATION   this position is PAID: hourly, varies DOE, $12.00 – $15.00

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FIELD CREW LEADER JOB

EMAIL cover letter and 3 references to AMBERWAVESFARM@GMAIL.COM