Farm Facilities and Grounds Assistant – WA

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Farm Facilities and Grounds Assistant Job at Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center in Carnation, Washington – 2021

OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 12 acres of certified organic mixed vegetable crops, herbs, and flowers using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation agriculture practices. We grow food for local grocery stores, restaurants, hunger relief, a CSA program, and an on-site seasonal Farm Stand.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that uses sustainable growing methods to produce plants for habitat restoration projects and urban landscapes. We share our knowledge to encourage increased production and use of natives in the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

Connect children to nature. We offer education programs for children pre-K through high school to build environmental literacy and provide students with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out ecological restoration projects and partner with scientists, regional planners, and other environmental organizations to learn how humans can benefit from the land while protecting biodiversity.

Cultivate community. We offer people of all ages opportunities to put their values into action as we promote climate resilience and encourage healthy food systems. We foster community through volunteer opportunities, Membership, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, workshops & tours, and special events.

FARM FACILITIES AND GROUNDS ASSISTANT POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is ideal for someone with light trade skills, an interest in land stewardship, who takes pride in their work and appreciates a job well done. The Oxbow’s Facilities and Grounds Assistant will split time between supporting grounds/ facilities maintenance and public engagement efforts. Time will be spent both directly supervised on technical projects and performing independent grounds work, such as mowing, trail building, mechanical removal of invasive weeds. They are also critical in preparing for or recovering from extreme weather events, such as flooding or heavy snow. In addition to weekday work, this position will also provide facilities support on the weekend days we are open to the public and at private events, helping maintain the parking areas, and keeping the grounds and facilities clean and operational.

FARM FACILITIES AND GROUNDS ASSISTANT JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Site Manager and/or Maintenance Assistant, assist with all aspects of equipment and property maintenance, including:

• Maintaining/improving public spaces and grounds
• Weed whacking/ mowing with both riding and tractor mounted mowers
• Trail building/ maintenance using pruning devices, chainsaw, and earth moving tools
• Garbage & recycling collection
• Care for and maintenance of tools/ machines of the trade.
• Help preparing for and recovering from extreme weather events
• Present a professional attitude to the general public and Oxbow members
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors enjoying their visits at Oxbow
• Anticipating and assisting public safely
• Assisting with other facilities projects/ events as needed

General

• Work cross-functionally with program teams to ensure efficient and effective communication and operations
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the Site Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work with a positive attitude: standing, sitting, bending over or kneeling; to repeatedly lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 60 lbs.
• Ability to get to Oxbow Farm easily and safely in times of inclement weather
• Perform physical work such as digging or weed whacking, in inclement and variable weather conditions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Ability to discern (or quickly learn) weeds from native plants
• Willingness and capacity to take initiative
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Clear, consistent communication style
• Tractor driving experience not necessary, but a plus
• Consistent attention to detail
• Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow facilities team is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff members bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

This is a regular, full-time position, paying $16-$18 paying per hour DOE, with benefits including 100% employer paid healthcare, annual dental stipend, generous holiday, vacation, and sick leave.

REPORTS TO: Site Manager

TO APPLY FOR THE FARM FACILITIES AND GROUNDS ASSISTANT POSITION

Please read carefully and email a resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to Tara Baron (Recruitment Specialist) at thedirt@oxbow.org

Please write Facilities & Grounds Assistant  in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

Applications received by Sunday, February 21, 2021 will have first consideration. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after this date until the position is fill.

To see this job posting, and our other open jobs, on our website, click here.

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org here.