Farm Lead Job in Washington State

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Farm Lead Job at the Trellis Center in Ellensburg, Washington – 2022

FARM LEAD JOB DESCRIPTION

The Trellis Center operates a small non-profit vegetable, herb, and flower production farm, dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Our ideal candidate is dedicated to the importance of environmental stewardship and is energized by building relationships with people of all abilities.

The Farm Lead manages all aspects of our growing operation at several purposely constructed areas.

These multiple areas include:

• Hydroponic Building – Climate-controlled hydroponic room with automated LED grow lights, 
• processing room, refrigerated cooler room for harvested plants.
• Herb Building – 340 sq. ft. of growing shelves utilizing automatic capillary mat irrigation system with LED grow lights
• Greenhouses -1,800 sq. ft. Fully automated, climate-controlled greenhouses with automated LED grow lights, processing area
• Outdoor garden area- 48 raised garden beds and a small cultivated/irrigated field for row crops.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing all aspects of growing operation which includes planning start-of-season operations (crop layout, seed selection, marketing strategies, etc), monitoring crop development and needs
• Creates an environment of accountability, respect, and teamwork in the workplace
• Work with the Program Manager in planning the delivery of tasks involved in the growing areas following the mission and goals of the organization
• Collaborate with staff on tasks, obtains needed materials, and instruct planting/tending/proper harvest
• Orient new staff to growing areas upon hire
• Assess and acquire all materials necessary for growing in specific areas
• Operate farm within budget
• Create and manage sales of all produce, herbs, and flowers at the on-site farm store and in the community
• Perform or oversee harvest and processing of produce
• Maintain clean and orderly growing areas and all processing areas
• Set up, monitor, and maintain irrigation delivery systems at all areas
• Winterize all outdoor growing areas at the end of the season

QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational background in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science or relevant experience in the above fields
• Practical experience working in vegetable production
• Organized with the ability to prioritize daily farm tasks for a smooth operation of programs
• Resourcefulness and handiwork skills to maintain smooth operation of infrastructure and equipment 
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of plant biology and growing science
• Knowledge of produce, seasonality, and processing technique
• Knowledge or strong interest in the production of herbs/flowers
• Strong communication in both verbal and written form
• Management skills to teach proper technique (and adaptive technique) to staff and participants
• Leadership skills to guide staff and participants to achieve the highest level of success in the growing areas
• Knowledge of hydroponic and capillary mat growing techniques or willingness to learn
• Ability to keep detailed records of farm operations. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel and the ability to do extensive internet research
• Strong knowledge of compost and composting techniques
• Commitment to organic/sustainable practices

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

– Ability to lift 50lbs+ regularly

– Ability to work through hot and cold temperatures as well as inclement weather

POSITION DATES

The start date is negotiable before Jan 3, 2022. Full-time, year-round, 40hr/wk (Monday-Friday) with all major holidays off. 

The benefits package includes medical, dental, paid vacation, and sick leave

TO APPLY FOR THE FARM LEAD JOB 

Send the following via email to deni@thetrelliscenter.com, and Sandy, contact@thetrelliscenter.com :

1. Resume with 3 references
2. Cover Letter (optional)
3. 3 Days/times they would be available for a Zoom interview

 

The Trellis Center – Raising the quality of life of adults with Autism.

300 Bare Road

Ellensburg, WA 98926

 

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