Farming Jobs in Northern Michigan

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Farming Jobs in Northern Michigan at Spirit of Walloon Market Garden in Boyne City – 2017

Spirit of Walloon Market Garden is located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan, nestled alongside Walloon Lake. The farm began on a compact 1/4 acre in the summer of 2014. Since then, we have grown to 1.3 acres in production.

Spirit of Walloon is primarily a sustainably-produced vegetable farm, but we also grow strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms, perennial herbs, and cut flowers. We focus on an ecologically and biologically based production system that prioritizes soil health, as well as plant and insect biodiversity. We recognize that it’s the responsibility of farmers to be good stewards of the land, and to shape a system that fits well into the existing landscape. We remain ever-conscious that the crops themselves are only one part of a more complex agroecosystem that requires nurturing.

We sell all of our produce locally through our on-site farm stand, two farmers’ markets, seven restaurants, two public schools, and a vegetable subscription service. We are committed to the concept of growing better, not bigger. Our farm’s production system is based on market farm techniques developed by traditional French farmers, Eliot Coleman, Jean Martin Fortier, and others.  We have 5 moveable hoophouses, a 22’ x 96’ heated greenhouse for transplant production and tomato production, and are currently in the construction of a 34’ x 96’ stationary hoophouse.

Farming Jobs in Northern Michigan: We have openings for three position on our farm. 1.) Assistant Production Manager 2.) Summer Crew Member 3.) Part-time Harvester

Farming Jobs in Northern Michigan –Assistant Production Manager–

The Assistant Manager will assist the farm’s manager with all crop-production related tasks.  This includes everything from transplant production, field preparation with a tractor and a Grillo-run power harrow, transplanting, direct seeding, weed management, pest management, harvesting, wash and pack, and management of work flow. You will also be expected to work a farmers’ market on a weekly basis.

Hours: 40-50 hours per week. April through November.

Compensation: Based on experience. You will also receive plenty of produce. You are required to provide your own housing.

Physical requirements: This is physically demanding work; be prepared to be outdoors in all the weather conditions Northern Michigan has to offer. We expect you to provide all of your own necessary outerwear. You must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.

Technical requirements: The assistant manager is expected to have at least 1 year of prior vegetable farming experience. Tractor experience is appreciated, but not required. We are looking for someone who is passionate about small-scale sustainable agriculture, a good communicator, knowledgeable, motivated, and ready to work hard and have fun in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Farming Jobs in Northern Michigan –Summer Crew Member–

The Summer Crew Member will work with the farm’s manager and assistant manager, along a team of 1 or 2 other crew members, on all production-related tasks.  This includes everything from transplant production, field preparation, transplanting, direct seeding, weed management, pest management, harvesting, and wash and pack.  You will also be expected to work at a farmers’ market on a weekly basis.

Hours: 40-50 hours per week. The length of the season is variable and can be determined based upon your availability.  The maximum length of time is from May- October.  The minimum is from mid May until mid August. We encourage students in agriculture/horticulture programs to apply.

Compensation: Starting at $8.9, based on experience. You will also receive plenty of produce. You are required to provide your own housing.

Physical requirements: This is physically demanding work; be prepared to be outdoors in all the weather conditions Northern Michigan has to offer. We expect you to provide all of your own necessary outerwear. You must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.

Technical requirements: Crew members are not required to have any previous farming experience, but having some previous experience and knowledge is highly desirable, whether through farm work or through academic agriculture courses. We are looking for someone who is positive and ready to work hard and have fun in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Farming Jobs in Northern Michigan –Part-time Harvester–

The Part-time Harvester will work with the farm’s manager and assistant manager, along a team of 1 or 2 other crew members, to harvest and prepare produce for sale twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Besides morning harvesting and produce cleaning, afternoon duties will include a range of general farm tasks, such as transplant production, transplanting, weeding, and trellising.

Hours: 16-20 hours per week, May-October.

Compensation: Starting at $8.9, based on experience. You will also receive plenty of produce. You are required to provide your own housing.

Physical requirements: This is physically demanding work; be prepared to be outdoors in all the weather conditions Northern Michigan has to offer. We expect you to provide all of your own necessary outerwear. You must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.

Technical requirements: The Part-time harvester is not required to have any previous farming experience, but having some previous experience/knowledge of vegetables is highly desirable. We are looking for a team player who is ready to work hard and have fun in beautiful Northern Michigan.

To learn more about the farm, visit our website at www.spiritofwalloon.com, or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Please send cover letters and resumes to Rachel at spiritofwalloon@gmail.com by March 15th. Rachel can also be reached via phone at 231-388-3737. We look forward to hearing from you!