Full Diet Farmer Job in California, 2015

Foggy River Farm in Healdsburg, California is hiring a "Full Diet" Farmer

Job Description: Foggy River Farm is seeking a farmer to work with them 5-6 days per week, starting from March through November 2015, and hopefully continuing through the winter and beyond. (There is some flexibility for the starting date.) This position has room to grow and they hope to find someone interested in a longer-term relationship. The farmer will participate in all phases of the farm, including crop planning, seed starting, greenhouse management and transplanting, weeding and pest management, harvesting and marketing of produce. They are looking for a dedicated, hardworking, and outgoing individual who will be an integral part of their farm team, not only to work the fields but also to interact with customers at the farmers' market and farm members at CSA pick-up. Work Experience / Skills Desired They are looking for an experienced farmer with a strong commitment to sustainable, community-based agriculture.  They appreciate a willingness to work hard and the ability to also have fun while doing it. Some prior experience with CSA farms is a big plus. Being handy with basic farmrepairs (irrigation, fences, gates, barns) or carpentry are pluses. They also value an openness to try new things, a focused and dedicated work ethic with attention to detail, an easygoing attitude, the flexibility to adjust to a fluid work environment, and--of course--an enthusiasm for plant and animal life!

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Specifically, they’re looking for someone with experience in:
-Organic growing techniques for a wide variety of vegetables from seed to harvest;
-Seed starting, propagation and greenhouse management;
-Harvesting and marketing a wide variety produce;
-Farmers’ market sales;
-Management of a CSA program;
-Managing field crews and/or volunteers;

-Tending livestock, such as chickens and goats;

-What the rhythm of life is like on a small, diversified farm!

Hours, Compensation, and Housing

This is a year-round, full-time position, paid an hourly wage plus plenty of fresh produce. Total hours per week average approximately 40-50 hours/week during peak season (March-November.)  Potential winter work hours 30-40 hours/week (December-February), depending on weather and markets. This position has room to grow and they hope to find someone interested in a longer-term relationship.

They have low-cost housing for 1-2 people available on the farm property. Please inquire for details.

Farm Description

Foggy River Farm farm supplies local families with weekly veggie boxes through a small CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program of about 75 families. They have a vibrant and growing community of CSA members, most of whom visit the farm every week to pick up their vegetables, forage for extra “u-pick” items, and connect with the farm and farmers. They also sell produce through wholesale and farmers’ markets. Their flock of laying hens and herd of dairy goats provide fresh eggs, goat milk, and goat cheese and yogurt. They are working towards a “full-diet” farm, and their crops also include dry beans and grains. The farm is located in the beautiful Russian River Valley (10 minutes from the towns of Windsor and Healdsburg, 20 minutes from Sebastopol and Santa Rosa.)

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume or list of experiences, plus at least two references to farmer@foggyriverfarm.org.  Please include: relevant past work experience; your short-term and long-term goals; and any other skills that you have that might be useful on the farm.

If they feel you may be a good match, they will contact you to set up a phone or Skype interview, possibly followed by a farm visit. Applicants who are able to visit the farm receive priority, as they it is highly important to meet in person as well as show you the farm.