Organic Farm Job in Montana

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Organic Farm Job in Montana at Fresh Roots Farm – 2019

General Description: Fresh Roots Farm is a certified organic vegetable, small fruit and seed farm located seven miles south of Polson, MT at the base of the Mission Mountains in Western Montana. We are a family farm run by a husband, wife and our daughter. We are entering our 8^th season at our present location. We specialize in cool and warm season annual and biennial seed crops, strawberries and a variety of vegetables. We market our vegetables and strawberries directly at the Polson farmers market as well as through Western Montana Growers Cooperative’s wholesale and CSA. In 2017 we started a value added popsicles enterprise, Flare Pops. There is an on-farm commercial kitchen to produce our popsicles from our fruits, vegetables and herbs that are marketed at three farmers markets and multiple festivals.

While vegetables and strawberries are significant contributors to our business financial picture, we are extremely passionate about our organic seed enterprise. We believe organic seed production brings a unique niche enterprise and biological diversity to our farm. We also see organic seed as a critical and often missing link in vibrant regional food systems. We primarily grow seed for contracts but also are founding members of a regional seed business, Triple Divide Organic Seeds Cooperative, which currently direct markets packet seeds at several retail outlets and online. Seed production brings an entirely different rhythm to our farm, and creates unique challenges, especially later in the season during harvest and cleaning.

Apply for the Organic Farm Job in Montana: ASAP. Prefer to have filled by mid-February

Number of Employees: 2

Minimum Length of Stay: We are seeking individuals committed to the entire duration of the position period. April or May – November

Skills Desired: Applicants need to have previous farm experience. Applicants need to possess a strong work ethic, curiosity, positive attitude, flexibility, problem-solving skills, and perseverance. Please note that farming is not a clock in and out business. There will be times when we need to get a harvest or other project completed before ending the day. 

Educational Opportunities with the Organic Farm Job in Montana: We believe strongly in hands on learning. Employees will work side-by-side with us starting plants, transplanting, weeding, setting up and record keeping of field trials, harvesting vegetables, processing a value added product, selling at farmers markets, managing irrigation and harvesting, threshing and winnowing seeds and preparing biennial seed crops (carrots and beets) for long term storage. Interns also may choose to participate in the Organic Seed Alliance / MESA seed internship. The internship contains monthly webinars and farm-based independent study.  

Work Requirements for the Organic Farm Job in Montana: We believe strongly in learning by doing. We have developed systems on our farm that work for our particular operation and will teach those systems. Employees will work side-by-side with us starting plants, transplanting, weeding, setting up and record keeping of field trials, harvesting vegetables, processing a value added product, selling at farmers markets, managing irrigation and harvesting, threshing and winnowing seeds and preparing biennial seed crops for long term storage. Employees will be expected to work efficiently and independently once they understand what is expected.

In addition to the hands on farming experience, our farm is at the foot of the Mission Mountain Wilderness area and we are only 15 minutes from Flathead Lake and 20 minutes from whitewater rapids and world-class fishing. Ample hiking, fishing, and water sports opportunities exist.

Pay: Employees with previous farming experience will start at a base pay of $8 per hr. Compensation is legal and the above amounts reflect gross pay before taxes. Additional marketing opportunities at festivals and other weekend events may arise with Flare Pops. Furthermore, employees that complete the entire season are eligible for a bonus, which is contingent upon the farm’s financial performance.

Housing: We have a second 2 bedroom 1 bathroom house on the property that is very comfortable, spacious and furnished. Individuals must be comfortable with communal living. No smoking allowed or other tobacco products allowed. Rent is free for trade of mowing around front of property and 1 weekend per month staying on the farm to care for dogs, cats and irrigation tasks.

To apply for the Organic Farm Job in Montana, or to receive additional information: https://www.farmlinkmontana.org/intern_host/1966/

Contact: Karl Sutton and Darci Jones

Phone: 406-885-1188 (cell)

email: freshrootsorganicfarm@gmail.com

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/