Organic Production Specialist Job in Washington State

Job: Organic Production Specialist - SpringRain Farm and Orchard in Washington State

SpringRain Farm & Orchard is a 28-acre certified organic farm located in Chimacum, WA, which is located south of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. The farm is designed to use an ecologically-based diversified production system that focuses on meat, eggs, fruit, herbs, and vegetables. We grow a wide variety of small fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, and gooseberries along with orchard fruits such as apple, pear, and plums.  We specialize in year-around greenhouse crops with winter salad production and summer production of basil, eggplant, and tomatoes, as well as asparagus, garlic, and miscellaneous specialty vegetables.  Our livestock production includes layer poultry, turkeys, meat chickens, meat sheep, rabbits, and bees.  We operate a full season internship program and host short-term volunteers throughout the year.  Our marketing targets local retail outlets, restaurants, farmers markets, and on-farm sales.

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In order to keep pace with our growing operation, we will add a full time position to our staff starting February 1^st, 2015.  Suitable candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in agricultural production with some college education preferred.  A successful member of the SpringRain team must be an effective problem solver, be internally motivated to help operate a diversified organic production system, and be able to work independently with close attention to detail.  This position requires a person who has effective oral and written communication skills, is well organized, and is able to interact with a diverse group of customers, employees, and volunteers in a cheerful and positive fashion while representing SpringRain Farm and Orchard.  We place a lot of emphasis on working together as a team and community building at the farm.

The position requires significant physical work, mainly outdoors, and frequently under adverse weather conditions; applicants should be physically fit and able to lift 50 lbs. In order to be successful, applicants must be able to demonstrate experience and in-depth knowledge in one or more of these areas: cane berry management and production, tree fruit management and production, production of organic greenhouse crops, organic seedling production, pastured broiler and layer production systems, rabbit production, or commercial mushroom production.  . Additionally, knowledge of general organic production practices, experience in direct sales of farm products, and familiarity with machinery and equipment operations are desired.

The position is 5 days per week and responsibilities will include assisting the manager and grower in the following areas:

• greenhouse seedling propagation and transplanting,
• salad production,
• annual vegetable transplanting and maintenance,
• fruit production,
• teaching and directing seasonal interns and volunteers,
• supervising and leading berry harvest contract picking crew,
• operating a weekly farmers market stand, and
• other responsibilities as assigned.

The detailed job description will be finalized based on the attributes of the successful applicant. Compensation consists of a starting monthly salary of $1600, one-half day per month of paid vacation, and access to farm food. Applicants should submit their resume, three professional references, and a detailed cover letter addressing the position and their qualifications to John Bellow, SpringRain Farm and Orchard, PO Box 1015, Chimacum, WA 98325.  Closing Date is October 30^th, 2014 or until filled.  For more information about the farm go to www.springrainfarmandorchard.com