Propagation Assistant Job in South Carolina

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Taylor in Uncategorized // 0 Comments

Propagation Assistant Job at Wild Hope Farm in South Carolina

Wild Hope Farm is a sustainable farm in Chester, SC, using organic practices and permaculture design to grow fresh produce, flowers, and pasture raised laying hens. We are currently growing on 6+ acres of certified organic production and 6 acres of cover crop for production in spring of 2020. The 220 acre property consists of greenhouses, walking trails, a 10-acre pond, and diversified natural areas. Our produce is sold through a 150-300 person farm share, to local chefs, and at pop-up markets. We host complementary on-farm events including retreats, weddings, farm-to-table dinners, and educational workshops to cultivate community and encourage people to learn about our farming practices.

During your time at Wild Hope Farm, you will work directly with Shawn Jadrnicek, our farm manager with over 22 years experience in sustainable agriculture through work as an organic farmer, nursery grower, extension agent, arborist and landscaper. You can learn more about Shawn’s approach through his book, The Bio-Integrated Farm: A Revolutionary Permaculture-Based System Using Greenhouses, Ponds, Compost Piles, Aquaponics, Chickens and More.

Propagation Assistant

We grow 75% of our plants from transplants on the farm. The propagation assistant is responsible for handling all aspects of seed starting, transplant and microgreen production. Apprentices will aid the propagation assistant in tasks as needed in coordination with other farming priorities. Throughout the season, the propagation assistant will also participate in harvesting, packing, transplanting, weeding, spraying, sales, events and other farm tasks as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Seeding flats and direct seeding according to established planting plan timeline
Fertilizing transplants on a weekly basis
Assessing irrigation needs of transplants and adjusting automated irrigation timer as needed
Assessing operation of misting system and cleaning/replacing misters as needed
Scouting and treating pests and diseases in transplants
Hardening off and preparation of transplants for field planting
Seeding microgreens according to market and CSA needs
Producing potting soil as needed for transplant production
Keeping the greenhouse clean and organized
Running a variety trial program – monitoring and evaluating new varieties for the farm
Coordinating use of farm crew with managers
Helping to facilitate educational workshops on the farm

QUALIFICATIONS

At least 3 seasons working on an outdoor vegetable farm (CSA farm experience preferred)
Knowledge of seeding techniques
Knowledge of potting soil ingredients and production
Knowledge of microgreen production
Ability to identify and control common pests and diseases of transplants
Knowledge of food safety standards
Ability to identify all types of vegetables
Ability to sort/grade produce for quality
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to use Excel and/or Numbers documents
Ability to operate (or interest in learning to operate) tractors and use broad range of tractor implements
Ability to read and understand weather forecasts
Ability to bend, kneel, and lift frequently

THE WORK SCHEDULE – April through early December 2019

The work at Wild Hope Farm is seasonal and the length of the workday varies within the busy season. The pay for agricultural work at Wild Hope Farm is exempt from overtime pay. Employees work approximately 45 – 50 hs/wk.

Monday – Friday 6:00 AM – 3:30 PM (periodic break 15 minute breaks & 45 min lunch break)

BENEFITS

Propagation Assistant pay will vary based on experience
Provided housing on the farm in our rustic farm huts, communal kitchen and hangout space with attached bathrooms and showers
Provided fresh produce from the farm
Unparalleled learning opportunity of working under our experienced and innovative harvest manager, Rachel Klein
Opportunity to plan and host your own community event (e.g., workshop or farm-to-table event)

EQUIPMENT EXPOSURE

During your time at Wild Hope Farm, you will have an opportunity to learn how to drive the tractor and get experience using some of the following equipment/attachments:

John Deere 4720 and 2720 hydrostatic tractors, automated CSA delivery trailer, flail mower, disc harrow, bed shaper, drip tape applicator, roller crimper, PTO driven manure spreader, rotary mower, potato digger, chisel plow, and a three point hitch cultivation toolbar with sweeps, crescent hoes, spider wheels and S tines.

TIME OFF

The following guidelines on vacation and personal time assume a full-time employment from March through the end of November.

Vacations: All employees are given one week paid vacation (5 days). Vacation times will be scheduled at the beginning of the season, trying to take all needs into account.

Personal Time: It is expected that there will be some need during the season for every employee to take some personal time, whether for car repairs, doctor’s appointments, or other personal needs. Each employee may take up to 2 personal days each season. These personal days do not need to be taken as “full days.” It is expected that except for emergencies, a week’s notice will be given about the need for personal time.

Sick Time: When you’re sick, please don’t work. If health circumstances arise that cause you to miss more than 7 days of work during the season due to illness, there will need to be some discussion as to whether the position is right for you at this time. Sick days that are not taken as the personal day will go unpaid.

PERSONNEL & GENERAL POLICIES

Safety Policies: We will review safety policies during the first week of orientation. All employees are required to follow safety policies at all times. Failure to do so may result in immediate dismissal.

Drugs and Alcohol: Illegal drugs are not permitted on the farm property at any time. Alcohol is permitted in moderation. It is unacceptable to work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One infraction may be cause for immediate dismissal.

Visitors: Visitors are welcome for up to 1 week. Family and friends are expected to work at least ½ days along with the farm crew, following our normal schedule. Visits longer than a week are subject to the wishes of other employees and the farm family.

General Demeanor: It is expected that all employees be prompt, dressed appropriately for work, and professional in their attitude at work.

Tools and Work Clothes: The farm provides harvest knives and daily hand tools. They must be returned to the shed at the end of the day. Employees must provide any other desired tools or work clothes (pocket knives, rain boots, rain gear, hats, gloves).

APPLY FOR THE PROPAGATION ASSISTANT JOB TODAY!

After you have read this description in its entirety, please send us one email only to katherine@wildhopefarm.com with:

Subject line: Propagation Assistant Application, (Your Name)
Cover letter detailing your interest in our program
Responses to the questionnaire below
Resume
Three references, work- or farm-related, with current phone numbers

If your qualifications meet our standards we will contact you to schedule an interview. Unfortunately we cannot reply to all applicants.

Propagation Assistant Questionnaire:

Why are you interested in Wild Hope Farm?
What previous experience are you bringing to this position and what do you feel you have to offer?
What practical skills do you hope to acquire?
What are your personal goals related to farming?
Do you have any prior injuries to back, knees, etc. that might limit your ability to do farm work?
The Apprentices & Assistants live and work together on the farm. Do you have any experiences living and working in this type of environment?
Do you have any allergies, food restrictions, or other physical limitations that might affect your ability to live in a rural setting and do farm work?
Please tell us something interesting about yourself (hobbies, obsessions, talents, etc.)

If you are considered for the position, we require a 1-2 day working interview on the farm.

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/