Seasonal Farm Crew in Washington

Tweet

Seasonal Farm Crew (April-November) Wanted at Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center in Western Washington State – 2021

OXBOW’S MISSION

Our mission is to inspire people to eat healthy, sustainably grown food and to steward our natural resources for future generations.

WHAT WE DO

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center located on 230 acres of forest and grassland bordered by Western Washington’s Snoqualmie River. We use this mixed landscape to:

Produce food. We cultivate 12 acres of certified organic mixed vegetable crops, herbs, and flowers using agro-ecological principles and engage in research to inform conservation agriculture practices. We grow food for local grocery stores, restaurants, hunger relief, a CSA program, and an on-site seasonal Farm Stand.

Grow native plants. We operate a native plant nursery that uses sustainable growing methods to produce plants for habitat restoration projects and urban landscapes. We share our knowledge to encourage increased production and use of natives in the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

Connect children to nature. We offer education programs for children pre-K through high school to build environmental literacy and provide students with opportunities to learn about the links between agriculture, conservation, and the environment.

Restore and sustain habitat. We carry out ecological restoration projects and partner with scientists, regional planners, and other environmental organizations to learn how humans can benefit from the land while protecting biodiversity.

Cultivate community. We offer people of all ages opportunities to put their values into action as we promote climate resilience and encourage healthy food systems. We foster community through volunteer opportunities, Membership, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, workshops & tours, and special events.

SEASONAL FARM CREW POSITION OVERVIEW

Oxbow is looking for 4 seasonal Farm Crew members to join us for the 2021 season. As a member of our farm crew you will join a team of experienced organic farmers and have the opportunity to work within all aspects of our farming operation. Farm crew members will have responsibilities including propagation house work, weed control, field planting, harvest and post-harvest handling, and sales and deliveries of food. Farm crew will also be expected to manage areas of production including pest and fertility management, greenhouse production, and irrigation.

Our operation functions at a unique scale, employs collaborative decision-making processes, and has a focus on providing professional development opportunities to our farm crew. Because of this, the ideal candidate would be passionate about sustainable farming and interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

This is a seasonal, hourly position with 5-6 day work weeks. Hours may be variable and long depending on the time of the year. Crew members receive hands on training in all aspects of our diversified production system as well as the option for extracurricular educational experiences.

SEASONAL FARM CREW JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Fieldwork:

• Harvesting of produce efficiently and consistently for a variety of markets
• Transplanting and direct seeding crops reliably
• Cultivation of crops by hand, with various tools, and mechanically
• Irrigation setup, maintenance, and operation
• Support implementation of integrated pest management plan
• Greenhouse propagation and management

Post-Harvest Handling, Processing and Delivery:

• Post-harvest handling, including receiving and processing of produce for a variety of accounts
• Packing orders consistently in a fast-paced environment
• Delivery of orders throughout the Seattle Area

General Farm Production Team:

• Set up and supervise farm stand during CSA pick-up, public days, and at farmers markets
• Provide excellent customer service to the public, communicating about Oxbow’s programs and Membership opportunities
• Maintain a smooth, timely flow with team members while working through projects
• Make sound judgment calls on product grading and time management
• Guide occasional farm tours and assisting with public engagement within farm fields
• Provide necessary supervision to members, volunteers, and gleaners in farm fields
• Work cross-functionally with program teams to ensure efficient and effective communication and operations
• Represent Oxbow in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about Oxbow’s mission and programs
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the Farm Manager
• Due to the seasonality of this position, long hours and weekend days are part of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of previous farming experience preferred
• Physical dexterity and stamina necessary in all aspects of the job for safety and efficiency
• Consistent attention to detail
• Able to lift heavy & awkward objects, up to 50 lbs.
• Work well independently and in a team setting
• Able to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Able to give direction and act in lead role when necessary
• Clear, consistent communication
• Able to perform repetitive work in inclement weather – standing, kneeling, bending over
• Small engine operation and tractor experience a plus
• Ability to speak conversational Spanish a plus
• College degree in a relevant discipline is a plus

Additional desired qualities include environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

The Oxbow Farm  is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff members bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, seasonal position (April-November), paying $15 per hour, with some paid time-off and access to food from the fields. Oxbow Seasonal Farm Crew employees also receive a $1000 bonus upon completion of the season in November.

REPORTS TO: Farm Manager

TO APPLY FOR A SEASONAL FARM CREW JOB

Please email a resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to Tara Baron (Recruitment Specialist) at thedirt@oxbow.org

Please write Farm Crew in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

Applications received by Sunday, February 21, 2021 will have first consideration. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after February 21^st until all positions are filled.

To see this job posting, and our other open jobs, on our website, click here.

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org here.