Hiring: Assistant Grower – Newton Community Farm

Job Title: Assistant Grower
Reports to: Farm Manager
Hours: 20 hrs/wk (March 5th-April 13th); 40 hrs/wk (April 16th-Oct 19th); 20 hrs/wk (Oct 22-Dec 12) Position Period: March 5th – December 12th
Classification: Hourly

Compensation

$16-18/hr depending on experience. Weekly CSA vegetable share. Option to purchase Flower and/or Fruit share(s) at cost. Time off as desired to attend EMass CRAFT meetings. Registration fees for a winter farming conference. 3 days of paid vacation during the growing season (must be scheduled in advance with supervisor). Sick leave in accordance with the State of Massachusetts. Option to participate in a 401k program.

Newton Community Farm is an equal opportunity employer.

Farm Overview

Newton Community Farm is a 2.25 acre intensive market garden, including two moveable high tunnels, one smaller high tunnel, and two propagation greenhouses. We utilize both tillage and no-till practices.

Our markets include an 80-share Summer CSA; 40-share Late Fall CSA; Fruit Share; Flower Share; three-day-per-week farm stand; weekly farmers’ market; weekly food donations. In the spring we hold a seedling sale during which approximately 30,000 seedlings are grown and sold to the public. The farm is incorporated as a 501c3 educational non-profit and offers educational programming and public events.

Our goal is to farm in a way that is sustainable not only for the land but also for our workers. Our work week is Tuesday through Saturday and averages 40 hours per week with overtime paid beyond 40 hours. While there is some flexibility, Saturdays are mandatory from late May through the end of October.

Job Summary

The Assistant Grower works closely with the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager in all aspects of farm operations. The Assistant Grower position requires excellent people skills and attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment. The Assistant Grower should be able to work independently and with limited

supervision, but also be comfortable leading crews of both paid and volunteer workers. Openness to learning new skills and techniques is essential and works both ways: we encourage our crew to share their skills and past experiences here at NCF. This is a physically demanding job requiring the ability to lift, bend, squat, kneel, etc., and do so in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Report to the Farm Manager or Assistant Farm Manager at the start of every shift. Assist with the days work which may include:

• ●  harvesting, washing, sorting and packing produce
• ●  transplanting by hand or using paperpot transplanter
• ●  cultivation/weeding either by hand or using hand tools/hoes
• ●  moving mulch or compost with wheelbarrows
• ●  tarping or removing tarps
• ●  seeding, watering, moving plants, or other work in the propagation houses
• ●  assisting farm stand worker with set up, restocking, and closing during shifts
• ●  help with setting up and restocking CSA distributions
• ●  cleaning spaces (e.g., propagation house or CSA distribution area)
• ●  trellising and pruning field and/or tunnel crops
• ●  other tasks as required to operate the farm
• ●  provide coverage for other workers out sick or on vacation. This may include covering for the farm

stand worker which would require a shift in starting and ending hours for that day(s)
The Assistant Grower shares leadership responsibilities for leading crews of volunteers and/or high school interns in regular farm tasks like harvesting, transplanting and weeding. They will work with the Farm Stand worker to set up the farm stand, keep the stand stocked, and assist with closing up (during their shifts). The Assistant Grower shares leadership responsibility for educational programming on the farm.
The Assistant Grower participates in regular work meetings and should seek to ask clarifying questions so that tasks can be accomplished to farm standards. All farm staff should seek to promote a welcoming and open environment for visitors and volunteers and should strive to maintain farm cleanliness and organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Some farming experience required. Must be 18 or older and have a valid drivers’ license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• ●  Able to work quickly while doing high quality, detailed work like bunching, picking, seeding, weeding
• ●  Able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs repeatedly
• ●  Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• ●  Foundational knowledge of vegetable production
• ●  Good communication skills
• ●  Able to received and incorporate constructive feedback
• ●  Ability to provide constructive feedback
• ●  Ability to work independently
• ●  Willingness to take on leadership role with small groups
• ●  Interest in teaching the public about small-scale organic agriculture

How to Apply and Application Deadline

Email farmer@newtoncommunityfarm.org with a letter of interest and resume (reference may be requested). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but the position is usually filled by mid-March.