Hiring: Assistant Growers – Upswing Farm

Upswing Farm Assistant Growers 2022
Pepperell, MA
Full Time, Seasonal

Upswing Farm is seeking candidates interested in pursuing a career in agriculture to join our team. Growers will work with our farmers in all aspects of vegetable production for our four-season CSA and retail outlets. Assistant growers will be able to learn and practice the skills needed to cultivate and distribute produce to their communities in a fast-paced work environment. These skills include fundamental production skills, as well as harvest and wash station management. We are happy to work
with individuals to set specific learning goals for the season. Year-round work may be available for team members willing to make multiple year commitments.

Focuses of the position
Harvest – work closely with the farm managers to develop the skills needed to effectively work with
and eventually lead a team of 3 to 10 people harvesting over 80 varieties of vegetables and herbs.
Wash and Pack– work closely with the farm manager to develop the skills needed to effectively work
with and eventually lead a team of 2-4 people washing, sorting and packing up to 3,000 lbs of produce
on a weekly basis.

Production – work closely with our greenhouse manager and farm managers to learn and practice the
skills needed to grow and care for 10 acres of organic vegetables and herbs, including: seedling
propagation, planting, cultivation, disease and pest management, fertility management, high tunnel
production, cover cropping, mulching and trellising.

Distribution – (optional) Candidates must be comfortable and competent driving a 16’ box truck to
manage an off-site distribution (on-farm training is required). Learn to safely pack a box truck, set up a
market-style distribution and interact with the community that is enjoying the fruits (and leaves and
stems and roots and tubers) of our labor.

About Us: We are primarily a CSA farm, distributing certified organic produce to up to 450 member families through our year-round CSA. We also attend one farmers market during the summer, one market in winter and sell over 1000 flats of certified organic seedlings at our spring seedling sale. We care deeply about finding the balance between growing and distributing high quality produce and flowers to nourish our community, providing an inclusive, fulfilling and sustainable employment
opportunity for our team, making space for innovation and creativity, and achieving the financial success required to make the previous three goals possible.

Position start date: March – May (flexible)
End date: August-December (flexible, but preference will be given to candidates who can work until the end of October) It is possible that this could turn into a year-round position.

Schedule: 30-50 hours/week. We are able to offer some flexibility in scheduling, but our regular peak season work schedule is Monday-Friday, 7am-4:30 pm. We understand that work/life balance is a critical aspect of sustainability, and work with our team to make schedules that can accommodate the individual needs of all team members in balance with the production needs of the business. Housing is available

Skills and Competencies:
• Farming is production work – as such the ability to do fast, high quality, detailed work in a variety of situations and weather conditions is required.
• Lift and carry 30-40lbs repeatedly, and 50lbs on occasion.
• Communicate clearly both in the field and at morning and weekly meetings
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Receive and digest plenty of constructive feedback
• Interest in all aspects of vegetable production and sales
• Self-motivated
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive a delivery vehicle is preferred but not required

Previous farming experience is preferred. However, candidates without farmer references should be able to demonstrate their ability to work in a farm environment through other relevant experience. All candidates will be asked to come to the farm for a working interview before being hired.

Compensation: $15-$16/hour depending on experience.
Benefits: Housing on site, vegetables from the farm, eggs from the farm, opportunity to purchase
bought-in products at cost, $200 gear stipend, and paid participation in EMass CRAFT.

To Apply: Please email a resume, cover letter and two references to
brittany@upswingfarm.com. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.