Hiring: Assistant Growers – Upswing Farm

We are growing our team! We are a four season vegetable farm selling primarily through CSA and retail outlets. At Upswing Farm we strive to offer accommodating schedules, fair compensation and set reasonable and clear production expectations. The diversified nature of our operation provides interesting work that varies on a daily/weekly/seasonal basis.

About Us: After farming on leased land in Ashland/Holliston/Franklin we secured farmland in Pepperell in January, 2021. We use organic growing practices and will be completing the certification process this season. We love working with people, and strive to offer an organized and structured work environment that allows our team to feel confident and enjoy our work.

We are currently hiring both full and part-time seasonal positions. Housing is available for full-time positions only at this time. Please review the job descriptions below.

Upswing Farm is seeking motivated growers interested in pursuing a career in agriculture to join our team.  Growers will work collaboratively with our three farmers in all aspects of vegetable production for our four season CSA and retail outlets. Our farmers will work with each assistant grower individually to establish learning and skill development goals, and track progress throughout the season. Please note that this is our 5th year in business, but our first season at a new location, and there will be plenty of challenges and opportunities during this year of growth and transition, including participation in greenhouse construction and wash station construction. We are eager to work with like-minded and motivated people to build a collaborative team. This is a great opportunity for growers with some experience looking to develop farm management skills.

Position start date: February – 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. Exact hours are still TBD, and will be managed on an individual basis, but a commitment to 30 hours/week is required, with availability Mon-Friday mornings (7-12) preferred.

Responsible for assisting the farmers in all aspects of:
Harvest • Wash and pack • Bed preparation and fertility management • Planting • Cultivation including: hoeing, hand weeding and tractor cultivation • Crop maintenance including: mulching, trellising and pruning • Seedling production• Sales and distribution

Skills and Competencies:
Ability to do fast, quality, detailed work like bunching, picking, seeding and hand weeding
Ability to lift and carry 30-40lbs repeatedly, and 50lbs on occasion.
Willing to work in all weather conditions
Good communication skills
Ability to 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 once/week 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 paid working interview before being hired.

Compensation: $15/hour.

Benefits: Housing on site, vegetables from the farm, eggs from the farm, opportunity to purchase bought-in products at cost, access to garden space, 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.