Hiring: Packing Shed Coordinator – Warner Farm

Farm Description

Warner Farm is a 10th generation diversified small fruit and vegetable farm located in Sunderland, Ma. We grow over 150 acres of both IPM (125 ac.) and certified organic (25 ac.) crops for wholesale throughout the Pioneer Valley as well as operate a 425-member CSA and attend farmers markets in Eastern Massachusetts. In the fall, Warner Farm is home to Mike’s Maze, the Pioneer Valley’s world famous corn maze, and Zombie Night Patrol, our premier haunted paintball attraction. Warner Farm always hires with an eye on our core values of integrity, respect, sustainability and family.  We seek motivated, energetic, hard working individuals who can grow our business and grow with our farm family.

Job Description

This position is responsible for coordinating the washing, packing, and storage activities of our farm business. This includes produce being prepared for wholesale, for our 425-member CSA program, and for the two farmers markets we participate in. This position is also responsible for providing general support to the Sales & Marketing Manager around overseeing CSA and market staff, and ensuring the completion of tasks. During the fall, this position will also be responsible for the completion of general tasks related to the farm’s argitourism business. This position may involve some basic tractor work and filling in with other assorted farm tasks as needed. This position reports directly to the Sales & Marketing Manager.

Duties Include

Managing crop washing and packing to ensure a high level of produce quality; effectively managing a packing house crew of 3-4 people; managing produce inventory to ensure the sale of fresh produce, maintaining and cleaning vegetable washing equipment, packing house, and cooler in order to present the farm in a professional manner and ensure adherence to Commonwealth Quality standards; coordinating daily harvests with crew leaders and other farm management; filling daily wholesale orders to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction; coordinating daily deliveries and making deliveries as needed; coordinating packing of CSA shares twice a week (425 shares total); assisting in scheduling and managing CSA and market staff (3-4 people); attending markets as needed; attending CSA pick-ups as needed; communicating share list, recipes, reminders, and information to CSA members through a weekly newsletter; and coordinating with other farm management to ensure the completion of necessary daily tasks. Fall agritourism task may include but are not limited to setup and maintenance of maze attractions; assisting in private group tours; and clean up after events. Flexibility, cooperation, and a team approach are essential in the completion of all duties.

Requirements

• 1-2 years previous farm experience
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Experience working with the public
• Ability to lift up to 40 lb.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and be flexible

Preferred

• Experience working in a farm packing shed
• Ability to operate a pallet jack
• Experience managing or supervising staff
• Knowledge of Commonwealth Quality standards
• Commitment to small, family-owned business and/or farm business

This is a seasonal position running from May-October requiring up to 60 hours per week during the height of the season (June-August). Opportunities for part time work in the off-season exist for motivated individuals. $12/hr and access to delicious and fresh produce.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to David Wissemann.