Farm Assistant

Farm Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) seeks a dedicated Farm Assistant to join our team. This exciting full-time (40 hours/week) role is an opportunity to work at the Elma C. Lomax Research and Education Farm in Concord, NC. As the Farm Assistant, you'll engage in meaningful work supporting diverse farming operations, contributing to cutting-edge research, vegetable production, and farm maintenance. You'll provide valuable technical assistance to farmers adopting climate-smart practices like cover cropping and no-till farming, as part of an innovative project led by the Rodale Insitute and funded by the USDA's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives outdoors, enjoys physical work, and is passionate about supporting sustainable agriculture. You'll work closely with CFSA's Lomax Manager, lead enthusiastic volunteers, and travel regularly across North and South Carolina to make a real impact on local farms.

This position, based at the Elma C. Lomax Research and Education Farm, offers the chance to immerse yourself in sustainable farming practices while making a tangible difference for farmers and the environment.

ABOUT CFSA

CFSA is a 46-year-old member-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate, educate, and build connections to create sustainable food systems in the Carolinas centered on local and organic agriculture. Racial equity is a core tenet of CFSA's outlook, and we are committed to serving and reflecting the diverse stakeholders in the Carolinas' food system. To learn more about CFSA, please read our Strategic Plan and Statement on Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

LOMAX FARM OPERATIONS

• Maintain the farm's organic certification by implementing best practices outlined in the Organic System Plan.
• Manage and maintain farm assets, including equipment, fields, and buildings, performing tasks like mowing, irrigation winterization, and cover crop cultivation.
• Support agricultural research projects by assisting with implementation, maintenance, and data collection.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to support land management and production efforts.

CLIMATE SMART SUPPORT

• Provide tailored technical assistance to farmers through on-site visits, phone consultations, and virtual meetings.
• Offer scientifically backed agronomic recommendations on soil health, crop rotation, fertility, pest and weed management, and more.
• Facilitate using specialized climate-smart equipment (e.g., no-till drills, roller crimpers, and transplanters) to maximize farm efficiency.
• Participate in educational outreach, sharing the benefits of climate-smart practices with farmers and stakeholders.
• Engage in regular project meetings, contributing to the success of CFSA's Climate-Smart Commodities initiative.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• A strong passion for sustainable and organic agriculture.
• Ability to perform physical work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Two years experience operating/maintaining small-scale farm equipment.
• Experience with covering cropping and no-till farming.
• Two years of experience in organic vegetable production.
• Two years of experience with irrigation systems, greenhouses, and high tunnels.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including experience interacting and working with diverse communities, neighborhoods, and populations.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and work comfortably in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work well within a team and with individuals, both internal and external, from diverse backgrounds.

CFSA provides generous vacation, retirement, and health insurance benefits. Please review detailed benefits online. This is a 3-year grant-funded position, with the possibility of more years depending on funding.

CFSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse staff that honors the agricultural contributions of many cultures. People of color, LGBTQ people, and others from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CFSA is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CFSA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. CFSA does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, medical condition, genetic information, age, marital status, or military or veteran status.

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000