What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Crew position at Love is Love Cooperative Farm?
Job Summary & Expectations:
Farm Crew are called upon to do different and sometimes tedious jobs in all kinds of weather. Be prepared for hard physical labor. It is important to remember that no matter how simple, tedious, or insignificant a task may appear, everything that you do is important to the overall success of the farm.
Farming is production work. The farm earns money by what is actually produced and sold. Since production per hour or day is very important, employees are expected to work quickly and efficiently, to keep up with the pace set by the employers or work quickly on their own.
Conversation during work is a benefit of farm work, but please be aware of keeping your hands moving while you talk. Efficient production is critical to the success of the farm.
Paid time is work time. On a farm there is rarely nothing to do. If a task is completed before another task is assigned, make use of your time by doing tasks on the workboard, chore list or packhouse checklist. Employees may be asked to work around machinery and should exercise caution when doing so.
No one will drive a tractor unless trained by a worker-owner. Farm vehicles will be driven by regular employees only
All employees are asked to:
- Be punctual, and be ready to work at designated time
- Have reliable transportation
- Bring a water bottle, lunch, and appropriate clothing for the weather and task
- Keep track of your hours using the TimeWorks Plus Employee App
- Report unusual or unsafe conditions
- Telephone or text if you are unable to make it to work or will be tardy (main point of contact for phone is Monica Ponce)
- Know the field names and row numbers
- Give as much advance notice as possible when making schedule requests (at least two weeks)
- Attend monthly all-staff meetings
- Learn and share farm related knowledge and information, especially SOP’s, with other staff
- Be considerate and respectful of one another
- Help with weekly chores to maintain common areas (garage, bathroom, break room, offices and carport)
- Work twice annual plant sales on Saturdays
Farm Crew Duties/Responsibilities working on various teams as required:
Harvest Team:
- Follow instruction of harvest team manager
- Review the daily harvest list and prepare materials for harvesting (twisties, knives, bins, etc)
- Harvest tasks for both CSA and wholesale at weight and pack size specifications
- Clean up van, put away supplies, and pick up flags
Wash/Pack:
- Follow instruction of wash/pack team manager
- Clean and sanitize the wash/station surfaces, sinks, U-boats, AZS, and floor
- Review the daily pack list and prepare materials for packing (bags, boxes, etc)
- Label harvests for both CSA and wholesale according to specifications, including proper placement on U-boats or coolers
- Take out compost
- Wash/sanitize harvest and storage bins
Greenhouse :
- Follow instruction of greenhouse team manager
- Learn best practices for watering the greenhouse
- Learn to use the vacuum seeder, practices for managing seedling trays, and how to read the greenhouse seedling plan
- Pot up and label plants
- Make potting soil from time to time with house mix recipe
Field:
- Follow instruction of field team manager
- Assist with field prep, planting, cultivation, trellising, and crop maintenance
- Hand cultivation, trellising, and crop maintenance
- Learn proper scouting, Organic Pest Management systems, and equipment maintenance checks
Flowers:
- Check in with flower team manager
- Clean and sanitize harvest buckets and snips and prepare any other materials necessary
- Learn to harvest flowers at the proper stage and length. Learn to quickly bunch and arrange bouquets.
- Trellis flowers and manage insect pests when necessary with direction from flower team manager
Education and Experience:
Previous farm experience and training is preferred. We are looking for team members who bring professional farming experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds
- Standing, walking, lifting, or bending for extended periods of time (6-9 hours)
- Work in all types of weather conditions
- Must be able to drive and have a valid driver’s license
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Good communication skills, including listening
- Good observation skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
- Willingness to learn and be flexible
To apply, please send your resume to people@loveislovecooperativefarm.com.
Visit loveislovefarm.com for more information.
Pay: $16.08 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16