What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Farm Worker position at Rodale Institute?
The Seasonal Farm Worker will support the Farm Innovations team at Rodale Institute’s Pacific Northwest Organic Center (PNWOC) in Rockport, WA. Seasonal Farm Workers will participate in a wide range of farming, landscaping and facility maintenance activities. The PNWOC conducts research, outreach, and education for regenerative organic agriculture and has been a destination for inspiration for many years. Depending on the year, the PNWOC hosts a blueberry u-pick for the public, and Seasonal Farm Workers assist in staffing the u-pick operation. Seasonal Farm Workers are critical in caring for the property and ensuring that the site is maintained to the highest standards. All candidates must be prepared to work in a professional environment, complete tasks carefully and in a timely manner, and work in all weather conditions. This position reports directly to the Assistant Farm Manager.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Qualifications & Experience:
Schedule:
Compensation & Benefits:
Other Expectations:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Landscaping with gas-powered and hand-operated tools
- On-going landscaping tasks include: mowing, weeding, string trimming, planting, pruning, dead-heading, building new beds and box plots, etc.
- Assist with watering and/or irrigation
- Assist with installing irrigation
- Assist with facility maintenance such as painting, cleaning, sweeping, moping, washing, minor repairs, etc.
- Assist with establishing and maintaining ornamental and herb beds
- Assist with event setup and cleanup
- Road maintenance such as laying gravel to fill potholes and remove tree limbs
- Roadside cleanup when necessary
- Remove tree limbs and other plant debris from fields and lawns
- Remove plastic contaminates from fields and compost piles when necessary
- Maintain, organize, and clean equipment, and storage areas
- Other duties and tasks as assigned
Qualifications & Experience:
- Ability to operate landscaping equipment, such as mowers, string trimmers, pruners, etc. Training will be provided when necessary
- Ability to work independently, multi-task, and be a team player
- Ability to lift 50lbs.
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Must be able to move freely around the farm to operate light machinery
- Must be comfortable receiving direction from senior farm staff
- Must be prompt, responsible and focused
- Must be organized and attentive to detail
- Previous landscaping experience is preferred but not required
Schedule:
- This is a seasonal position, 10-25 weeks, April - September 2026
- 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Compensation & Benefits:
- $18.00 per hour
- Seasonal employees are eligible for statutory benefits such as social security, worker’s compensation, and unemployment compensation but are not eligible for Rodale Institute benefit programs including severance benefits
Other Expectations:
- Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s success
- To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.
Salary : $18