What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Assistant position at South Shore YMCA?
Weekend Farm Assistant Needed!
Join our farm team for 3–4 hour weekend shifts helping with chicken care, garden watering, and general farm tasks!
Under the supervision of Environmental Education Instructor is responsible for supporting daily farm operations and maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming farm environment during weekend shifts in accordance with the following policies established by the farm while also providing a high level of customer and team support.
Core Expectations
Mission and Community Oriented – Demonstrates the farm’s values and commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and responsible agriculture. Works effectively with individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels.
People Oriented – Remains calm and respectful in challenging situations. Communicates clearly and works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and visitors. Takes initiative to support others when needed.
Results Oriented – Completes tasks efficiently and responsibly while maintaining high standards for animal care, cleanliness, and customer experience. Demonstrates reliability and accountability during weekend operations.
Personal Development – Recognizes personal strengths and areas for growth, pursues learning opportunities, demonstrates flexibility, and maintains a strong work ethic.
Qualifications
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Join our farm team for 3–4 hour weekend shifts helping with chicken care, garden watering, and general farm tasks!
Under the supervision of Environmental Education Instructor is responsible for supporting daily farm operations and maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming farm environment during weekend shifts in accordance with the following policies established by the farm while also providing a high level of customer and team support.
Core Expectations
- PROGRAM EXECUTION
- Assist with daily farm tasks including feeding animals, watering crops, harvesting produce, and maintaining farm equipment and grounds.
- Tours of property as needed.
- Monitor the farm environment to ensure the safety and well-being of animals, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
- Operate tools and equipment safely and responsibly while following all farm safety procedures.
- Report any injuries, hazards, damaged equipment, or animal health concerns immediately to the supervisor on duty.
- Respond to unexpected situations calmly, professionally, and efficiently.
- Complete assigned tasks thoroughly and in a timely manner.
- Attend all scheduled weekend shifts in appropriate farm attire and footwear.
- Follow all farm attendance and call-out policies.
- STAFF ENGAGEMENT AND TEAMWORK
- Work cooperatively with fellow farm staff, volunteers, and visitors while treating everyone with respect.
- Assist team members with daily responsibilities to ensure smooth farm operations.
- Perform additional duties as delegated by the Farm Manager or supervisor on duty.
- Attend required trainings, meetings, and safety briefings when scheduled.
- MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT
- Interact with visitors, customers, and community members in a friendly, engaging, and professional manner.
- Answer basic questions about the farm, animals, produce, programs, and policies or direct individuals to the appropriate supervisor.
- Help create a positive and educational experience for all visitors.
- Ensure all farm safety and child protection policies are followed at all times.
- FACILITY MANAGEMENT
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe animal areas, barns, gardens, storage spaces, and public areas.
- Assist with waste removal, sanitation procedures, and general farm upkeep.
- Monitor inventory of feed, supplies, and equipment and notify supervisors when restocking is needed.
- Report maintenance issues or unsafe conditions promptly.
- VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT
- Support volunteers and assist with their daily farm activities when needed.
- Provide guidance and encouragement to volunteers while promoting a positive team environment.
Mission and Community Oriented – Demonstrates the farm’s values and commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and responsible agriculture. Works effectively with individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels.
People Oriented – Remains calm and respectful in challenging situations. Communicates clearly and works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and visitors. Takes initiative to support others when needed.
Results Oriented – Completes tasks efficiently and responsibly while maintaining high standards for animal care, cleanliness, and customer experience. Demonstrates reliability and accountability during weekend operations.
Personal Development – Recognizes personal strengths and areas for growth, pursues learning opportunities, demonstrates flexibility, and maintains a strong work ethic.
Qualifications
- Minimum age: 18 years old
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch.