Field Crew Position
Turtle Creek Gardens is a certified organic vegetable operation serving approximately 150 CSA members, farmers market, and direct markets to restaurants and stores, including an on-line farm store. We grow approximately 40 different vegetables that serve a diversified marketing strategy. Fruit is also grown on the farm but is limited to how it is incorporated into our markets. We do purchase products from other local and regional farms that are distributed through all our marketing channels. We also practice biodynamic methods which include design and establishment of hedgerows and perennial plantings, incorporation of manure and compost and biodynamic field sprays and compost preparations.
Farm Culture
Turtle Creek Gardens strives to uphold an environment that is a positive work environment by treating our employees and worker shares with respect and acknowledging skill levels to build a nourishing farming community that extends to visitors and shareholders. We promote an atmosphere of learning on the job and nourish our farm to be a happy place to work and promote a team environment. Farming can often be stressful due to weather conditions, strenuous work, and reaching daily and weekly goals. We depend on our workers to be patient, thoughtful, flexible, and diligent in their ability to stay focused to meet the needs of the farm and meet the changes in workflow that can occur quite often. We encourage our employees to problem solve and take initiative when needed. Our model strives to be team driven rather than a top-down traditional model with key employees in lead positions.
Job Description
Field Crew employees will lead harvests, weeding and transplanting during the vegetable growing season from April through mid-November. Crews consist of seasonal workers and worker shares. Field crew members will follow crop plan and weekly harvest schedules for CSA and direct markets. This position is also required to have flexibility to perform tasks as needed such as CSA pack out, assisting Field Operator with irrigation, and tending to perennial plantings which includes: pruning and mulching in the spring, high tunnel soil preparation, planting and trellising tomatoes. This is a small farm and requires all employees to “jump in” as needed. Emphasis is on taking leadership with crews, harvesting to meet industry standards, and quality control.
- Prepare crew and supplies before heading out to the field
- Direct crews for harvesting, weeding, and transplanting
- Keep track of all harvest equipment after use
- Keep bins supplied with rubber bands and twist-ties
- Clean and put tools away at the end of each day
- Assist with CSA pack out
- Assist with washing and packing as needed
- Keep track of lot numbers with every crop harvested and keep records filled i.e., yields, harvest, destination
- Report insect or disease issues and weed pressure as observed to farm manager
- Spray crops and fields, with organic pesticides and biodynamic field sprays. This will be a shared
responsibility with Field Operator and Farm Manager.
Requirements
- Good-spirited and able to take leadership. Demonstrate leadership through efficient work aptitude, speed, and crew performance outcomes.
- Experience working in vegetable production with knowledge in quality control and industry standards.
- Good organizational skills and ability to work with people with varied skill sets
- Good communication skills with supervisors and other key employees
- Basic understanding of organic standards
- Ability to lift 50#, get dirty, be flexible and have fun
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and whether housing is needed $12-$14hour. Also, if applicant has desire to learn in other areas of farm operation or take on special projects, this will also be considered in the compensation and hours/week requirements.
Please contact: Janet Gamble janetmariegamble@gmail.com with cover letter and 3 references (at least one related to farming)