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Seasonal, Full Time 
April-October

About the Position

We believe it takes self-initiative, constant and thoughtful communication, a strong belief in the purpose/impact of our work, creativity, and love and appreciation for one another in order to accomplish the challenge that is diversified vegetable farming. We are currently seeking agriculturalists (or folks with experience in other related hands-on trades) who are ready to be a vibrant part of our mission to grow healthy and abundant food for our community in an ecologically conscious way.

As a member of our team you should expect to be involved in the day-to-day planning and problem solving involved in the operation of our farm. Together we grow vegetables and berries on ~15 acres in a given year while managing the fallow years for a remaining 15. In addition to our outdoor space we grow extended season crops in 10 high tunnels and produce retail vegetable starts for sale in conjunction with our Annuals and Perennials team. Our focus is on the full cultivation of the crops we grow at Cedar Circle, from seed to washed-and-packed product, and our farmstand team takes it from there.

One of the most exciting aspects of diversified vegetable farming is the variety of work involved. While specializing and honing skills in one particular area enables a farmer to take pride and ownership in the work that they do, having a varied set of responsibilities keeps the work sustainable, interesting, and engaging. Our team is always working towards a model that provides both of these experiences for all team members.
 

Responsibilities

The Wash/Pack Lead supports all aspects of Cedar Circle's farm operations with a primary focus on overseeing the wash/pack and its operations, and keeping thorough and constant communication with our produce outlets to ensure quality, display, and punctuality standards are being met. This position is unique in that it facilitates the relationships between the vegetable production team, kitchen, farmstand, and wholesale accounts. Primary tasks include making sure that both departments are well stocked, that waste is being properly managed and recaptured via the kitchen and that feedback from these two outlets is being communicated back to the production team so that we can ensure the highest quality of produce. Wholesale responsibilities would primarily consist of fulfillment though opportunities to work directly with wholesalers is a possibility.

An interest in facilitating strong communication and devising efficient, repeatable workflows is a must. When available, i.e. many afternoons, the Wash/Pack Lead participates in, and leads, daily farm tasks including field cultivation, planting, irrigation, weeding, vegetable harvests, tractor work and more.

The following list outlines the core day-to-day responsibilities of the Wash/Pack Lead.

  • Clearly communicate and delegate weekly and daily wash/pack priorities to field crew
  • Train and mentor production crew members in performance of harvest and packing duties, ensuring food safety, and product quality standards are met and that required records are being kept.
  • Enforce existing post-harvest handling practices to ensure freshness, cleanliness, and quality of produce.
  • Ensure proper storage conditions
  • Remove and divert expired produce that is no longer up to retail standards
  • Work alongside crew in a leadership role when not engaged in the wash/pack
  • Act as a point of contact to answer harvest and wash/pack questions as they develop throughout the day
  • Help to establish a positive and nurturing work environment for all members of the crew
  • Promptly address any staffing issues that may arise in conjunction with other members of the leadership team.
  • Communicate effectively with farm stand, kitchen, farmers market personnel, and wholesale accounts.
  • Ensure harvest and packing tasks are performed in a timely, effective, safe, and efficient manner
  • Act as a knowledge base for the farm stand and kitchen ensuring that questions about the use and display of produce is answered in conjunction with the rest of the leadership team
  • Ensure that all orders are packed accurately, clearly labeled, and accounted for and that produce availability and storage location is concisely communicated to the farm stand and kitchen.
  • Maintain clean and organized walk-ins and food storage areas
  • Maintain cleanliness of wash/pack
  • Maintain inventory of packing and washing supplies for the wash/pack
  • Participate in educational activities or events as required and pre-arranged by Education Program Manager

 

Qualifications

  • At least two seasons previous vegetable farming experience
  • Willingness to return for multiple season is a huge plus
  • Comfortability in managing people and competency delivering clear directions
  • Experience leading a team
  • Clear and concise recordkeeping and note taking skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Strict attention to detail and strong understanding of washing and packing standards
  • Positive, energetic interpersonal skills and passion for mentoring new farmers
  • Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and give/accept constructive feedback on work and technique
  • Clear, consistent communication skills
  • Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
  • Ability to work for long durations in inclement weather - standing, sitting, bending over, or kneeling
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs regularly
  • Ready to commit for more than one season (2+ preferred)


Compensation

This is a seasonal position, full-time April through October with flexibility to work weekends during certain parts of the season. We try to stick to a 40 hour work week to the best of our abilities.

The Wash/Pack Lead is an hourly position with benefits including paid sick leave, fresh produce, a 20% discount at our farmstand and cafe, access to an employee assistance program, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer safe harbor match. Salary range is $18-20/hr, depending on qualifications
 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through our online application.