Field Tractor and Irrigation Worker

Field Tractor and Irrigation Worker position is full season with potential for long-term multi-year opportunity. Benefits include PTO/sick leave, monthly store credit, store discount, fresh veggies. On-farm housing negotiable. We are a 22 acre certified organic family farm with on-site natural foods store, commercial production kitchen, and online sales website. Our field production runs year-round and encompasses approximately 8-10 acres of fruits, vegetables, seed crops and cover-crop managed in a bed system utilizing tractors, cultivating equipment, hand-tools, primarily handline irrigation, plus multiple in-ground cold frames. We at Whistling Duck Farm place great value on a positive and enjoyable work environment, no matter the weather or work load. It's important that all team members feel comfortable working together and truly value the work we are doing and the world we are building here. Field production is the keystone of the entire farm system, and skilled tractor and irrigation management is critical to its success and profitability.

Compensation:

this position starts at $17 per hour DOE on skillset and experience. 32-40 hours per week, depending on season. Winter furlough possible upon request. We hire based on aptitude and experience

• all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, socioeconomic classes and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We honor individual rights on our farm and in our store. Please be aware that meat is sold in our store and frequently cooked and consumed on site. We are a recreational drug and alcohol-free workplace to maintain worker safety and team morale. Field Tractor and Irrigation Worker tasks include the following:

• Work alongside owner Mary Alionis to implement the farm production plan, adapting to current priorities and conditions to meet full farm needs
• Assure all tractors, tools and mechanical systems are maintained and in working order, including working with farm mechanic as needed and setting up maintenance schedules
• Implement fertilizing, bed preps, weed control, cultivation and cover cropping
• Implement and manage irrigation systems, including maintenance and repairs as needed
• Interface with owner and fellow staff through daily communication to establish and maintain goals, priorities, staff delegation
• Assist with record-keeping, both analog and computer-based, as necessary for planning, purchasing, and regulatory/certification needs
• Participate in any tasks needed to help keep the farm running smoothly Candidate ideally suited to this position will have the following skills:
• Reliable and communicative: arrives at work on time and communicates well throughout the day
• Working knowledge of tractor and irrigation systems for food production and land stewardship
• Knowledge of organic soil health and fertilization systems
• Experience with tractors and hand-tools necessary for organic tillage, fertilizing, cultivation, irrigation; the ability to learn new equipment systems and operate them safely and effectively

• Organized:

  able to develop a daily/weekly/monthly/season plan, stage multiple projects and timelines and network with staff when necessary to successful completion
• Information tracking and computer skills, including Word, Excel, Google Docs, and data entry; capable of tracking relevant production information
• Team player: able to communicate with and work comfortably and constructively within our farm team
• Curious, creative and innovative, with an optimistic, forward-looking, positive outlook
• Adaptable and enthusiastic: able to navigate and thrive in dynamic, changing circumstances
• Excellent time management skills: able to maintain focus and work quickly, effectively and efficiently

• Detail-oriented:

  able to develop and understand a comprehensive roadmap and follow it accurately

• Big-picture:

  able to perceive how current decisions and events play into the larger, long-range vision
• Driver's license and clean driving record
• Comfortable being a part of a rural working family farm in all seasons
• Able to navigate on the farm and perform varied physical tasks, able to lift 50 lbs.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person