Seasonal Cultivation Associate

About High Plains Farm High Plains Farm is a licensed outdoor cannabis cultivator in the foothills of the Massachusetts Berkshires. At 1,600 feet of elevation, our farm uses organic cultivation methods, premium genetics, and natural sunlight to produce sun-grown craft cannabis. We're a small team that takes a lot of pride in doing this the right way. About the Role We're looking for two Seasonal Cultivation Associates to join our farm crew for the outdoor growing season. This is real farming -- not a grow room, not a climate-controlled facility. You'll be outside in the Berkshires working the land from late spring through fall harvest in the kind of climate that makes New England agriculture both rewarding and humbling. The schedule starts at approximately three days per week and flexes up based on the needs of the season. Peak weeks will be heavy. Some weeks will pull back. You need to be comfortable with that rhythm and ready to work when the plants and the weather say so. This is a plant-touching role and requires a Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) agent registration badge. What You'll Do Work alongside the Head Cultivator through all phases of the outdoor growing season: soil preparation, planting, transplanting, plant training, canopy management, pest and mold scouting, irrigation, and harvest. Perform physical farm labor including field prep, amending and turning soil, setting up trellising and support structures, weeding, hauling materials, and general site maintenance. Monitor plants daily for signs of stress, pests, mold, mildew, or weather damage and communicate observations to the Head Cultivator. In outdoor New England cannabis, catching problems early is everything. Assist with harvest operations including cutting, hanging, drying, bucking, and processing flower. Harvest is all-hands-on-deck and the schedule will reflect that. Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment in accordance with CCC regulations, including plant tagging (METRC), activity logging, and any record-keeping required for compliance. Be flexible and responsive to weather-driven schedule changes. An unexpected storm or an early frost doesn't care about your weekend plans. What We're Looking For A genuine respect for the physical demands of farming. This is sun-on-your-back, dirt-under-your-nails, haul-it-up-the-hill work at elevation in western Massachusetts. Prior experience in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, or outdoor cannabis cultivation. You don't need to have grown cannabis before but you do need to understand what it means to work a growing season. Reliability above all else. We're a small crew on a small farm. If you say you'll be there, be there. Comfort with a variable schedule that moves with the season, not a clock. Ability to work independently, take direction well, and stay focused when the work is repetitive. Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs, work on your feet for extended periods, and handle outdoor conditions including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and insects. Must be able to obtain a Massachusetts CCC agent registration badge (background check required). Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the Plainfield farm location. We're in the hilltowns -- there's no bus route getting you here. Nice to Have Previous experience on a cannabis farm, especially outdoor or sun-grown operations. Familiarity with organic, regenerative, or no-till farming practices. Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) for outdoor crops, especially in humid New England conditions where mold pressure is a constant factor. Experience with METRC or other seed-to-sale tracking systems. Compensation Hourly, commensurate with experience. Schedule begins at approximately three days per week with the potential to increase to full-time hours during peak season. We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person