Assistant Farm Manager in Millersville, PA

Homefields Care Farm

Job description

Homefields Care Farm is seeking an Assistant Farm Manager to support diversified vegetable and fruit production. Our small 19-acre farm has 10 acres in production to support our CSA, which operates from late May through November. Employment is seasonal, March through November. This is an excellent opportunity to be involved in all aspects of managing a successful organic farm, but with the support of a manager who can help guide a bountiful season.

A successful candidate will have the opportunity to build skills and experience collaboratively, try new growing techniques and crops, and enhance both personal knowledge and crop production while contributing to an important social mission.

Qualifications and Experience: Must be willing to work in varied environmental conditions and develop good communication skills with people with diverse backgrounds and different communication needs. Must be willing to learn best practices when working with people with varying disabilities and who may be neurodiverse. Must have at least two years of working on a vegetable farm. Preference will be given to candidates with experience operating farm equipment and implements, using IPM or organic pest control practices, and those with multiple years of experience at the same farm.

General Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with farm crew, conduct regular operations of the farm, including soil preparation, planting, weed and pest management, harvest, and processing
• Operate and maintain equipment safely and responsibly
• Train and oversee selected team members to operate and maintain all farm equipment
• Collaborate with the Farm Manager and Lead Farm Hand to establish daily goals and labor plans, manage task lists, and maintain records of farm operations and outputs
• Create monthly farm reports to communicate farm operations and needs to the Board of Directors
• Ensure a high level of customer service and shareholder satisfaction
Expectations: We are committed to providing a caring and supportive environment for everyone who participates in the farm program. This includes farm hands, volunteers, shareholders, and community members with diverse backgrounds and abilities. We expect our farm co-manager to be committed to our purpose and values. The Assistant Farm Manager is expected to become proficient in soil health management, familiar with stormwater runoff management, attend to weed pressure, manage crop rotation and plant cover crops.

Compensation and benefits:
• Starting range $16.00–$18.00/hour depending on experience
• $100.00 Annual boot reimbursement
• Two weeks of paid time off, per year
• Basic retirement program through American Funds, Homefields matches up to 3% of employee contributions for full-time employees
• Uniform shirts and sweatshirt provided
• Coffee, tea, snacks, monthly lunches, UV and insect protection, rubber overshoes & gloves provided
• Weekly share of vegetables, fruits and herbs and access to the Pick-Your-Own fields
• Team members receive a $100.00 credit annually to attend Experience Homefields classes