Full job description
Our client, Backyard Basecamp has an exciting opportunity that has come up, for a Farm Production Apprentice.
About Backyard Basecamp
Backyard Basecamp, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in northeast Baltimore City established to (re)connect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to land and nature. We provide education in urban agriculture, food sovereignty, and just sustainability while growing a relationship with the local ecology. Founded in 2019, the organization acquired a 10-acre parcel of urban land called BLISS Meadows, which will be the nucleus of educational programming and community outreach.
Position Summary
We are seeking a self-motivated farmer with a love for feeding people and desire to further their growth in the agricultural industry to join our Farm Team at Backyard Basecamp. The Production Apprentice will support the Production Manager in regular labor duties on agricultural sites owned, managed, and/or leased by Backyard Basecamp, Inc. Typical tasks will include/but not be limited to cultivation, maintenance, and the follow-through of projects within the following organically-maintained production areas: market gardens, greenhouses, hoop houses, pollinator gardens, orchards, animal enclosures, apiary, and composting operation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
General Administration (5%)
- Communication with Production Manager for general tasking and record keeping
- Assurance that all farm documents are properly completed and submitted
- Other duties as assigned
Production Management (70%)
- Work directly alongside Production Manager for all farm related tasks across different work sites in northeast Baltimore City
- Inspect fields, raised beds, high tunnels, and other growing areas to determine maturity of crops and to estimate any potential crop damage
- Preparing cultivation sites for planting and harvesting
- Adherence to all mechanical, chemical, and food safety procedures and regulations
- Maintenance and repair of farm structures (fencing, high tunnels, irrigation, bee supers, etc.)
- Execution of weekly planting/harvesting schedule
- Insect and weed control, fertility monitoring, and general field observation
Post-Harvest (15%)
- Post-harvest washing, drying and packing of produce for distributions/storage
- Accurately record weights and data for all food distributions
- Ensure cleanliness and quality control of production and food distribution areas
- Direct support to the Farm Manager for farm store and farmers market stocking and supply as needed
Education and Events (10%)
- Occasional facilitation of programming in and around the production sites
- Support Production Manager in occasional educational modules for the Fox and Heron Summer Camp
- Occasional supervision of interns and volunteers assigned to the farm labor
- Attend professional development and related training, as appropriate
Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities):
- At least one year of farming or gardening experience, including organic and/or sustainable methods
- An understanding of local/regional food justice issues, Black history, and culture are essential
- Demonstrated commitment to sustainable agricultural production
- Knowledge of small-scale vegetable production, year-round high tunnel production, and plant propagation
- Experience with farm equipment and machinery, including irrigation equipment, scales, harvesters, and wash stations
- Basic computer skills and knowledge
- Highly motivated and a self-starter
- Capacity to work well in an urban setting and understands the issues and effects of over-policing, poverty, racism, and lack of opportunities in a predominantly Black neighborhood
- Knowledge and passion for community farming, food justice, food systems development
- Ability to apply rules and regulations related to farm operations and food production
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational, collaborative, and time management skills
- Reliable transportation
- Access to a smartphone
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The Production Apprentice will work outdoors with the Production Manager. There will be exposure to Mid-Atlantic outside temperatures year-round as well as chemicals used in the agricultural industry, and loud noises, and proximity to livestock. Work during Code Red or Code Blue heat advisories will be conducted with additional breaks. Most workdays begin shortly after sunrise.
Essential Physical Tasks:
Continual walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, cutting,
and carrying. The ideal candidate will be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs at a time.
Equipment Used:
Lawn mower, String trimmer, farm equipment, hand tools, power tools, computer, and more