Seasonal Farmer in New Castle, DE

Job Description

The Seasonal Farmer will manage all aspects of Bright Spot Farm’s production fields. This position requires a strong, practical knowledge of agricultural skills and farm management.

The ideal candidate for this position has an interest in small scale vegetable production, food systems, food-insecurity and community outreach. The Seasonal

Farmer reports directly to the Program Director. This is a seasonal part-time position. Season ends at the end of November.

Company Description: Bright Spot Farms is an agriculture-focused training program of the West End Neighborhood House. Founded in 2011 with the goal of providing paid employment training pathways for young adults. We currently provide meaningful hands-on work, experience and training to high school students from New Castle County, Delaware.

Bright Spot Farm operates a working 3-acre farm and nursery/garden center through which it trains youth and sells seasonal ornamental plants, vegetable and herb starts, and fresh vegetables to the community. As of 2022, the CSA program has grown to serve approximately

100 members. 70% of our membership include low-income Seniors and food insecure families throughout New Castle County, Delaware.

Mission: We believe in the power of farming to transform people through building confidence and fostering leadership. We aim to heal and empower the young people in our program by rooting our farming in an ethic of community service.

Job Requirements:

Planning and leading day-to-day farm operations, including but not limited to field prep, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, packing, and delivering produce.

Maintaining records on material orders, retail sales, harvest yields, etc.

Setting up, operating and trouble-shooting irrigation.

Maintain farm infrastructure and landscape (weeding, weed-wacking, mowing)

Insect and weed control, general field observation

Maintenance and monitoring of deer fencing

Maintenance of farm vehicles and tractor implements

Operate tractors and John Deere gator

Maintaining seed crops and coordinating logistics with seed contracts

Coordinating produce needs for the CSA program, markets & educational program

Supervision of young adults 14-18 in all aspects of farm production.

Driving Bright Spot Farms’ refrigerated box truck and pick-up truck for markets and CSA deliveries.

Managing restaurant deliveries and farmer’s markets

25-30-hour work week, some evening, weekend and special event hours may be required

Education/Training:

Bachelor and/or Associates Degree in Horticulture/Agriculture or related field, or demonstrated experience

2+ years’ experience in organic farming or using organic methods (at least one full season at one farm).

Experience working with youth is preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

Positive attitude, even in stressful or challenging situations

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Attention to detail and ability to balance multiple priorities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel)

Ability to bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods and lift at least 50 lbs.

Ability to work in difficult weather conditions

Strong attention to detail and ability to balance multiple priorities

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Compensation:

$20/hourly rate.

Conditions of Hire:

A valid state driver’s license and a criminal background check are required as a condition of hire.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• New Castle, DE 19720: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Farming: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person