FARM PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

Farm Production Specialist

Position Description

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time, Year Round

Reports to: Farm Manager

Position Summary:

During the main growing season, this position will assist the Farm Manager with all aspects of farm production at the Blandford Nature Center's 2.5 acre mixed vegetable farm. Additionally, this position will represent BNC at the Fulton Street Farmers Market once or twice a week from June through November. As needed, this position will support the Farm Manager administratively and is largely responsible for coordinating the Sugarbush season. This position is full time, Saturdays may be required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist with all aspects of farm production including: bed prep, seed propagation, weeding, transplanting, trellising, pruning, infrastructure setup/removal/repairs, pest management, and amendment application

Harvest, clean, and pack vegetables for distribution with adherence to food safety standards

Assist with some aspects of animal care including: feeding, stall mucking, hoof trimming, providing enrichment, and administering medical care

Assist with leading volunteer groups and weekly volunteers

Manage the BNC market stall at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market 1-2 times per week from June through November. May be required to drive company truck to market

Create and maintain a positive experience for market customers and CSA members

Assist with farm related errands and driving to off-site locations for deliveries

Provide Administrative support for the Farm Manager, which may include writing and planning CSA related communications and registrations; coordinating with wholesale clients and community partners; building and editing SOP's as needed; assisting with crop planning and seed orders; and research assistance

Work as a staff lead several days per week during sugarbush season to support sugarhouse volunteers

Oversee sugarbush supply needs by conducting inventory checks, cleaning and sanitizing, and coordinating supply needs for community programs and school field trips

Assist in the assessment of maple tree health ahead of tapping days

Sap collection as needed February-March

Assist with finishing and bottling syrup during the month of March

Assist in leading partner-school students through the process of tapping and un-tapping trees

Other duties as assigned by the Farm Manager

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Minimum one year of experience in sustainability-focused vegetable farm production

Experience in or willingness to learn sugarbush operation tasks

Experience in customer service including cash handling

Experience in or willingness to learn to operate farm equipment including tractor, truck and trailer, and BNC gators & golf carts

Available to work weekends and flexible weekly hours

Must maintain a valid driver's license

Ability to effectively use Google's applications: drive, calendar, etc.

Excellent judgment and reliability

Positive role model in attitude and behavior

Energetic, flexible and able to work independently

Ability to work effectively and efficiently with all Blandford Nature Center staff and volunteers

Excellent verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiar with operating farm equipment

Experience teaching and leading both volunteers and students

Advanced knowledge of cooking/storing farm produce

Familiarity with current farm certifications, food safety legislation, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act),and best practices for safe produce washing and handling techniques

Two years of retail or service industry experience

Two years of experience in small scale farm production

Excellent written communication skills

Physical Responsibilities:

While performing the duties of this job, the Farm Production Specialist is regularly required to sit, stand and bend for extended periods of time. This staff member occasionally must be able to operate/manipulate heavy tools and move up to 50 pounds. This staff member must also be able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures and maneuver over wet, brushy, muddy, steep trail surfaces and uneven terrain.

To Apply:

Please visit blandfordnaturecenter.org/employment-opportunities/ and click on the Job Board button to complete your application.

***REQUIRED***

Submit cover letter and resume as one (1) document when prompted to upload your resume

List three (3) professional references and NOT three personal references