Field Crew
TITLE: Field Crew
REPORTS TO: Farm Manager/Assistant Farm Manager
STATUS: Seasonal Part Time–approximately 20 hrs/wk; Tuesday through Saturday. Weekly hours follow a bell curve of the season.
SALARY RANGE: $16-$18/hr, with appropriate skills; opportunities for increased compensation based on experience; additional opportunities for more hours at WLF, working with our Farm to Go program and/or our Rentals team. Health insurance eligible (employer pays 75%).
START DATE: Late August to mid-November (start and end dates are somewhat flexible).
Wright-Locke Farm is located in Winchester on land of the Indigenous Massachusett Tribe and Pawtucket people, who were forcibly removed in the 1600s. The Massachusett Tribe and people with Pawtucket ancestry continue to live throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts today. We invite you to join us in unlearning the harmful narratives and practices that perpetuate the oppression of Indigenous peoples.
Wright-Locke Farm Mission:
The Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy (WLFC) seeks to build a broad community and model sustainable practices through active learning, organic agriculture, land stewardship, and an appreciation of our historic New England farm. We grow certified organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers for local consumption, offer farm-based educational experiences for people of all ages through structured programs and informal learning, and open our doors for public and private events, providing a venue for recreation, leisure, and gathering.
Position overview:
Under the direct supervision of the Farm Managers, Field Crew will meet the needs of the Wright-Locke Farm agricultural operation and the farms’ sales program. They will help with planting, seeding, harvesting, cultivating, soil fertility, field maintenance, and other essential duties to running a diversified fruit, flower, herb, and vegetable farm. Additionally, they will help care for our farm animals (chickens and goats).
Preferred applicants have prior experience doing farm work and working with groups. They should be comfortable working outdoors in any type of weather. If you do not meet the job requirements listed, please tell us why you might still be a good fit! All staff must pass a CORI/SORI background check prior to starting.
Principal Responsibilities include: Work primarily with the Farm Managers and team to complete field tasks that will include but are not limited to seeding, transplanting, planting, weeding, harvesting, washing & packing, bed preparation and fertility management, mulching, trellising, pruning, mowing, CSA preparation, Farmer’s Market preparation, and Farmer’s Market staffing.
Meet with the Farm Managers each workday morning during the growing season to define what needs to be completed during the day and by whom. A team approach is required throughout all aspects of this job.
Assist with:
Supervising other employees and volunteers of all ages and abilities
Preparing for and participating in farm sponsored events
Tracking weekly harvests
Tracking Organic Certification
Staffing and sales at Farmers Markets
Greenhouse propagation and plant sales
Keep an eye for pest and disease issues and alert the Farm Managers
Help maintain all tools, equipment and space used by the farm operation
Desired Skills and Abilities:
Passion and interest in working in/learning about small-scale, low-input, sustainable vegetable, fruit, flower, and herb production
Dedicated, hard worker—willing to fulfill the full season commitment
Ability to do fast, quality, detailed work like bunching, picking, seeding and hand weeding
Self-disciplined, goal orientated with the ability to problem solve and request assistance when needed
Ability to work both independently and as a team member, always with a priority given to safety
Be in good physical condition: crouch, squat, bend over, kneel, and stand for a good amount of time; ability to lift and carry 30-40lbs repeatedly, and 50lbs on occasion
Willing to work in a potentially challenging environment/weather conditions and be adaptable
Be punctual to the daily agreed-upon start time
Have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Energetic nature and willing to have fun
Good communication skills and ability to receive and digest plenty of constructive feedback; ability to relay instructions to volunteers and other employees
Able to pass a CORI/SORI background check
Be comfortable working with/handling farm animals (no experience required)
Current CPR/First Aid Certification (preferred)
**Housing is NOT provided.
Employee Perks:
Free organic produce “seconds”
Farmstore/online sales discount
Great team of co-workers and supportive community
Encouragement to attend learning seminars & borrow books from the farm library
**Interested persons should send their resumes and 2-3 references with an introduction email to farmer@wlfarm.org and assistantfarmmanager@wlfarm.org.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and we will begin interviewing as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!