Employment

FIELD CREW - Full Time | APPLICATION

We are currently seeking a motivated individual to work in the field Monday through Friday from 8 AM-5 PM or more (with some flexibility for weather). You may get some Monday's off depending on the rhythm of the season. Crew members get 1 hour breaks for lunch. *Hours are subject to variability. Sometimes we opt to start earlier when the temperatures start to get hot. We have to harvest certain crops before the sun gets too strong or it gets too hot. Sometimes we take a longer break in the afternoon, it all depends.

Responsibilities include:

Seeding, transplanting, and bed prep
Harvesting vegetables 2-3 days a week
Cultivating, weeding, and general plant management
Washing, packing, and processing vegetables
Packing the trailer for market
Occasionally running errands for the farm (with farm vehicle)

Requirements:

Smoking or tobacco products are not allowed on the farm for threat of tobacco mosaic virus contamination
Must be able to lift 50+ pounds
Must be willing and able to work in any weather; rain, sleet, snow, heat, etc.
Must be able to maintain a positive attitude in less-than-ideal circumstances
Time management and the ability to maintain focus for long periods of time will be preferential. One must be engaged at all times, even when doing repetitive tasks
Quick learners, independent/forward thinkers, and people who can take initiative will be preferred
Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from the farm
No experience necessary but a background in a fast-paced work environment/manual labor is preferred.

Payment is $10/hour. Employees also receive produce from the farm.

Please complete an application to be considered for employment. I will reach out to several for an interview (potentially a working interview).

HARVEST HAND - Part Time | APPLICATION

Harvest hands work Tuesday Mornings from 8 until 2 or so, Fridays from 8 (usually earlier) until we finish (usually around 6 or 7).

Responsibilities include:

Harvesting for market and CSA on Tuesdays
Harvesting for market and CSA on Fridays
Washing, packing, and processing vegetables

Requirements:

Smoking or tobacco products are not allowed on the farm for threat of tobacco mosaic virus contamination
Must be able to lift 50+ pounds
Must be willing and able to work in any weather; rain, sleet, snow, heat, etc.
Must be able to maintain a positive attitude in less-than-ideal circumstances
Time management and the ability to maintain focus for long periods of time will be preferential. One must be engaged at all times, even when doing repetitive tasks
Quick learners, independent/forward thinkers, and people who can take initiative will be preferred
Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from the farm
No experience necessary but a background in a fast-paced work environment/manual labor is preferred.

Payment is $10/hour. Employees also receive produce from the farm.

Please complete an application to be considered for employment. I will reach out to several for an interview (potentially a working interview).

A NOTE TO ALL APPLICANTS:

Above all, the ideal candidate would be open to learning about how to grow food and desire a more intimate relationship with soil. Someone who has a genuine desire to learn and grow. I am more than happy to spend time teaching you how to use any tools you wish as well as talk about the intricacies about owning a farm business.

That being said, farming is physically and mentally demanding. If you struggle with repetitive tasks, bore easily, or have trouble staying focused when working alone, in silence, you may want to reconsider applying.

This job is highly dependent on being productive, meaning the faster you can move while maintaining a high level of work, the better. I expect a lot from myself and my employees and therefore need to know you're dedicated to keeping your body and mind healthy while you're working here. There is no end to the amount of growth one can experience here. Upon application, I will contact you about conducting a short interview and/or a working interview. The chosen applicant and I will have many talks about the nature of the work and how to be most efficient while working.

To apply for either position please complete the short application and wait for Evan to get back to you in the next month or so.

Volunteers

Down River Farm loves to have volunteers who are willing to donate some of their time on the farm. There is so much to be learned on a farm; patience with weather, how to move efficiently, how to hustle, problem solving, mind training during repetitive tasks, and a renewed appreciation for where food comes from.

Get outside for an afternoon to help your family farmer. Few farms offer that opportunity but considering how important community is to our business model, we want to encourage folks to come out and learn the skills it takes to farm as well as ideas that you can introduce to your own garden.

I have one rule for my volunteers:

BEING A VOLUNTEER MEANS IF WE AGREE TO A DAY/TIME, YOU'RE THERE AT THAT DAY/TIME. I'll be depending on you being there so BE THERE.

Families are also welcome to volunteer!

We will accept volunteers any day of the week, almost any time during daylight.

To coordinate volunteer hours, e-mail me at

Transplanting okra in May

Broadforking is one of the main jobs we have to do on the farm to keep the soil aerated and teeming with biological activity.

We even put Poppy to work on occasion. Still working on her ladder skills...

Love having my friends help out on the farm, interested in volunteering? Contact