Assistant Grower

Mass Audubon • Lincoln, MA

18h • $20 - $21

About The Position

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org [http://www.massaudubon.org/].

Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm is seeking an Assistant Grower works closely with the Farm Manager to raise crops and market Drumlin Farm’s produce through a farmstand, farmer’s markets, restaurant accounts, a CSA program and a commitment to hunger relief. This position gains management experience as they instruct and lead seasonal Farm Crew staff and volunteers in the field and at the market. Assistant Growers are responsible for aspects of the operation that suit their talents and interests, co-leading in areas such as harvest, wash and pack, restaurant orders, farmer’s market, farm stand, CSA, flower bouquets and tractor work.

Requirements

• A passion for sustainable agriculture
• Positive, punctual, precise, energetic, resilient, and attentive
• Comfortable with performing physical labor in all weather conditions: during the busiest parts of the season, 10-hour days are typical, require regularly lifting up to 50 lbs, and performing repetitive tasks for several straight hours
• Responsible and self-driven with the ability to work independently and as a team player
• Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
• Willingness to regularly lead and work alongside volunteer groups of all ages, as well as work share members and long-term volunteers
• Willing to undergo training to drive tractors and a 12-foot box truck

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of experience in crop production preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of field and greenhouse work related to Drumlin Farm’s 15-acre diversified crops operation, including seeding, field prep, planting, weeding, harvest, washing, packing, and distributing.
• Assist in managing one or more of the distribution channels: Farmer’s Market: load and organize produce and supplies in the box truck, drive to and from Saturday market, set-up and break-down of displays, work with other market staff to restock, assist customers and operate cash register, data entry/accounting.
• CSA: participate in writing a weekly newsletter, load and organize produce in the box truck/cooler, oversee bagging volunteers, assist in setting up and break-downing the distribution space.
• Farmstand: set-up and break-down of the weekend farm stand, coordinate with volunteers, communicate harvest needs and restock as needed.
• Restaurant Deliveries: customer communication, data entry/invoicing, harvest pick-sheets, load and organize the box truck/van, drive the delivery route.
• Donations: pack and record all donation items, communicate with donation partners.
• Participate in operating tractors, including; field preparation, fertilizing, cultivation, transplanting, harvesting, mowing, and cover cropping.
• Lead groups of volunteers and/or summer campers to assist with field tasks.
• Assist the Farm Manager with other farm duties, including; implementing the crop plan, training and coordinating seasonal Field Crew, watering the greenhouse, setting up and maintaining fencing and row covers, following record keeping protocols, maintaining all equipment clean, keeping work spaces orderly, and following food safety guidelines.
• Represent Mass Audubon by educating customers about the vegetables; explaining our growing practices and Mass Audubon’s mission; and addressing customer service issues as they arise.
• Support the annual maple sugaring operation, including leading volunteers in collecting sap, operating the evaporator, and bottling syrup; coordinating and participating in educational programming.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England.
• Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed