Henry Got Crops Field Assistant

Weavers Way Co-op • Philadelphia, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Weavers Way is a not-for-profit, member-owned co-op guided by a People-Planet-Profit philosophy. It supports the local community, environment, and business while keeping dollars in the community and supporting local food vendors. Weavers Way Farms operates two Northwest Philadelphia farm sites and an adjacent orchard, using small-scale, diversified, no-till organic farming practices. Produce is sold through the co-op stores, the Henry Got Crops CSA and farm market, and other local businesses.

The Field Assistant supports daily farm operations and maintenance, primarily at the Mort Brooks Memorial Farm, with some scheduled work and as-needed support at Henry Got Crops and the orchard. The position works with farm managers and crew members and involves tasks such as preparing beds, planting, watering, harvesting, soil amendment, weeding, thinning, and pest and disease prevention and control. The assistant also works with and supervises volunteers and high school students, may assist with CSA pickup, and may use farm equipment and vehicles. Administrative duties include logging harvest weights and submitting expense or mileage reimbursement receipts.

This is a full-time, hourly position with an expected schedule of Monday through Friday, either 8 a.m.–4 p.m. or 7 a.m.–3 p.m., averaging 35 or more hours per week. Hours vary seasonally, and occasional weekend work may be required with advance notice. The position requires a commitment to at least one growing season, from April through the last week of November. Starting pay is $18 per hour. The posting states that hours over 40 per week are paid at the straight rate unless the assistant performs non-agricultural work, such as work at the farm market.

Requirements

• Commitment to the mission and goals of Weavers Way Co-op.
• Commit to a minimum of one growing season, from April through the last week of November.
• At least one complete growing season of full-time experience at a diversified vegetable production farm.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Strong communication skills and flexibility.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to get dirty.
• Desire to learn, improve efficiency, and contribute to a productive team environment.
• Attention to detail and strong quality-control skills.
• Ability to work well both on a team and independently.
• Ability and desire to work with and supervise volunteers and students of all ages and abilities.
• Complete child abuse clearances and a Pennsylvania background check.
• Be, or become upon hiring, a member in good standing of Weavers Way Co-op.

Responsibilities

• Support the Field Manager and Senior Farm Manager and work with the farm crew on day-to-day farm operations and maintenance.
• Prepare beds, plant, water, and harvest crops.
• Amend soil, weed, thin crops, and prevent and control pests and diseases.
• Instruct, supervise, and work alongside volunteers and high school students.
• Work primarily at the Mort Brooks Memorial Farm and assist at Henry Got Crops and the orchard on scheduled or as-needed basis.
• Assist with on-site CSA pickup when requested.
• Use mowers, weed whackers, and utility vehicles; use the farm truck to transport plants, produce, and supplies between farms as needed.
• Log harvest pounds and submit receipts for expense and mileage reimbursements when applicable.

Benefits

• Eligible for Weavers Way Co-op benefits.
• Farm staff are welcome to have produce from the farms.
• Staff discount and working member discount of 15% at Weavers Way Co-op and the Farm Market.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed