Market Garden Field Assistant: Full-Time (or) Part-Time (Seasonal)

Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Inc.•Harrisonburg, VA

12d•$15 - $18

About The Position

VMRC strives to live and work as a community. Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County in race, ethnicity, and cultural demographics. We are committed to maintaining a culture that embraces and values the views and opinions of "all" people regardless of race, color, ethnicity, and gender. Our commitment to achieving this goal will help to bring our mission and values to life. This position is responsible for assisting with all areas of production at The Farm at Willow Run from seed to delivery. Responsibilities include: seeding, transplanting, weeding, mulching, trellising, pest and disease management as well as harvesting, washing, post-harvest management, and packing and delivery of produce. Assists with the maintenance of farm fields, the grounds around farm buildings, market garden recordkeeping, and provides direction and guidance to volunteers/interns. Based upon previous experience and qualifications, the starting base rate of pay is $15.00 - $17.79

Requirements

As a condition for employment, VMRC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If selected for a pending job offer, the candidate will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination(s) or provide proof of prior COVID-19 vaccination(s) before the date of hire.
VMRC is a drug-free community - we have and will continue to comply with all federal and state laws. If selected for a pending job offer, the candidate will be required to satisfactorily pass a background check and drug screen during the pre-employment screening process.
High school diploma or equivalent specialty coursework, with 1-2 years of farming experience preferred.
Must possess a current Virginia driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Ability to lift 50 lbs, perform strenuous physical tasks, and work in all types of weather.
Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and strong work ethic.
Fast learner with the ability to work quickly and carefully in a safe manner, and motivate others to do the same.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the ability to anticipate operation needs and take initiative.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and passion for small-scale, low-input, sustainable vegetable production preferred

Responsibilities

Seeds, transplants, removes weeds, and mulches all areas of the Market Garden.
Trellises crops as needed.
Performs necessary pest and disease management to ensure optimum harvest yields.
Actively participates in the harvesting of crops to include washing, post-harvest management and packaging and delivery of produce.
Assists with directing and guiding the activities of volunteers/interns.
Assists with the maintenance of farm fields and grounds around the farm buildings.
Assists with Market Garden recordkeeping.
Effectively communicates all challenges, issues and concerns to immediate supervisor.