Seasonal Farm Assistant

Rodale Institute•Cornwall, PA

7d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Farm Assistant will support the Trailside Organic Farm operation with a range of farm, landscaping, and facility tasks. The scale of the farm is 2.5 acres, and a wide variety of produce, herbs, and cut flowers are grown on the farm property in Cornwall, PA. The Trailside Farm functions as a satellite production and education farm of the Rodale Institute. Rodale Institute conducts research, outreach and education for regenerative organic agriculture and our main campus has been a destination for inspiration to a large audience for several decades. The Trailside Organic Farm operates as a partnership between Rodale Institute and Cornwall Manor, a non-profit active senior living community in Lebanon County, PA. Cornwall Manor offers choices of apartments and homes as well as healthcare services to individuals aged 60 and over. Their mission is to provide the highest quality care, programs, and services for our residents. The focus of the Trailside Organic Farm is to grow fresh and local produce, herbs and cut flowers for residents and employees of Cornwall Manor, and this is all done on-site as farm-to-table. The farm is certified organic and adheres to strict organic growing practices. In addition to production, the Trailside Farm offers a resident volunteer program, workshops, events, tours, and a weekly farm market open to residents and employees. The Seasonal Farm Assistant will play a critical role in the production of fresh, healthy farm products and to ensure that the site is maintained to the highest standards. Applicants should be driven, hardworking, and committed to organic agriculture practices. All candidates must be prepared to work in a professional environment, be respectful and outgoing toward residents, complete tasks carefully and in a timely manner, and work in all weather conditions. This position reports directly to the farm manager.

Requirements

Must be comfortable operating landscaping equipment
Ability to work independently, multi-task and be a team player
Must be comfortable receiving direction from senior farm operation staff
Must be prompt, responsible and focused
Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
Organized and attentive to detail
Able to lift 50 pounds

Nice To Haves

Previous gardening and/ or landscaping experience is preferred
Experience with operating basic garden and landscape tools and equipment (rototillers, lawnmowers, string trimmers, pruning shears, etc.)

Responsibilities

Seeding and transplanting crops
Harvesting, washing, sorting, packaging, and delivering produce
Working with cut flowers and herbs
Pest scouting and management in the field, including applications of organic pesticides
Installing irrigation, hoops, row covers, and insect netting in the field
Trellising, pruning, and other field crop maintenance'
Weeding
Fertilizing and fertigating
Running irrigation
On-going landscaping, such as mowing, weeding, string trimming, planting, pruning, dead heading, etc.
Assist with farm market sales, setup, and clean-up
Willingness to engage with Cornwall Manor residents and discuss work
Careful record-keeping for all field work, plantings, harvests, sales, and distributions
Assist with facility maintenance such as painting, cleaning, washing, minor repairs, etc.
Assist with establishing and maintaining ornamental beds and herb gardens
Maintain, organize, and clean equipment, and storage areas
Other duties and tasks as assigned