Farm Assistant - Fairfield Farm - Part-Time

Department:           Environmental Initiatives-Fairfield Farm

FLSA:                         Non-Exempt; Hourly, Not benefit eligible

Job Status:               Staff, Temporary Seasonal Assignment- Now through November 17, 2023

                                   Variable Hours (20-25 hours weekly) Monday – Friday with some occasional weekend day scheduling

                                   depending on the effects of weather or other needs of the farm.

Reports to:               Fairfield Farm Manager

Travel:                       Local

Hotchkiss School seeks an individual that is dependable, communicative, good-natured, and interested in participating in an employment experience working in a school setting supporting our campus farm comprised of four acres, producing approximately 25,000 lbs. of mixed produce each season and caring for a flock of laying hens.  You must possess some knowledge of farming and/or gardening, and a willingness to perform physical labor outdoors and in the hoop houses in all kinds of weather.  Interest in organic agricultural practices, sustainability and food justice issues are preferred. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary mission of Fairfield Farm is to serve as an education focused production farm that invites Hotchkiss students to work and learn on the land and become inspired to contribute to a food system that is sustainable and equitable for all living things.  In order to achieve our mission, the Farm must be a true production-oriented farm providing meaningful amounts of food to the School’s dining program and local food pantry.  Our seasonal support assistant is primarily responsible for a variety of daily farming tasks associated with the planting, maintenance, watering, and harvesting of vegetables, imparting their knowledge, guidance and direction, along with that of the Farm Manager, to support the work and community at Fairfield Farm. The Seasonal Farm Assistant will be able to work independently or with the Farm Manager and Hotchkiss students, Faculty and Staff participating in the FFEAT or academic initiatives at the farm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in daily farming tasks; seed starting, watering, including management of two high tunnels.
• Participate in hand planting and weeding, cultivating, pest management and harvest of mixed vegetables crop.
• Assist with washing and packing of produce.
• Assist in produce deliveries to dining and community partners using school vehicle.
• Follow safety protocols associated with equipment operation.
• Support livestock management (Laying Hens).
• Provide direction & support while working alongside Hotchkiss students and staff.
• Provide assistance with other duties (ex. carpentry, land management, etc.) as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma required.
• Experience farming in a production, educational, or comparable setting is preferred.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to effectively interface with fellow farm staff and farm visitors in a friendly and engaging manner.
• Must be able to work as part of a team, as well as independently on a self-directed basis.
• Must possess a desire for continuous personal and professional growth and development.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to take initiative sharing ideas with co-workers.
• Must be flexible and adaptive.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license.
• Experience driving farm equipment is preferred.
• Basic light farm carpentry and proficiency with power tools is preferred.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and elements, including dust, dirt, high/low temperatures and rain.
• Ability to walk extensively, stand for long periods, frequently bending and stooping, kneeling, squatting, shoveling to complete farming duties.
• Ability to climb, and be comfortable working with height.
• Ability to lift and carry/or move up to 25 lbs. repeatedly and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. 
• The individual will work in potentially hazardous physical conditions (around active machinery, power tools, etc.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATON:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities.  The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.