What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Assistant (Seasonal) position at Avalon Nature Preserve, Inc.?
Job Summary
The Farm Assistant will work closely with farm staff and farm management to help with the daily care of livestock, maintenance and harvesting at Birdsfoot Farm. The Farm Assistant will report to the Farm Manager.
Position Responsibilities:
- Maintenance of garden beds (prepping, weeding, irrigating, mulching, trellising and foliar feeding).
- Harvest flowers and vegetables for CSA and farmstand; Design and create bouquets.
- Wash and pack vegetables, prepare for sale; Utilize wash / pack station in a clean and orderly way.
- Collect, clean and pack eggs (wash and pack).
- Assist with CSA and farmstand operations (operating farmstand, setup / breakdown, clean and maintain).
- Maintain clear records of harvest, sales and donation of produce.
- Assist with the daily care of livestock (feeding, watering, rotational grazing, cleaning and maintaining livestock shelters, wellness checks); Observe and report livestock behavior.
- Assist with poultry processing.
- Keep Farm Manager apprised of supply inventory levels and help ensure timely ordering; Restock as needed to maintain defined supply levels.
- Report any health, safety and other concerns immediately to the Farm Manager.
- Maintain a clean and organized indoor and outdoor workspace.
- Maintain and care for farm tools.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in variable/adverse weather conditions.
- Knowledge and interest in restorative/conservation and regenerative agriculture preferred.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and work cohesively as a team.
- Strong work ethic and focus, careful attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds and remain physically active throughout the day.
- Comfortable working around/with livestock.
- Flexibility in schedule and weekend availability for farmstand / CSA needs; Weekend and night check responsibilities are shared among the team.
Key Attributes:
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and work cohesively as a team.
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic about caring for gardens, livestock, and the environment.
- Strong work ethic and focus.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Education & Experience:
- High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
- Minimum 1 year work experience on farms or equivalent experience working in gardens and with livestock preferred.
Other Information:
- Schedule: full time/40 hours per week (5 days per week, 7 AM to 3 PM, one weekend day and evening required).
- Position Type: seasonal (early spring through late fall).
- PTO / Sick Time: TBD based upon hours worked for the season.
- Onsite housing may be available. At this time we cannot accommodate pets or significant others in employee housing.
- Free vegetables and fruit from the farm when available and employee discount on all other farmstand products.
- References required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Ability to Relocate:
- Saint James, NY 11780: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $18