Youth Farm Seasonal Assistant

POSITION TITLE: Youth Farm Seasonal Assistant, 2 positions available

RESPONSIBLE TO: Youth Farm Supervisor

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt, Agricultural Employee 

HOURS PER WEEK: 28 hrs./week (April - November) Four days/week, Tues-Fri with occasional Saturdays

SALARY: $17 / hour

BENEFITS: Eligible for FFLC sponsored benefits (e.g. paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick, holidays).

ABOUT THE YOUTH FARM: FOOD For Lane County’s Youth Farm is an educational produce farm where we work with community to increase food security and offer skill-building opportunities to people of all ages, including volunteers of all ages, a youth farm crew of teens, academic interns and Rogue Farm Corps apprentices. Staff and youth run an on-site produce stand from June – October and a 180-member Community Supported Agriculture program, providing organic vegetables to the local community. FOOD For Lane County (FFLC) distributes approximately half of the produce grown at the farm through a network of partner agencies to our community’s most vulnerable households. 

PRIMARY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist with various aspects of the operation including seeding, planting, cultivation and weed management, fertilization, harvesting, wash/pack, irrigation set-up and watering, composting, and use of small farm equipment
• Assist in the preparation of new farm site, including helping with grounds maintenance, trials of crops and infrastructure projects.
• Working with staff, volunteers and youth farmers to accomplish all farm tasks and create a positive, rewarding experience
• Assist with plant sales, CSA and produce stand set up and distribution
• Adhere to all safety and health protocols 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Passion for organic farming, gardening or outdoor work
• Previous experience in working with plants outdoors, agriculture, landscaping, etc. (Prefer 1-3 years' experience)
• Interest or experience in working with youth and community members
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical farm tasks in adverse weather conditions
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Organized and reliable, able to follow written and verbal instructions and compete tasks on time 
• Share FFLC’s values of Compassion, Inclusion and Collaboration 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is done both indoors and outdoors in all-weather with some exposure to exhaust from farm equipment, dust and dirt. Physical labor includes frequent standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting (up to 40 lbs.), carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching and walking to perform gardening tasks, and operate various gardening equipment. 

NOTE: Job descriptions are not intended to be and should not be construed as exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs. 

Reasonable Accommodations: Food for Lane County complies with federal, state, and local laws regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources, 541.343.2822 

FFLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, diverse ability, or any other characteristic protected under local, state or federal law.