Job Description

ABOUT OUR FARM

Lewis Farm sits on land originally inhabited by the Massawomeck and officially established as the Frye Farm in the early 1800s by one of Wardensville’s founding families. This 100-acre farm site is bordered by the Cacapon River. Our vegetable production is focused on two intensively-managed acres and we are in the process of refining our vegetable and flower programs, as well as increasing livestock production to better serve our markets and other connected enterprises (market, bakery, kitchen, etc.). This year we will be growing poultry and pigs, with additional forms of livestock to come.

Our vegetable farm, and nearly 45 acres of pasture, has been certified organic since 2019 and we have loyally followed sustainable principles such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and cover-cropping.

As a nonprofit social enterprise, our farm serves as a living classroom teaching local high school students (what we call our “Junior Crew”) organic and sustainable farming techniques as well as how the farm interacts with, and is integrated into, the larger ecosystem. They are involved in all aspects of production, from seed to sale. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand and restaurant, gaining hands-on, real life experience.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking motivated Farmers to support the day-to-day operations of Lewis Farm at Farms Work Wonders. In conjunction with the Farm team, Farmers participate in and understand all farm activities related to food production, sustainability, land stewardship & youth education. Farmers are integral to ensuring timely planting, cultivation and harvesting, and maintaining orderly and efficient workspaces. We are accepting applications for both full and part time positions.

This role reports to the Agriculture Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform general field work including weeding, cultivation, bed preparation, transplanting, and seeding;
• Assist with harvesting, washing, and packing vegetables;
• Help provide education and instruction to local high school students (Junior Crew team members) who participate in many of our enterprises;
• Assist in daily care of broiler chickens, laying hens, and pigs;
• Daily care includes providing feed and fresh water, creating electric fencing paddocks and moving animals, mucking out houses, collecting and washing eggs;
• Participate in humane, on-site slaughter of chickens (anticipating around 12 slaughters per season);
• Support Farm and organization events, including farm stands, tours, dinners, and workshops;
• Ensure staff, crew, customer and visitors’ personal safety by promoting individual awareness of hazards and teaching safety skills on the job, as well as identifying new hazards;
• Ensure farm and production spaces are clean, presentable and attractive at all times;
• Any other task or activity required to ensure smooth operation of the farm and non profit organization. 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Passionate about working for a youth-driven nonprofit organization
• Must have a friendly and positive demeanor
• Must be able to work with a sense of urgency
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (Our farm is rurally located with limited public transportation available.)
• Must have weekend availability
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Previous farm experience is preferred, but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Must be hardworking and understanding that farming is rewarding, yet physically demanding
• Must have enjoyment of working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

WORK SCHEDULE AND POSITION DATES

This position is expected to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with 2 days off per week. Must have weekend availability. The position term is anticipated to start March/April, and end September/October, dependent upon applicant and farm work load.

COMPENSATION

This is a non-exempt position with a starting hourly rate of $15.00 per hour commensurate with experience. 

Team members are offered discounts at our enterprises and free seconds quality produce at Lewis Farm, as available.

We have a standard ninety (90) day orientation period that allows you to decide if we meet your expectations and for us to ensure you can perform the job assigned to you. During the orientation period, you may or may not be eligible for certain benefits.

ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS

Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders launched the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm, market, and bakery that has currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with most held by local high school students, and we continue to grow.

Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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