Tiny Farm

The Art and Science of Year-Round Vegetable Production

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Working at Tiny Farm
 
The most significant Tiny Farm resource is our team of farmers and assistants.  We are dependant on the quality, efficiency, and dedication of this team to deliver both quality vegetables and maintain the sustainable nature of the farm.   
At Tiny Farm view "farming" as a profession, Farmers as professionals.  A Farmer's education is a life-long process.
 
The farm is very modern/advanced in its approach to growing vegetables: low energy inputs, novel growing techniques.  Intensive crop management producing nutrient dense vegetables, year-round, forms our core strategy.  We grow and sell 52 weeks a year.  Over 90% of the vegetable production takes place in "Hoop Houses" that shelter both the plants and the workers.  Work can be performed - rain or shine.
 
We work 7 days a week, but most Farm Assistants work 5 days during the Tuesday-Saturday period.  Schedules are set individually, with most staff working Tuesday-Friday mornings as the core hours.  Thurdays and Fridays are key days for most, to harvest and prepare for the Farmers Markets we attend.
 
In 2012 we will be hiring our first "Farmer" Intern who will work alongside our experienced team AND will receive individualized "classroom" training sessions during each week.  The Intern will recieve housing or a housing allowance along with a biweekly stipend in lieu of regular hourly pay.
 
We always strive to pay "sustainable wages" to our employees.
  
Working conditions are exceptional for a farm, beautiful natural environment, plenty of shelter and shade.  We do encourage you to bring your friends and family to visit and see the good work you do.
 
The ideal candidate(s) will be those who have a strong desire to farm and hopefully remain with us for many years to grow with us..

Farmers & Farm Assistants

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Year-round Positions 12-40/hrs/week)

 

Basics: Understanding that farming is physical work, sometimes requiring working hours in uncomfortable (hot, cold) conditions.  Lots of bending and kneeling are a necessary part of the job. Dedication is key to success.

 

·         EFFICIENT production and sales of vegetables using sustainable approaches and modern techniques.  Results are measured by yield, quality, sustainability, environmental impact and economic results.

·         Work within schedules performing tasks in a safe efficient manner.  Emphasis on teamwork and a POSITIVE working environment.

·         Marketing, advertising.  Selling at local farmers markets and to restaurants build loyal customer base for Tiny Farm.

·         Committed to the success of Tiny Farm, willing to build a long-term relationship.   All employees are involves in continuous process improvement.

 

Requirements:  

Positive, respectful attitude, outgoing personality.  Ability to work with the public and project a positive image of Tiny Farm.

 

Exceptional work ethic and task performance.  (We require references that will support above average performance in past jobs.)

 

Possess innovative and solutions oriented approach to problems.  Seek win-win solutions, willing to search, research existing and potential problems.   The individual should have an attitude toward continuous improvements, in both processes and results.

 

Prefer 1-2 years experience on an “organic” (certified or non-certified) farm, involved in all phases of production and management.  A “Farm Assistant” may be hired without prior farm experience if they are committed to listening, learning and following instructions.

 

Willingness to maintain farm logs and other documentation, including data gathering for decision making is a must, as the farm is dependent on this data.

 

Tiny Farm employees cannot be involved, paid or unpaid, in another farm operation that produces vegetables for sale to restaurants, at farmers markets, or CSAs without prior approval of the owner.

 

Employment in addition to Tiny Farm is permitted as long it does not interfere with farm responsibilities.  Outside activities are encouraged.

 

Flexibility to adapt schedule to meet farm needs. (While we can plan basic schedules, weather, illness of other employees, special needs may cause a necessary change in schedule (both hours and days).

 

Valid Driver’s license, ability to lift 50 pounds, ability to perform all farms tasks without physical impairment.   No allergies or sensitivities to common farm materials, products and livestock.

 

Nice to have:  

Ability to operate farm equipment, tillers, tractors, implements.

 

Experience “building” basic items using hand and small power tools.

 

Experience with production of newsletters, website  materials, graphics, sales materials.

 

Experience with selling or working with the public

 

Potential for long-term employment. 
 
Hours & Compensation:

 

Schedule of average  20-40 Hours/week Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat.  Spring and summer may require more hours, winter less.  Starting time is early in late spring (7 -8am) and summer (6-7 am) to avoid heat.  Later in fall and winter due to cold and darkness.   All schedules are based on farm needs. 

 

Compensation is based on experience and education relative to sustainable farming to start. Wages are based on performance to documented standards, real farm experience, and education in the agricultural domain.

 

 

This document is neither an offer or contract of any kind.  The “Farmer” will be employed under mutually agreed terms and list of job responsibilities.

 

To apply, please send your resume and availability to tinyfarm@gmail.com