Seasonal Farm Crew

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

From its forest and farmland acreage in the Snoqualmie Valley, Oxbow Farm&Conservation Center cultivates conservation and food security to sustain and enhance the Puget Sound region. As a local nonprofit, Oxbow’s work is rooted in stewarding the land, from growing and donating organic produce, to cultivating and distributing Pacific Northwest native plants, to educating visitors of all ages about the dynamic relationship between conservation, native plants, and the food we eat.

Oxbow’sAgricultureprogram strives to foster a resilient, adaptive, and sustainable food and agriculture system alongside our community and environment. It produces certified Organic produce with the goal of strengthening regional food security, stewarding natural resources, and exploring ways that small farms can address environmental challenges. Oxbow cultivates
30 acresof land and produces vegetables for donation in partnership with hunger relief agencies within Greater King County.

As a member of the Agriculture Department, Seasonal Farm Crew members work within all aspects of our farming operation, furthering Oxbow’s mission to cultivate conservation and food security to support and sustain a healthy Cascadia region. The Seasonal Farm Crew will cultivate our production fields, high tunnels, and research spaces. Their responsibilities include propagation, weeding, transplanting, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and providing general support to our Agriculture Team.

Occasional non-farming related duties may be required, including support for public events.

• Support all aspects of maintaining a Certified Organic mixed vegetable operation
• Help preparefieldsforplanting,managecovercroppedareas,and control weeds in field crops and fallow areas

• Assistinthesetup,operation, maintenance, and storageof
  
  Oxbow’sirrigationsystem

• Support greenhouse andfieldplanting

• Harvestproduceefficientlyandconsistentlyforour hunger relief partners

• Maintainahighstandardforfoodsafetyatallstepsofharvestandpost-harvesthandlingin accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act and Organic regulations.

• Workinthepackshed,includingreceivingandprocessingproduce

• Trackprojecttimeandcommunicatewithcrew/teamleadsifforecastcan’tbemet

• MaintainrecordstoremainincompliancewithWSDAorganiccertification requirements

• Maintainasmooth,timelyflowwithteammemberswhileworkingthroughprojects

• Makesoundjudgmentcallsonproductgradingandtimemanagement

• Assistwithpublicengagementand on-site events

• As necessary, supervise volunteersandgleanersinfarmfields

• Performothertasksasneededandassignedbythe Agriculture Program Manager

• Prior farming experience or interest and enthusiasm in sustainable Organic farming systems

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to groundskeeping and maintenance work

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work efficiently, multitask, and prioritize assignments

• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback

• Willingness to ask questions when directions are unclear and communicate when tasks are completed

• Spanish Language proficiency a plus

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 + pounds on a regular basis

• Ability to kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, stoop, and work close to the ground for extended periods

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring fine motor skills

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods over uneven terrain

• Ability to push, pull, and move equipment, tools, and materials

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, heat, cold, and sun exposure

• Successful completion of a background check…