Seasonal Assistant Farmer - Henry Got Crops, You-Pick/Floral

Description

Welcome to Weavers Way! 

Weavers Way is a not-for-profit organization that’s doing things differently to support our local community. As a member-owned co-op, we don’t exist just to make money. Weavers Way operates on a triple bottom line philosophy known as People-Planet-Profit, which means every action we take, we strive to benefit people (our community, employees, and local vendors), planet (we strive to be one of the most sustainable places around!), and profit (so we can support our team members and operate as a business). By joining us, you’re helping us fulfill our mission of keeping dollars in our local community, supporting over 300 local food vendors, and being a part of strengthening and enriching the people and planet around us. 

About Weavers Way Farms! 

Weavers Way has two farm sites in Northwest Philadelphia, located a few miles apart. The farm sites include a 2-acre farm at the Awbury Arboretum (the Mort Brooks Memorial Farm), a 3-acre farm at Saul High School (the Henry Got Crops farm), and a 1.5-acre fruit, nut, and berry orchard adjacent to the Henry Got Crops farm at Saul. Both farms offer experience with small-scale, diversified, no-till organic farming and the opportunity to develop skills in greenhouse production, season extension, pest management, planting, weeding, harvesting, farm market experience, and volunteer management. We coordinate harvests from the two farms to meet demand at our existing outlets. Each farm position focuses most of its time at one of the two sites, yet we all work in coordination as one team. We sell produce from the two farms at the four Co-op stores, our Henry Got Crops CSA and farm market, and occasionally other local businesses in the Philadelphia area. 

We are looking for a You-Pick/Floral Assistant Farmer to work at The Henry Got Crops farm on the Saul High School campus. This is a full-time seasonal position from March 10th - December 15th, with an expected schedule of Monday- Friday, 8 AM- 4 PM or 7 AM- 3 PM, averaging 35+ hours per week. Hours vary seasonally, and occasional weekend work may be required with advance notice. This assistant farmer position supports the You-pick Manager/Floral Coordinator in our flower and you-pick field at our Henry Got Crops site in Roxborough. The assistant will help with planting and maintaining the ¾ acre you-pick field as well as our ¼ acre cut flower field. The you-pick/floral assistant will spend time harvesting, storing, and drying flowers and arranging bouquets for our 4 co-operative grocery stores and our Farm Market.  

This position is ideal for someone with at least 1 full season of production farming experience, who is looking to gain experience on a community-centric, urban, production farm. 

• Support the You-pick Manager/Floral Coordinator with preparing, planting and maintaining beds (3x/week), as well as harvesting and arranging flowers (2x/week). 
• Support and supervise working members, volunteers, and student interns working in the You-Pick area. 
• Assist with greenhouse seeding at the MortBrooks Farm site, especially during April + May. 
• Occasionally transport seedlings and transplants, as needed. 
• If the manager is absent, the assistant farmer will cover the manager’s tasks, with support and guidance from the manager. 
• Maintaining harvest records 
• Assisting with planning on-farm workshops  
• Assist the You-pick/Floral Manager with the weekly CSA newsletter 
• Occasionally assist with hosting tours and field trips from local schools and organizations 
• Leading on-farm workshops throughout the season, up to twice a month 

This is an hourly paid position, starting at $18/hr, eligible for Weaver Way Co-op benefits.  All hours worked over 40 hours/week are straight pay, not subject to overtime rate, unless the assistant engages in “non-agricultural labor” such as working at the farm market. 

This position is eligible for Weaver Way Co-op benefits, which are as follows: 

• Produce + flowers from the farms 
• Staff and working member discount of 15% at Weavers Way Co-op and our own Farm Market 
• Paid Time Off starts at 1 hour per every 52 hours worked with an accrual cap of 40 hours per year, in addition to 6 paid holidays per year. This position starts with a balance of 5 paid vacation days. 
• Paid sick time starts at 1 hour per every 40 hours worked  
• $100 gear stipend

Requirements

• A commitment to the mission and goals of Weavers Way Co-op. 
• Minimum of 1 full season of production flower or vegetable farming experience. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• The Field Assistant is expected to commit to a minimum of one growing season, starting in March and ending in Mid-December.  
• Experience with machinery such as tractors, mowers, and weed whackers is preferred but not required. 
• Must be able to work in varied weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain). 
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. 
• Commitment to one growing season is required, with preference for multiple seasons. 
• Strong communication, leadership, and team collaboration skills. 
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple tasks at once. 
• Enjoy working in a social farm environment with students and community members. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Be, or become upon hiring, a member in good standing of Weavers Way Co-op.