Field Assistant

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 field assistant to work at the Mort Brooks Memorial Farm site at the Awbury Arboretum. This is a full-time Seasonal April- November position with an expected schedule Monday-Friday 7am-3pm or 8am-4pm averaging 35 + hours per week. Hours vary seasonally, and occasional weekend work may be required with advance notice. If you have Hands-on experience in vegetable farming and love working outdoors, then we want to hear from you.   

 Duties/Responsibilities: 

• The field assistant is responsible for supporting the Field Manager and Senior Farm Manager and working with the rest of the crew in day-to-day farm operations and maintenance in Northwest Philadelphia.? 
• Basic tasks include preparing beds, planting, watering, and harvesting, as well as amending the soil, weeding, thinning, and pest and disease prevention and control. 
•  Field assistants should be comfortable instructing, supervising, and working alongside a diversity of volunteers and high school students. 
• The assistant position will primarily focus on The Mort Brooks Memorial farm site, but may have a couple regular days scheduled at Henry Got Crops during the summer and be required to help with large harvests or large projects at Henry Got Crops and the orchard, on an as-needed basis.  
• Field assistants may also be asked to assist with the on-site CSA pick-up  
• Field assistants may also use mowers, weed whackers, and frequently drive a utility vehicle on-site. Field assistants may also be asked to utilize our farm truck to move plants, produce, and supplies between farms. Training will be provided.  
• Field assistants will also need to complete administrative tasks such as logging harvest pounds, submitting receipts for expense reimbursements, or mileage reimbursements if any arise. 

 This is an hourly paid position, starting at $18/hr, eligible for Weaver Way Co-op benefits.  Farm staff are welcome to have produce from the farms, and receive a staff discount and working member discount of 15% at Weavers Way Coop and our own Farm Market. 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.  

Requirements

• A commitment to the mission and goals of Weavers Way Co-op. 
• The Field Assistant is expected to commit to a minimum of one growing season, starting in April and ending the last week of November  
• Previous experience working full-time at a diversified vegetable production farm for at least one complete growing season. 
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity. 
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• A strong communicator and flexibility are needed for this position.  
• Must have a strong work ethic and willingness to get dirty.  
• Desire to learn, improve efficiency, and contribute to a productive team environment. 
• Attention to detail and superb quality control skills.   
• Must be able to work well in a team as well as independently.  
• Ability and desire to work with and supervise volunteers and students of all ages and abilities.  
• Staff must complete child abuse clearances and a PA background check. 
• Be, or become upon hiring, a member in good standing of Weavers Way Co-op.