ASSISTANT FARMER POSITION

Willow Pond Community Farm
Southern District YMCA
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Assistant Farmer will assist the Farm Manager in all aspects of small scale vegetable production. This position reports to the Willow Pond Farm Manager.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
The Southern District YMCA (SDYMCA) has been serving the Exeter community and region since 1926 through: Camp Lincoln, a year-round day camp and outdoor & environmental education center on 70 acres in Kingston NH; a NH licensed, before and after school-age program operating in 15 local elementary schools; and a newly completed 33,000 square foot facility that includes a youth/teen center, gymnasium, indoor track, meeting/community room, child watch, offices, locker rooms, a 4,500 square foot wellness center and three group fitness studios.  The SDYMCA recently entered into an agreement to manage Willow Pond Community Farm located in nearby Brentwood, NH. A certified organic vegetable production operation, Willow Pond has been serving area families through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program since 2004. The SDYMCA embraces the concept of farming to help meet their mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  

Willow Pond Community Farm sits on nine acres of conservation land, with approximately two acres currently in cultivation.  Seeking to supply at least 60 or more families this year with fresh, local and organic produce, the farm staff will consist of a full-time, year round Farm Manager, a full-time, seasonal Assistant Farmer, a part-time, seasonal Farm Camp Educator, and several volunteers.  Farm infrastructure includes a shed with wash station, 3 high tunnels and use of a heated greenhouse and tractor.  Plans are in the work for a new well and irrigation system this season, as well as an additional high tunnel and a walk-in cooler. 

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Assistant Farmer will assist the Farm Manager in all aspects of small scale vegetable production as well as play an active role in the Farm Camp summer program. This position reports to the Willow Pond Farm Manager.  This is a part-time temporary position starting immediately through at least the end of October.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
·        Assist in the preparing and planting of various vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
·        Maintain crops including watering, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, harvesting, washing and packing.
·        Assist with minor carpentry projects, maintenance and grounds keeping on the farm
·        Help with distribution of shares, deliveries, and share pick-up.
·        A willingness and ability to interface with farm members, staff, volunteers and visitors in a welcoming and informative manner.
·        Ability to work with children on the farm and help to educate them about farming, basic sustainability principles, vegetable growing and farm practices.
·        Model safety and respect for equipment, self, others and the natural world.                                                                                                                                      

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOW HOW: A commitment to and experience with organic farming and sustainable practices. An understanding of and commitment to a CSA approach to feeding local families. Familiarity with farm systems, agriculture, horticulture, and/or permaculture. Understanding and experience with New Hampshire farming or a similar climate. Proficiency in basic tractor driving, rototiller usage and farm tools. Experience working with children and engaging the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Exposure to noise from farming machinery, extreme and varying temperatures and weather conditions, and varying odors as relates to farms and equipment. Frequent stooping and bending downward and forward, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. Pushing of normal farm equipment requiring upper extremity strength and movement. Lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds frequently. Requires visual acuity to perform activities such as operating machines and tools.

Job Type: Full-Time/Temporary
Salary: $11.00-$13.00/hour
Locations:
·        Willow Pond Community Farm, Brentwood, NH

Community Farmer
Willow Pond Community Farm
℅ SOUTHERN DISTRICT YMCA
P.O. Box 729, Kingston, NH 03833
(P) 603-642-3361 ext. 8887
(E) willowpondfarm@sdymca.org
(W) sdymca.org/willowpondfarm