Orchard Assistant Position Available (Harvard, MA)

Community Harvest Project (CHP), a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to improving access to healthy foods through community engagement.  Through our volunteer farming, education, and leadership programs and partnerships, we bring thousands of community members together each year to build an engaged and healthier Worcester County.  In 2016, thanks to over 10,000 volunteer visits, CHP grew over 220,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, the majority of which were donated through partnerships including the Worcester County Food Bank’s hunger relief network, Community Servings, and the Farm to Health Center Initiative.  In 2017, CHP will operate at Brigham Hill Community Farm and White’s Farm in North Grafton, MA and at Prospect Hill Farm in Harvard, MA.  For more information about our programs and impact, please visit www.community-harvest.org.

Responsibilities:
The Orchard Assistant will participate fully in all aspects of operating the Prospect Hill Orchard, consisting of approximately 3,200 apple trees (including high density), 1 acre of peach trees, and an experimental hops patch. Tasks include but are not limited to:

Execute daily agricultural duties (tree care and maintenance, weeding, mowing) Execute harvest duties (picking, processing, distribution, etc) Execute skilled/restricted farm activities after necessary training Other as needed orchard tasks Assist in all volunteer operations during the harvest season:
Work with Team Leaders to plan volunteer sessions Oversee and work with volunteer groups Provide a positive volunteer experience

Qualifications:
2 years of agricultural experience, preferably in an orchard setting
1 year of tractor experience
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Ability to work in all types of weather including rain and snow Excellent communication skills Positive, self-starting attitude

Compensation & Benefits:
Approximately 20 hours per week, schedule to be determined with the Orchard manager
$14 per hour
10 days of paid time off
5 days of paid sick time
Contact

To apply send a cover letter and resume via e-mail to Susan Conant, Orchard Manager, at susan@community-harvest.org