White Barn Farm has ¼ acre field dedicated to annual flower production. We have a small perennial planting of peonies, another varied planting of perennial herbs, dahlia tubers in storage, and two 100’ beds of tulip bulbs planted. In 2021 we had a 100 member flower CSA and we have a healthy demand for market bouquets at our farmstand. We are seeking a motivated, experienced flower grower to take over the cut flower segment of our farm business. For 2022, Farmer Christy is designing the crop plan and setting up marketing channels. The earlier we find the right candidate, the more decisions that candidate will be able to make about this season’s plan. Ideally, the flower manager will be interested in a long-term commitment to growing this part of the business, with plenty of opportunity in the future for increased compensation and increased participation in the crop planning process, marketing, and business planning.
Schedule: up to 40 hours/week. Depending on the time of season, your start time will vary between 8am and 7am. Your schedule will be roughly 8 hours/day, 5 days a week. This position begins March 1st and goes through December 31st. For every 8 hour shift you receive ½hour paid lunch break. Schedule is likely reduced to 24 hours/week during March, November and December. There is flexibility to set your own hours, according to what will best ensure a high quality product (i.e. early harvest times during extreme heat).
Responsibilities:
Execute the crop plan, managing field crew as necessary: seedling production, bed prep, laying landscape fabric, planting, weeding, mulching, trellising, pinching and deadheading as needed
manage harvest and arranging to ensure a high quality product
maintain all tools and equipment used by the flower operation - washing buckets, sharpening pruners
keeping an inventory of flower harvest and packaging supplies and letting owners know when it’s time to order more
maintaining inventory and quality of cut flowers at the farmstand and for the flower CSA
keep clear planting and harvest records
Specific Qualifications:
3+ years full season production experience, preferably with extensive cut-flower experience
Ability to work independently and efficiently
Ability to effectively plan a harvest and pack schedule
Ability to effectively problem solve and request assistance when needed
Knowledge of and experience with the details of growing, harvesting and handling a wide variety of annual cut-flowers, and the ability and willingness to do research as needed to fill knowledge gaps
Willingness to interact and engage with the public, possibly offering flower field tours, flower arranging workshops, and wreath decorating workshops in Nov-Dec.
Experience making market bouquets
Floral design experience a plus but not required
Ability and willingness to lead a small crew in harvesting, planting, and arranging flowers
Compensation starting at $16/hour, opportunities for increased compensation based on experience, sales commissions, and/or a plan to generate revenue to support the increased compensation.
Benefits and Perks
*$1/hr worked added to a gift card for you to use at White Barn Farmstand. 10% employee discount once funds on your card are used up
* one WBF t-shirt, then 30% discount on all other WBF swag
*paid vacation/personal time accrues at 1 hr/30 hrs worked and can be used after 90 days from your start date
There is opportunity for growth within the business for a successful candidate.
Interview process: Hiring process includes a phone or in-person interview
Final Candidates will be asked to work several paid work days as part of their interview
Application Process: Please email to info@whitebarnfarm.org
a Letter of Intent
your Resume
Contact Info for Two References
Our Farm:
White Barn Farm is a family farm in Wrentham, MA that strives to provide its community with fresh produce, flowers and farm products grown using organic methods.
We are an energized, fun-loving team that strives to achieve efficiency and productivity with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. We appreciate hard work, a commitment to excellence and the drive to constantly improve. Although this is not officially an apprenticeship, there are often opportunities to work alongside the farmers. We offer a wide diversity of tasks that allow our crew to develop and broaden their skill-set.
General Qualifications:
Can lift 50lbs repeatedly, using proper body mechanics
Has a valid drivers license
Ability to complete repetitive tasks for a long period of time in all kinds of weather
Flexibility - able to shift gears and adapt to variable tasks
Takes pride in and thrives on efficiency and productivity
Takes instruction and correction well and is able to ask questions
Fast learner - Ability to quickly pick up new techniques
Is punctual and prepared (water bottle, proper attire, footwear, sunblock)
Works well alone or with a group
Has a spirit of dedication/enthusiasm
Communicates well