Crossroads Farm Education Field Hand

Description

The following is being posted on behalf of Crossroads Farm and Nassau Land Trust: 

About Crossroads Farm 

They are a non-profit Northeast Organic Farming Association-NY certified 5.5 acre farm located in Malverne, New York. The property was purchased by Nassau County on the Open Space referendum and is operated by the Nassau Land Trust, a not-for-profit organization. They are located at 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne NY 11565 in western Nassau County just off Southern State Parkway exit 17S. The Farm is a very short walking distance from Malverne train station. 

Job Description

Education Field Hand

Hourly Employment: 15-20 hrs/week 

Seasonal: April through October/Early November

Reports to: Education Director

Role and Responsibilities

• Following the plans and direction of the Education Director in the management of 2.5‐acre diversified NOFA certified organic vegetable farm, including surrounding fields, greenhouse, farm site, and other infrastructure.
• Tend Education gardens and support other field work when necessary. Activities: planting, hand - weeding, irrigation set-up and management, pest and disease management; hoeing, harvesting, washing, and packing produce/flowers for weekly market.
• Prepare tools and assist with visiting children and student groups.
• Maintain cleanliness & organization of harvest
• Early morning starts during growing season; hours per week to be determined. Saturday and/or Sunday availability [once a month] a must on a rotating schedule with other field hands. Assist other field hands on projects when needed.
• Assist education leaders, volunteers and students while they are in the field, field days and events as needed.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

College student or graduate with education experience. Gardening experience in home, school or urban settings required. Strong desire to learn organic or sustainable vegetable production, experience is a plus. Must be self-motivated and have a solid work ethic, with a sense of urgency toward farm work. Must be able to take direction, work on a team, as well as problem-solve independently or ask questions of available staff. Must be able to work in inclement weather unless it is severe. Must be able to use a computer for record keeping, excel & documents, emails and *company software (*you will be trained).

Preferred Skills: 

Gardening and working with students and children in the out of doors. Outdoor education is a plus. Handyman skills. Tractor experience is a plus, as well as experience with greenhouse growing including plant propagation.