Farm Intern/Farm Hand Position
(this position will remain posted until filled)
Little Bent Farm is an 84 acre diversified vegetable farm in Franklin, KY, located along the west fork of Drakes Creek. We grow over 30 different vegetables and herbs for a Community Supported Agriculture program, farmers market, Simpson County Schools, and donations to local food pantries. We place a strong emphasis on creating a practical learning environment and a hands-on farming experience.
Currently Little Bent Farm is looking for someone to help both in the field and with post-harvesting cleaning and packing of vegetables. We are looking for someone with experience in pre-harvest and post-harvest work, however, we are eager to train the right person. The right person for the Farm Hand Position can expect to learn about many aspects of a diversified small farm operation, food safety, and food preservation.
The Farm Intern/Farm Hand will work on a wide variety of farming tasks under the direction of the Farm Manager.
The Farm Hand must:
-be enthusiastic about working outdoors
-be enthusiastic about learning about all aspects of organic/sustainable vegetable production
-be able to perform physically demanding manual labor in adverse weather conditions
-be able to work 10-12 hours each week with a (somewhat flexible) work day
-be able to help scout for insects
-be able to weed, plant, and water the crops
-be able to assist with various farm tasks in the greenhouses or in the fields
-MUST be trainable, willing to learn new things, reliable, work well as a team or independently
DAILY TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
-seeding, planting, transplanting, weeding, watering in the greenhouse, harvesting and processing field crops, occasional mowing/grounds maintenance on the 84 acre property, assistance with the Saturday farmer’s market or other weekend events, may include tractor operation (depending on experience level & aptitude)
-irrigation installation and running of irrigation schedules
-cultivation and weed control
-the post-harvest position would be responsible for cleaning and packing vegetables for our customers, including restaurant and school accounts, which have set delivery days
-this person must be available on Friday after 10am for 6-8 hours, and Monday after 10am for 2-4 hours during the spring, fall, and winter growing seasons
-there is potential for summer internships/employment as well. Eventually we hope to offer summer housing, but cannot do so at this time.
-helping with Saturday Farmers Market (setting up/breaking down)
-CSA set up and breakdown
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED
-interest in learning sustainable farming methods
-flexibility and ability to take direction
-strong communication skills
-strong problem solving skills
-strong collaboration skills
-ability to quickly & effectively communicate issues with the Farm Manager
-ability to lift 40 pounds
-ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions
-ability to bend over, kneel, and perform physically demanding and repetitive tasks for multiple hours at a time
-ability/willingness to follow instructions and ask questions when clarification is necessary
-ability to take pride in your work and take initiative when required
QUALIFICATIONS/ PREFERRED
-Prior experience working on a farm
-Interest in farming as a lifestyle and a livelihood
-A mind for efficiency, attention to detail, organization, and a sense of urgency
-Open and positive communication skills
-Experience with operating a weeders, walk behind tiller, lawnmower, and other landscaping equipment is a plus
WORK CONDITIONS
-Must be able to daily stand/bend/kneel in order to dig, plant, weed, and harvest for several hours on end
-Must be able to carry loads of up to 40 pounds and be able to traverse uneven terrain
-Ability to work in wet, cold, or hot conditions that will create dirt, dust, or mud
-Ability to perform a variety of outdoor asks in all types of weather conditions
To apply, email your resume to littlebentfarm@gmail.com.
To apply for this job email your details to littlebentfarm@gmail.com