Job Opportunity: Farm and Grounds Assistant, Danby, VT

Smokey House Center is located in the rural town of Danby, Vermont. Since the launch of the Community Farm project in 2016, Smokey House Center has distributed over seventeen tons of fresh vegetables throughout Rutland and Bennington counties for hunger relief and community food programs. The Community Farm grows nutrient dense fall harvest storage crops and we work with local youth, visiting groups, and volunteers to grow this food. In 2020, we are looking for a team member to lead field work, maintain the grounds of our main campus, and support volunteer engagement in Community Farm activities.

Position Title: Farm and Grounds Assistant

Position Description:
This seasonal position is responsible for Community Farm vegetable production, maintenance of farm blueberries, Christmas trees, and main campus grounds beautification. The Farm and Grounds Assistant will support and often lead the work of volunteers and visitors on the Community Farm program. This position is supervised by the Farmer/Program Coordinator with additional support from a contracted “Mentor Farmer.”

Essential Functions/Tasks include:

    • Seeding, watering, transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, processing and distribution of Community Farm root crops,
    • Tending to blueberry/raspberry production including mulching, pruning, mowing, pick-your-own sales and operations,
    • Farm site and grounds maintenance including mowing, string-trimming, Christmas tree care, and fencing repair,
    • Light maintenance activities and repairs to Community Farm equipment, facilities, and tools,
    • Leading weekly public volunteer sessions, assisting with farm education workshops, school visits and Community Farm events in conjunction with Program Coordinator,
    • Support management and use of education garden plots at SHC for use by camp program, visiting school groups and others as determined with Program Coordinator,
    • Crop planning, field prep and soil fertility management with Farmer/Program Coordinator,
    • Additional responsibilities as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications: Experience in farming with a basic understanding of food production systems, though it is not required. A passion for food, education, and collaboration is key. Must have a positive attitude and interest in working with individuals of all ages. Applicant should be able to work well in a variety of settings and to work well both in groups and independently. Applicant should be mature, responsible, self-motivated, possess good communications skills and attention to detail. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Physical requirements of the position: This position requires working outside in physically demanding environments, including climate fluctuations, extreme hot and cold weather and possibly snow. This position requires the ability to bend and lift 50 (+) pounds regularly. Capacity for physical work 6-8 hours a day is necessary.

Compensation: This is a seasonal employment opportunity beginning in May and ending in November, 2020. $13/hr., housing and utilities, healthcare reimbursement, educational stipend and mentorship opportunities included. This position requires weekend and periodic evening work.

Reports to: This position will report to Farmer/Program Coordinator and is supported by the Mentor Farmer.

Applicants should send cover letter and resume to [email protected] . We will begin reviewing applications on February 15, 2020 and accept applications until the position is filled.

About Smokey House Center
Land. Agriculture. Learning.

For over forty years, Smokey House Centerhas used our incredible 5,000-acre land resource as a stunning backdrop for youth development and education. Smokey House Center’s fundamental purpose is to maintain a working landscape that promotes sustainable agricultural and forestry practices while engaging people in meaningful ways.

To learn more about Smokey House Center visit www.smokeyhouse.org.