Zephyr Farm is a five-acre+ diversified vegetable farm with egg layer production in Western Cranston, RI. Zephyr Farm is a fast paced work environment, always striving for quality and efficiency! Zephyr Farm primarily grows for two Farmers Markets and occasional restaurant sales. We focus on growing the healthiest, tastiest vegetables without the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides. We incorporate appropriate technology whenever possible to work smarter not harder!
Zephyr Farm is seeking the following positions for 2020 season:
Crew Leader
Full Time Farmhands
Farmers Market Help
Workshares
Job descriptions for each position listed below:
CREW LEADER / ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER
JOB DESCRIPTION
Seeking an individual to run crew for the season. This individual will work closely with the owner to oversee the crew on a daily basis and to ensure daily tasks get completed. This position would be ideal for someone who has farm experience but is seeking more responsibility and wants to “test” the waters of someday running their own farm.
Here are some characteristics I am seeking
Comfortable being an authority figure. Ability to communicate in a clear, firm, and gentle manner.
Be able to accomplish the to do list every day, moving crew between tasks seamlessly. This person needs an awareness of time. Must be able to model fast and efficient work to the crew.
Be able to create a sense of comradery. Bring out the best of the crew.
Keen, fast learner.
Humility. Able to deal under stressful conditions.
Tractor experience is a plus but not necessary. Will train the right candidate. This position is full time starting in March and running through Thanksgiving with the possibility of winter year round employment. Hours to be discussed. Pay will start at $13/hr with raises to be discussed. Produce and eggs are part of your pay.
FARMHAND
JOB DESCRIPTION
(1 position available April-October, 2 positions available May-September)
Zephyr Farm is hiring 3 full-time farm hands. Full time crew members are the backbone of the farm. They see farm production throughout the season and come familiar with all farm operations.
One position will be available for the months of April through October and two positions will be available for May through September. We will be accepting applications until the position has been filled. We are seeking enthusiastic, hardworking individuals to be involved with all aspects of the farm operation.
Responsibilities:
Greenhouse seeding
Some hoop house work, planting, trellising and harvesting
harvesting, washing and packing vegetables
Irrigation set up
Cultivation and weeding
Transplanting
Chicken chores (feeding and moving chickens and collecting, washing, sorting eggs)
Occasional Farmers Market coverage
Qualifications
Must be able to endure all weather conditions
Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly
A positive, can-do attitude a must
Ability to follow directions
Must be able and willing to work until the job is complete (This means staying on farm later than normal work hours, especially during the heat of the season)
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail
Must be able to work well with a team, and be willing to work alone at times
Previous farm experience a plus but not necessary
Clean driving record required
Must love dogs!
Schedule
One full-time position is available for the months of April through October and two positions will be available for May through September. Work hours April through June are 8-5, July through September work hours are 7-5 with one hour unpaid lunch break. These hours may vary depending on weather and daily activities. We work every day of the week. There will be a rotating schedule of two days off for each crew member. Keep in mind that your 2 days off will be different days each week.
Compensation
Pay is hourly and commensurate with experience ($11-12/hr)plus produce for personal consumption .
Employee discounts apply to certain seasonal items.
FARMERS MARKET HELP
JOB DESCRIPTION
4 positions available
6am -2pm every Sat from May 6- Oct 28
Zephyr Farm sells the majority of its produce and eggs at two RI Farmers Markets, one in Providence and one in Saunderstown about 30 minutes from the farm. Farmers Market Crew will meet at the farm at 6am on Saturdays to load the truck, drive to the market to set up and sell and return back to the farm to unload. For the right candidate, additional Friday hours may be available.
Qualifications
Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly
Must be able to drive a box truck
Must have a clean driving record
Must be able stand for long periods at a time
Strong customer service skills
Knowledge of vegetables and ability to communicate with customers
Positive attitude!
Attention to detail
Previous farmers market experience a plus
Pay
Pay is hourly $12/hour with 10% discount on veggies and eggs.
WORKSHARES
JOB DESCRIPTION
Zephyr Farm is seeking individuals to work 4hr shifts at the same time, same day from May-Oct in exchange for $30 credit weekly at farmers markets (Hope St. in Providence or Coastal Growers in Saunderstown). Work may include harvesting, transplanting, seeding, packing, washing, sorting vegetables, and chicken chores. Seeking individuals with a positive, can-do enthusiasm with interest in working on a farm.
Must be able to commit from May through October. Shifts are either 8-12 or 1-5. No previous experience necessary.
For all positions please send a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position, any previous farm experience and what unique set of skills you will bring to Zephyr Farm this season. Please send all responses to [email protected].