About the Role
The South Branch Farm Assistant is a part-time seasonal farm assistant position. The Farm Assistant will work each day at the South Branch Preserve with City Green’s farm team to prepare, plant and maintain crop beds and fields, harvest, process, and pack vegetables in preparation for City Green’s market and food access programs. The South Branch Farm Assistant is responsible for completing assigned farm tasks within a highly efficient production schedule. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to develop their farming knowledge and learn about growing and harvesting 70+ varieties of organic vegetables with our experienced farmers.
The South Branch Preserve is permanently preserved and owned by the Land Conservancy of New Jersey and is farmed by City Green. We are currently cultivating 4-6 acres for mixed organic vegetable production on this 26 acre portion of the preserve. We strive to improve this land by implementing our regenerative, organic farming practices to grow a diverse range of vegetables. City Green Farms at South Branch Preserve is a larger production farm than our Clifton site and specializes in storage crops. Aside from being slightly more mechanized (use of tractors), this is also an intensive market farming operation, meaning our production is maximized per square foot, utilizing 200’ long 48” wide beds with efficient rows and spacings. Our farm team works at a fast pace and adheres to a systematic labor schedule in order maximize production and meet our market and CSA program’s needs.
The Mission of the City Green Farm operation is to demonstrate sustainable and regenerative vegetable production; increase access to local farm-fresh food; and provide meaningful job and volunteer opportunities in an agricultural setting. Through interaction with the farm operation individuals create a connection to their food; value the importance of open space; gain an appreciation for local agriculture in their own community and understand the role regenerative farming practices play in a healthy ecosystem.
City Green operates farm stands in Clifton, Passaic, Bloomfield, Caldwell, and Paterson through our Veggie Mobile, in addition to a CSA program at our Clifton farm. The Veggie Mobile works to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods that need it the most. With a growing number of markets and two active organic farm properties, we are looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working, team-oriented, and flexible Farm Assistant to join our team.
Requirements & Qualifications
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Crop Production: participate in all aspects of field work under the leadership of our Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager, including but not limited to: weed management, crop care, irrigation, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, washing/packing
Harvesting: A large portion of the farm assistant’s job will be to harvest and process a wide range of vegetables, sometimes independently, with a high standard of efficiency and quality control
Record Keeping: Maintain harvest records, wash house cleaning logs, inventory and labeling
Farm Maintenance: Maintain organization in the wash house and walk-in cooler, as well as general upkeep of the farm equipment and farm sheds
Truck loading and unloading: we transport produce, tools, seedlings, and materials between our two farms twice a week
Qualifications
Interest in sustainable agriculture
Friendly and positive attitude required
Ability to work as a team, and independently
Flexibility with task assignments
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly
Ability and willingness to work in often uncomfortable physical positions for extended periods of time (we work on our hands and knees often and outside in all weather).
A valid drivers license of at least 12 months and a clean driving record
Interested candidates should be flexible, have experience in organic growing or a strong interest to learn, and can work as an integral part of a small farm crew. Every week on the farm is different and exciting; a willingness to ask questions and good problem-solving skills go a long way.
Hours and Compensation:
South Branch Farm Assistants start at $15.00/hour, based on experience, with access to weekly vegetable share
Training will be provided, and several positions are available.
This is a seasonal position (May – November) ranging from 30-40 hours per week.
City Green requires all interns and employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted, and to undergo a background check in order to qualify for employment. After being offered a position, candidates will be asked to furnish proof of vaccination and submit a background check prior to the start date.