Farm Associate - Seasonal / Full Time

Our retreat center, farm, and programs enable and inspire vibrant Jewish life. Engaging Jewish, faith-based, and secular organizations, individuals, and families, Pearlstone Retreat Center serves all ages and backgrounds throughout Baltimore, the Chesapeake region, and beyond.

Farm Associates are called upon to participate in seeding, transplanting, cultivation, weeding, plant care, harvesting, washing, post-harvest handling, materials handling, pack and delivery, and project-specific tasks. They will work with the Farm Manager and Farm Associate to complete tasks within the various systems of the farm ensuring that tasks are done efficiently and effectively. Farm Associate will participate in daily greenhouse chore duties such as watering, monitoring temperature and airflow within the greenhouse. Farm Associate may also participate in daily animal chores such as feeding, moving of animals and other animal husbandry tasks in tandem with other Stewardship team members as needed.

Applicants must possess a solid work ethic with strong organizational and time-management skills, excellent attention to detail, critical thinking and problem solving, good verbal and written communication skills in English, as well as provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor. The farm is not close to public transportation; a personal vehicle will be necessary.   

This is a seasonal, full-time hourly position spanning April-September, with 37.5 hours per week as a typical schedule. Farm staff have access to extra produce from the farm. Farm Associates will also be able to join in professional development and learning opportunities with our team throughout the season.   

Tasks/Responsibilities:  

Farm Associates may be assigned to any of the following job duties. Managers and supervisors reserve the right to determine which task(s) an associate is assigned to depending on farm needs as well as the individual’s strengths and experience.   

• Farm Work including seeding, transplanting, cultivation, weeding, plant care, harvesting, washing, post-harvest handling, materials handling, floral harvesting, floral arranging, order packing, delivery, equipment usage, project-specific tasks, animal chores, and animal husbandry.  
• Aid in daily and weekend care of greenhouse transplant production, plant health, and pest management.  
• Participate in harvest, pack and customer service during the U-Pick berry season.  
• Work with other volunteers and crew members over the season as part of an effective field crew.  
• Work closely with the Farm Manager and other Farm Associates to execute farm tasks.
• Other tasks/duties as assigned.          

Employee Standards:

• Be a team player  
• Sustain a positive, enthusiastic and professional attitude at all times  
• Accommodate requests with a smile and “let me see what I can do” attitude  
• Adhere to supervisor directives  
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor  
• Arrive prior to the scheduled starting time, properly dressed and prepared to work
• Perform all duties in a timely, accurate, honest, and professional manner   

Education and Experience:

• Strong interest in sustainable agriculture and desire to learn.  
• High-school degree required.   

Skills/Requirements: 

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.  
• Strong time management skills.  
• Detail oriented and able to multi-task.  
• Ability to work independently and work well in a team environment.  
• Flexibility to accept new responsibilities and direction as necessary.
• Needs to be receptive to and accepting of guidance from others.  

Physical Demands: 

• Stand for long periods of time  
• Move and/or lift to 50 pounds  
• Work in all weather conditions   

Compensation: 

• $17/hour, 37.5 hours per week   

Mental, Physical and Visual Skills: 

The skills described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

Must be able to follow written, verbal, or diagrammatic instructions with several concrete variables.  Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, and do calculations involving fractions, decimals and percentages. Ability to understand and follow verbal or demonstrated instructions; write identifying information; request supplies verbally or in writing.  Must be able to use a mobile phone and computer. Must be able to do heavy work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force, performing such activities as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, pulling, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.  Have visual requirements of mid-range vision.   

Working Conditions: 

Works in a normal indoor, outdoor, farm and forest environment in all weather conditions (except for extreme weather). Potential exposure to noise, dust, pollen, exhaust, chemicals, water, fire, plant compounds, animals, insects, vehicles, tractors, and equipment, heat and cold, and construction/maintenance tools and materials.   

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. 

The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and its Agencies are equal opportunity employers, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, citizenship, veteran's status, physical or mental disability that does not prohibit the performance of essential job functions (with or without reasonable accommodation) or any other basis protected by federal, or applicable, state or local law.