Farms Work Wonders

ABOUT OUR FARM
Our farm sits on land originally inhabited by the Massawomeck and officially established as the Frye Farm in the early 1800s by one of Wardensville’s founding families. This 100-acre farm site is bordered by the Cacapon River. Our vegetable production is focused on two intensively-managed acres and we are in the process of refining our vegetable and flower programs, as well as adding livestock production to better serve our markets and other connected enterprises (market, bakery, kitchen, etc.). This year we will begin Livestock production, growing pasture raised poultry in 2024 and preparing for additional forms of livestock production in 2025.

Our vegetable farm, and nearly 45 acres of pasture, has been certified organic since 2019 and we have loyally followed sustainable principles such as crop rotation, soil nutrient balancing, and cover-cropping.

As a nonprofit social enterprise, our farm serves as a living classroom teaching local high school students (what we call our “Junior Crew”) organic and sustainable farming techniques as well as how the farm interacts with, and is integrated into, the larger ecosystem. They are involved in all aspects of production, from seed to sale. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand and restaurant, gaining hands-on, real life experience.

POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a motivated Seasonal Farmer to support the day-to-day operations of the farm at Farms Work Wonders. In conjunction with the Farm team, Farmers participate in and understand all farm activities related to food production, sustainability, conservation & youth education. Farmers are integral to ensuring timely planting, cultivation and harvesting, and maintaining orderly and efficient workspaces. We are accepting applications for both full and part time positions.

This role reports to the Agriculture Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Perform general field work including weeding, cultivation, bed preparation, transplanting, and seeding;
Assist with harvesting, washing, and packing vegetables;
Help provide education and instruction to local high school students (Junior Crew team members) who participate in many of our enterprises;
Support sales outlets including bakery, kitchen, onsite produce and plant sales, and wholesale;
Assist in daily care of broiler chickens, turkeys, and laying hens;
Daily care includes providing feed and fresh water, creating electric fencing paddocks and moving animals, mucking out houses, collecting and washing eggs;
Participate in humane, on-site slaughter of chickens and turkeys (anticipating up to 6 slaughter per season);
Support Farm and organization events, including tours, dinners, and workshops;
Ensure staff, crew, customer and visitors’ personal safety by promoting individual awareness of hazards and teaching safety skills on the job, as well as identifying new hazards;
Ensure farm and production spaces are clean, presentable and attractive at all times;
Any other task or activity required to ensure smooth operation of the farm and non profit organization.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Passionate about working for a youth-driven nonprofit organization;
Must have a friendly and positive demeanor;
Must be able to work with a sense of urgency;
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (Our farm is rurally located with limited public transportation available);
Must have weekend availability;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
Previous farm experience is preferred, but not required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Must be hardworking and understanding that farming is rewarding, yet physically demanding
Must have enjoyment of working outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
WORK SCHEDULE AND POSITION DATES
This position is expected to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with 2 days off per week. Must have weekend availability. The position term is anticipated to start mid March and continue through the end of Sept, dependent upon applicant and work load.

COMPENSATION
This position is classified as non – exempt with a starting wage of $15/hr. There are part time and full time opportunities available. In addition to competitive pay, we offer the following benefits for seasonal employees:

Discount on items at the Garden Market & Mack’s Bingo
Paid training and scholarship opportunities
Free onsite yoga classes
ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS
Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders launched the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm, market, and bakery that has currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with most held by local high school students, and we continue to grow.

Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.