Hey would-be farmers! Do you dream of starting your own farm but want to learn more about small-scale agriculture before starting your own venture? Do you love being outside with your hands in the soil? Are you passionate about providing high-quality food for your community? Do you secretly think small farms might just save the world?
Homer Hilltop Farm is looking for Farm Crew members to join us for the 2023 season! We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about learning what it takes to grow delicious, seasonal produce and take pride in a job well done.
Farm Crewmembers help with all aspects of work on the farm including harvesting salad greens and vegetables in our high tunnels and outdoor gardens, daily animal chores, cut flower production and arranging, harvesting peonies, perennial crop maintenance, and occasionally working our farmers market stand.
Previous experience working in production agriculture is preferred but not necessary! This is a great opportunity to learn more about small-scale, sustainable agriculture through hands-on experience. If you’re excited to spend your summer outside, working hard to grow delicious food for the local community, then we would love to have you join us!
Homer Hilltop Farm is a 3-acre vegetable and flower farm in Homer, Alaska. We specialize in salad and peony bouquet production and grow seasonal produce for our community, selling at the local farmers market, to restaurants and other wholesale accounts. Salary will be based on experience. Starting wage 14k-20k for the 24-week season. We are interested in retaining the right individual for a long-term commitment.
PROFILE OF THE IDEAL APPLICANT:
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Seeks to advance their knowledge of low-till and regenerative market farming with the aim of starting their own farming business or looking to move into a farm manager position.
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Has a good level of experience in market gardening (minimum 1 season)
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Experience in harvesting and conditioning for selling to markets, retail and restaurants (minimum 1 season)
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Experience leading a small team of farmers, some of whom have limited farming experience
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Capacity for physical work under variable weather conditions
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Ease of working independently and in teams
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Attention to detail and work
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Has a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
AMONG YOUR POTENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Propagation ( seeding & transplanting, direct seeding with Jang seeder, direct transplants, etc.);
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Preparation of permanent beds (weed-wacking, applying compost, amendments, tilthing)
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Operating a BCS walk-behind tractor with a variety of implements
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Biological fertilization (foliar feeding with compost tea, fertilizing)
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Irrigation management
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Preventive management and control of weeds, pests, and diseases
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Implementation and maintenance of greenhouse crops
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Harvest, conditioning and storage of vegetables
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Processing and packaging of vegetables for various point of sales (restaurants & wholesale)
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Order preparation and delivery to various markets.
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Harvest day organization and implementation
WHAT WE OFFER:
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The acquisition of plant production skills in a bio-intensive low-till, system
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An overview of the challenges inherent in starting a diversified, small-scale organic farm
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Experience in direct marketing and wholesale channels
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A beautiful place to work in the hills of Southcentral Alaska
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Exposure to a market farming system that is transferable to many different settings (rural ,suburban,urban etc..)
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Access to our 14 years of no till farming, gardening and homesteading experience
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
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Seasonal full-time position - mid-April to October 1 (40 hours/week)
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The schedule is 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, including a 45 minute paid lunch break. We sometimes start early and end early on Wednesdays & Fridays during the busiest harvest weeks.
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The salary starts at $15.00-$17.00 per hour, depending on experience. We will pay above this rate for a highly qualified candidate.
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As a full time/full season employee you will be entitled to 7 unpaid vacation days and 3 paid sick/personal days during the 2023 season, to be determined in consultation with farm managers. (Note: You will need to check in, with as much advance notice as possible, ideally 2 weeks, when requesting time off) When requesting time off, we will always try to accommodate you, but there may be certain time periods or situations where we have less flexibility because of the needs of the farm.
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There is a 3 week probation period, starting at the hiring date.
ACCOMMODATION:
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Option of on-site housing in a dry cabin (no running water) with kitchen at a cost of $400 per month.
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When we have extra veggies after harvest we make them available for the crew at no charge.
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There is also a 10% discount for employees if they want to order items we would be selling elsewhere, those items would need to be ordered through our online farm store. We will set you up with a discount code.
HOW TO APPLY:
Your application must include these 3 things:
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A resume, including references that we will contact.
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A short letter expressing your motivation for the position and how this position will help you reach your long term goals.
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A letter of recommendation from an experienced farmer for whom you worked.
Now taking applications and interviewing for the 2023 season. Send your application to: homerhilltopfarm@gmail.com.
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