Seasonal Farm Worker

The Seasonal Farm Worker will support the Farm Innovations team at Rodale Institute’s Pacific Northwest Organic Center (PNWOC) in Rockport, WA.  Seasonal Farm Workers will participate in a wide range of farming, landscaping and facility maintenance activities.  The PNWOC conducts research, outreach, and education for regenerative organic agriculture and has been a destination for inspiration for many years.  Depending on the year, the PNWOC hosts a blueberry u-pick for the public, and Seasonal Farm Workers assist in staffing the u-pick operation.  Seasonal Farm Workers are critical in caring for the property and ensuring that the site is maintained to the highest standards.  All candidates must be prepared to work in a professional environment, complete tasks carefully and in a timely manner, and work in all weather conditions.  This position reports directly to the Assistant Farm Manager.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Landscaping with gas-powered and hand-operated toolsOn-going landscaping tasks include: mowing, weeding, string trimming, planting, pruning, dead-heading, building new beds and box plots, etc.Assist with watering and/or irrigationAssist with installing irrigationAssist with facility maintenance such as painting, cleaning, sweeping, moping, washing, minor repairs, etc.Assist with establishing and maintaining ornamental and herb bedsAssist with event setup and cleanupRoad maintenance such as laying gravel to fill potholes and remove tree limbsRoadside cleanup when necessaryRemove tree limbs and other plant debris from fields and lawnsRemove plastic contaminates from fields and compost piles when necessaryMaintain, organize, and clean equipment, and storage areasOther duties and tasks as assignedQualifications & Experience: Ability to operate landscaping equipment, such as mowers, string trimmers, pruners, etc.  Training will be provided when necessaryAbility to work independently, multi-task, and be a team playerAbility to lift 50lbs.Willingness to work outside in all weather conditionsMust be able to move freely around the farm to operate light machineryMust  be comfortable receiving direction from senior farm staffMust be prompt, responsible and focusedMust be organized and attentive to detailPrevious landscaping experience is preferred but not requiredSchedule:This is a seasonal position, 10-25 weeks, April - September 202640 hours per week, Monday - FridayCompensation & Benefits:$18.00 per hourSeasonal employees are eligible for statutory benefits such as social security, worker’s compensation, and unemployment compensation but are not eligible for Rodale Institute benefit programs including severance benefitsOther Expectations:Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s successTo be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors