Opportunities
Philosophy of employment:Join our family-farm in our 11th season of caring for 70-acres of organic vegetables, herbs and fruits, hay and pastureland, plus a small beef herd, 6-8 hogs, and our family flocks of poultry. The season serves 250 CSA members, long-time customers at the farmers market and our local food coops, along with a variety of chefs in Madison and Chicago. We work as a team to accomplish the needed tasks around this bustling farm. Those who are passionate about food, working with plants and soil, and excited about working hard will be best fits on our farm. Employees are paid fairly, based upon qualifications, as farm work is both physically and mentally challenging; and in return we expect work to be done efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality workmanship. Workdays are typically 7am – 6 pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch. Work hours during the spring & fall are roughly 8 am – 5 pm. Benefits include weekly produce and year-end bonus.
Field Crew Members: Filled for 2013
- Participate in harvesting a large variety of mixed vegetables and fruits
- Planting in the field, greenhouse and high tunnel as needed
- Hand weeding and hoeing, field clean up, mulching, and other tasks around the farm
- Ability to work in all weather conditions, lift 50 lbs, and perform monotonous but detailed tasks.
- Ability to work quickly, follow instructions, work with others, and pay attention to details
- To apply – submit: (1) Work history/resume, (2) Letter of interest: describe how you see fitting into our farm, your desired position, and (3) Two or three references. Call the farm if you need help supplying this information.
Packing Shed Crew Member: Filled for 2013
- Work with packing shed manager to execute weekly post-harvest handling for 15-acres of mixed vegetables
- Wash and pack produce for CSA members, farmers market and wholesale customers
- Ability to work quickly while paying close attention to details
- Help in the field with harvesting, planting and more as needed
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand in one place for many hours, and perform monotonous but detailed tasks
- To apply – submit: (1) Work history/resume, (2) Letter of interest: describe how you see fitting into our farm, your desired position, and (3) Two or three references
Delivery Driver: Filled for 2013
- A clean driving record is a must!
- Ability to follow road map directions and lift 50 pounds required
- To apply: contact the farm
Worker Share Members: seeking for 2013
A worker share is a “work for food” model, where you exchange labor for a vegetable share. We use worker shares because we want to give our members the special opportunity to be involved at a much deeper level on “their” farm. Worker shares develop a special connection with the farm and farmers and other workers and develop an appreciation and understanding of organic vegetable production.
Our expectations are high. The jobs are physical. The work is heavy, exhausting and repetitive. We work in all weather and endure it all – hot, cold or wet, bugs and wind. Good physical condition and a good attitude is a must! Although you may be in great physical condition, you will still discover muscles you never knew you had. You may find you need to be in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable position for a sustained period of time (squatting, kneeling, stooping, and bending). Repetitive activity also works muscles hard.
A worker share makes a serious commitment of 4 hours of work per week for 22 weeks, in exchange for a Weekly Half Share Produce Box. You commit to a shift and work that shift for the entire season. This arrangement works best for you and for the farm.
Shift options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm OR 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions:
What will I be doing?
You will be involved in all aspects of vegetable harvest and post harvest handling including washing, bagging, bunching, weighing, counting and sorting vegetables. You may weed, trellis, transplant, mulch. Each shift has its own rhythm. There are many one time jobs; some jobs repeat themselves week after week.
I’ve never done farm work before. How will I know what to do?
Each job will be explained. You need to be able to listen, follow directions and work hard. Working hard means keeping your hands moving, not stopping and chatting with the person working next you or talking on your cell phone. You need to learn the art of talking while working.
Can I share the responsibility with my spouse, partner, housemate, etc.?
It is best if one person in a household makes the commitment, but if you need a sub you can certainly send another household member to work your shift.
Can two of us come each week for 2 hours?
No. Leaving in the middle of a shift is not very satisfying for you and not as helpful for the farm.
When does the worker share begin?
The work begins the second week of June and continues through the first week of November. It coincides with the vegetable delivery season; this is when we need the most hands.
Can I bring my child along?
Sorry, no. While our children are involved in some activities, the work in general is not geared for children. We will be working hard. But, the farm offers lots of opportunities for families to come out and have fun.
Can I bring my dog out with me?
No.
What if I need to miss a shift because of vacation, illness or other conflict?
You can make up your shift. You can do this by working a double shift or two shifts in one week. We will work out the details.
Can I work evenings or weekends?
No. We do the farm work during the day, during the week. But we certainly welcome volunteers, so if you really would like to become involved, give a call and we can work something out.
What if my schedule changes mid season?
If you know your schedule will be changing mid season we can talk about it and plan accordingly. If your schedule changes unexpectedly mid season, we will work with it. In either case you will be able to switch to another shift that fits your schedule.
I am a teacher/student and can only work during summer vacation, is this possible?
We are open to 11 weeks of double shifts each week (either an 8 hour shift or two 4 hour shifts). Contact the farm and we will discuss the options.
Orientation:
We hold an orientation in late May for all worker shares.
After looking at all of this I would like to do a worker share. What should I do next?
Call the farm and talk to Cate or Mat: 675-3855. You will discuss details and specifics, and make the final decision together.
