Part Time, Seasonal

Qualifications

US Work Authorization

Full Job Description

About the Farm:

Hole in the Woods Farm is a rapidly-growing, Certified Naturally Grown, family- and community-oriented diversified small farm located in Culver, IN.  We produce a wide variety of vegetables and herbs, grass-fed lamb, fruits, nuts, mushrooms, microgreens, and baked items available via home delivery, farmers’ markets, and restaurants in the region.

The Successful Team Member:

Hole in the Woods Farm operates in a team environment. Everyone assumes, and relies on, the goodwill and best interests of each member of the team.  As such, the most successful team members have a high level of interest in learning about multiple facets of local food production and entrepreneurism.  Members should be detail-oriented, self-starting, observant, curious, communicative, punctual, and able to work both independently and closely with a small group on various tasks as needed.

Small farm experience is appreciated, but not required.

We currently offer part-time seasonal work. Because we are rapidly growing, there is an opportunity for the right team member to develop a position to their own strengths and goals.  This includes the possibility of exploring specific niche duties on the farm, potentially developing a full-time, year ‘round leadership position, if the team member and management mutually agree on such a path.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Specific duties will vary seasonally, depending on the needs of the farm, on the interests and skills of the team member, and on the specific work schedule the member chooses. Most of the work needed is in the vegetable production area, to include harvesting, washing, packing, cultivating/weeding, transplanting, and
seeding.  Most tasks are skilled labor, involving a wide variety of hand tools and small power tools.  Depending on aptitude, interest, and need, occasional opportunities involving power tool, truck, and/or tractor operation may be available.

Farm work is challenging, but rewarding!  Team members should expect to work outside in all conditions, including sun, rain, heat, cold, and periods of heavy mosquito activity.  Frequent walking, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 lbs on a regular basis is expected.

Schedule

Most production tasks on the farm are best accomplished in the morning, both for the sake of the produce and the comfort of workers.  Thus, we usually work from 7:00 or 8:00 to Noon or 1:00, Eastern Time weekdays (Monday-Friday).  Other tasks may occur outside of these hours, and will be negotiated individually.

Team  member duties will in part be determined by work schedule. Scheduling is semi-flexible: we will work to accommodate your availability and other responsibilities, but seek to have a consistent team schedule each week as much as possible

Every day is different, but generally follows this flow:

  • Monday: clean up, cultivation, maintenance, and repairs, preparation for week, long-term projects, office work, land management
  • Tuesday: transplanting, cultivation, market preparation, market
  • Wednesday: cultivation, harvest, trellising, long-term projects
  • Thursday: main harvest day, washing, packing, deliveries
  • Friday: harvesting, washing, packing
  • Saturday: Culver Farmers’ Market
  • Sunday: Mishawaka Farmers’ Market

If a team member is interested in and tasked with being part of a farmers’ market crew, Saturday and Sunday market days usually begin on the farm around 6:00, and end around 5:00. Tuesday evening market (memorial-labor day only) involves crew from around 4:30 to 8:30 pm.  If a member makes deliveries, they are usually done in the mid-afternoon to early evening, to restaurants on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and homes on Thursdays.

Compensation

  • Competitive hourly rate dependent upon experience, duties, and productivity
  • Complementary produce and other food products
  • Quarterly profit-sharing bonus available to all team members.

Equity

Hole in the Woods Farm recognizes the land we steward today was once tended by the Kickapoo, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, and Potawatomi people throughout history. Atrocities committed against the Potawatomi in our immediate area are particularly well-documented and tragic.  It is our responsibility to recognize our current privilege in owning and caring for this land is rooted in this history, and to honor those past stewards.

Agriculture in Western civilization has been built on the basis of marginalization and devaluation of physical labor, and the exploitation of people, land, and other natural resources.  Hole in the Woods Farm recognizes that there is great skill and dignity in all of the activities of a farm business. Each member of our team is a valued and important member of our community.  We cherish different perspectives and experiences.  Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexuality is not tolerated. Instead, we celebrate and honor this diversity, seeking to learn from the shared wisdom of humanity.

How to Apply

To apply email a cover letter, resume, and references to chad@holeinthewoodsfarm.com