Seasonal Farm Technician

FARM TECHNICIAN: The Farm Technician maintains Etzel Sugar Grove Farm by planting, weeding, harvesting vegetables and other general maintenance.  The position also works cooperatively with other members of the team to assist with all aspects of the farm’s operations.

REPORTS TO: Land & Farm Coordinator

HOURLY WAGE: $12.50/hr

SUPERVISES: Not Applicable

HOURS OF POSITION: 20-24 hours per week; 19 weeks (Flexible start and end date May-September)

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, Hourly, Temporary

DATE REVISED: December 2022

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION: The Farm Technician maintains Etzel Sugar Grove Farm by planting, weeding, harvesting vegetables and other general maintenance.  The position also works cooperatively with other members of the team to assist with all aspects of the farm’s operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs seasonal summer operations, including, but not limited to planting, weeding and harvesting vegetables
• Mowing and trimming the grounds, and general cleaning of facilities.
• Safely and efficiently carries out all duties. Uses all safety equipment and identifies risks as needed to improve safety.
• Assists with a variety of manual labor tasks required to maintain natural and permaculture areas, including removing invasive species.
• Minor facility maintenance, including cleaning of equipment and workshop. 
• Assists with chicken chores, including gathering eggs, feeding, watering, cleaning chicken house, maintaining fence
• Maintain dripline to water the Food Forest and vegetable beds as needed. 
• Effectively communicates with team members by completing paper logs and verbally sharing relevant information.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including occasionally working at Indian Creek Nature Center

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Desire to work outdoors and keep the Permaculture Field, grounds, and facilities maintained to a high standard. Energetic, professional demeanor, positive attitude, independent worker and self-motivated. Basic knowledge of gardening skills, equipment and tool use, and safety practices, including, but not limited to mowers, trimmers, hand and power tools. Applies knowledge and common sense to solve problems and/or achieve work objectives. Safely and properly utilizes all tools and machinery and maintains a high awareness of surroundings. Adept at identifying and solving problems and reacting quickly.  Good oral and written communication skills and ability to share information. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted.  Ability to work outdoors in good and inclement weather.

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Constant (67-100%) outdoor, physical work in a variety of weather conditions. Constant (67-100%) walking, stooping, kneeling, twisting, crouching, pushing and pulling.  Constant (67-100%) reaching, standing, grasping, finger dexterity. Occasionally (34-66%) viewing computer screens and other types of close visual work.  Occasionally (34-66%) lifting and carrying 50 pounds. Occasionally (34-66%) operating mechanical machinery including climbing to mount equipment, pushing, pulling, and grasping with hands and fingers, using feet and legs to push pedals, and ability to react quickly. May occasionally (10-33%) be required to travel off-site to complete duties. May occasionally (10-33%) be required to talk and listen to people in person or over the telephone

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school degree or GED required. Must have a valid Iowa driver’s license and provide proof of coverage and maintain personal automobile insurance coverage, including liability.