Field Manager
Employer: Cloverleigh Farm
Work Location: Columbia, CT
Term of Employment: Seasonal, Full Time
Compensation Range: $19-22/hr.
Duties / Responsibilities
Cloverleigh Farm is a USDA certified-organic diversified commercial vegetable business in operation since 2014. Located in Columbia (eastern CT), we work to produce high quality vegetables, herbs, and flowers for our local community through a large CSA program, several wholesale accounts, and Farm-to-School sales. Our standards are high and we expect all crew members to share these same standards.
The Field Manager position carries the daily responsibilities of leading field work, harvesting, and greenhouse seeding. The field manager will work in conjunction with the farm owner/manager to prioritize activities for the week and the assistant manager will execute the plan. This is an excellent opportunity for someone ready for more responsibility and interest in playing a leading role in helping to grow a farm business. Because diversified vegetable production requires so much training, candidates for this position are required to have two seasons of full-time work on a mixed vegetable farm. Other qualities needed include a commitment to frequent and clear communication, willingness to jump in to get things done and the ability to foster a positive team environment and lead by example.
This is a seasonal full time position March-November with potential to extend to part-time winter work based on high tunnel production and additional winter farm projects. Responsibilities also include managing the same CSA pickup day each week all season. We will be opening a new on-site farm store this year as well, bringing a new opportunity for sales growth.
The field manager works a Monday-Friday schedule during March, April, & May and switches to Tuesday-Saturday for June to December. Hours average 30-40/wk. during March, April, November, and December. Hours average 40-50/wk. from May-October. Workdays begin at 8am in March, April, November, and December or as needed due to weather. The majority of high season has the team working a 7 am to 4 pm schedule. This includes a 30-minute unpaid break for lunch and short paid breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Desired Applicant Experience
Requirements:
- Two years of full-time work on an established vegetable farm
- Ability to lead through example (in both words and actions)
- Comfortable working one-on-one with farm manager and as a team leader with the crew.
- Attention to detail and the ability to focus and work efficiently with skill
- Comfortable taking direction, giving direction to others, and asking good questions
- Positive attitude and great work ethic; good conversationalist, jumps in to help without being asked
- Follows instructions and asks for clarification when needed
- Works with a purpose, knowing when to get a move on and encouraging others to do the same!
- Comfortable in working in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to kneel, bend, walk, lift, and carry 30-50 lb. crates of vegetables repeatedly and consistently
- Effective communication skills, kind disposition, interest in chatting with CSA members, and happy to share.
- Interest in high quality vegetable production and organic growing practices, working in conjunction with our partner livestock farm.
- Experience in tractor work (laying plastic mulch, driving transplanter) or driving tractors at minimum.
- Driver’s license (needed for delivery van and on-farm vehicle as per farm insurance)
How to Apply / Notes / Other Information
Compensation:
• Hourly pay. $19-22/hr depending on experience
• $200 gear stipend
• Workers compensation insurance
• CSA full share
• Paid holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day
• One week vacation (unpaid) to be taken in late August or September
If you are a motivated individual with a passion for farming and people, we would love to hear from you!
Contact owner Susan Mitchell at susan@cloverleighfarm.com with a statement of interest and a resume.