Field Crew Member, Seed Growing Program

The Hudson Valley Farm Hub (HVFH) is a non-profit agricultural center dedicated to resiliency in the regional food system. Since the Farm Hub’s founding in 2013, we have converted the approximately 1600-acre farm operation to a multi-year rotation of organically grown grains, cover crops and vegetables with an intensive focus on soil health. We steer our efforts towards the greater community of regional farmers, Hudson Valley neighbors, and the natural environment as we advance field research and innovation, provide training and informational gatherings for growers and community members, and support community resiliency.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative individual who enjoys working as part of a team to join the Farm Hub. The ideal candidate will have hands-on agriculture field experience as well as experience operating tractors and farm equipment.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Seed Growing Program Community Seed Manager, the Field Crew Member is a key member of the Seed Growing Program Team. This role supports the vision and purpose of the program and assists with all field-related aspects of the department as well as offering support with events, hosting and other programmatic activities. The position is foundational to seed care needs and requires consistent hands-on garden and field work, as well as greenhouse and tractor operations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of hand-scale garden work and seed production following the seasonality of planting, maintenance, harvest & post-harvest handling.
• Fulfill daily garden and field tasks as assigned by the Community Seed Manager including, but not limited to: greenhouse seeding, monitoring & watering, transplanting, direct seeding, weeding, cultivation, seed harvest & cleaning, pest/disease monitoring and amelioration, data collection, entry, organization, reporting, photos and video documentation.
• Assist with all tractor and equipment operations pertaining to seed production and field management included, but not limited to: Tillage, cultivation, spraying, compost application, harvest, direct seeding, transplanting, post-harvest handling, mowing, mulching, irrigating, cover cropping.
• Conduct routine equipment maintenance and adjustments as needed.
• Use hand tools including hoe, pruner, sickle, sledge hammer, power drill.
• Care for seed needs including seed harvesting, cleaning, testing, and storage.
• Organize and maintain tools as well as tool shed, greenhouse and other storage spaces.
• Support in-person events with set-up/ prep, on-site logistics, food and clean-up.
• Participate in training, workshops and staff meetings related to farm operations during work hours.
• Co-responsible for fostering and contributing to a safe, supportive, communicative, compassionate, and productive workplace culture with their colleagues.

Required Qualifications:

• At least three years hands-on agriculture field experience.
• Experience operating tractors and farm equipment.
• Verbal and reading proficiency in either English or Spanish.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able and willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including light rain and cold and hot temperatures.
• NYS Drivers license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seed saving experience.