EMPLOYMENT
We are hiring for the 2021 season!
Positions Available:
Crew Member (Full Time and Part Time Available)
ABOUT US:
Pearson Organics LLC is a family farm operated by Kristin Pearson in Lake City, MN. In 2020 we made the transition from 5 leased acres to a new 100 acre property in Lake City. The new farm has allowed Pearson Organics to scale up its offerings to reach more communities and families in SE Minnesota.
Nestled in the Gilbert Creek Valley just west of Lake Pepin, the farm sits at the Northern edge of the Driftless Region of Minnesota. This area is known for beautiful scenery, great trout fishing, bluff hikes, beautiful river towns, and agriculture. Lake City (the birth place of waterskiing!!!) is a quaint little town with all the required amenities (grocery, hardware, restaurants) and and is within a 20 minute drive of Red Wing which has a Target, Wal-Mart, Menards, etc and an hour drive of Rochester, and Winona. A slightly longer drive will get you to the Twin Cities.
Pearson Organics is committed to
-growing vegetables without chemicals and synthetic fertilizers
-utilizing practices that maximize soil health and ecological resiliency
-contributing to growing the food system and economy of our local communities and SE Minnesota in a sustainable manner
Position: Harvest & Packshed Assistant
HIRING FOR IMMEDIATE START
Summary:
The Harvest & Packshed Assistant will work closely with the Farm Manager/Owner to coordinate and manage harvests, washing, and packing of 12 acres of produce for a 350 member CSA, restaurants, wholesale accounts, and farmers markets.
Primary duties:
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With owner create harvest list for different marketing channels.
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With owner oversee harvest related training of crew members throughout the year as new crops come into season and ensure that good technique is adhered to throughout the season.
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Lead small crews on harvest days: delegating tasks to crew members and setting standards for quality, technique, work pace, and attitude.
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Assist in overseeing harvest, wash, and pack tasks to ensure:
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food safety procedures are followed
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proper and safe harvest and washing technique is followed to maximize quality and salability
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produce moves from the field to the cooler and off the farm in an efficient way
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Manage cooler/storage inventory
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Set up pack shed for each harvest day and delegate clean up.
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Ensure all harvest records are kept and enter this data throughout season.
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Participate in field work, greenhouse work, and other farm tasks as needed.
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Communicate with owners to keep supplies, tools, etc. stocked and in working condition.
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Keep farm work space (pack shed, vehicles, greenhouses, crew area) organized and encourage crew members to do the same.
Job Requirements:
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Willingness to put employee safety and food safety at forefront of all activities
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Good organizational and communication skills
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Ability to take initiative, work in both a group and independently
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Attention to detail while working in a fast paced environment
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Experience managing others and previous experience working on a vegetable farm or other farm are strongly preferred
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to lift up to 60 pounds, work in squatting or bent positions for prolonged periods and perform a variety of repetitious farm tasks with hands, arms and other body parts.
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Eagerness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions - hot, cold, rain, etc.
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Ability to drive tractor and operate other powered farm equipment, training will be provided but prior experience preferred
Compensation & Benefits:
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$500 worth of CSA shares to barter
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This is an hourly position, competitive pay, depends on experience
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Ability to start own farm project on property
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Free veggies
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Training in tractor operation
Schedule and Seasonal Expectations:
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Start Date-September - 45-55 hours/week
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October - 40-50 hours/week
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November, December - 30-40 hours/week
Please send a resume with references and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in farming and/or our farm to pearsonorganics@gmail.com.
Pearson Organics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply and give consideration to all applications received.
Position: Crew Member (full time and part time)
Timeframe:
We will prioritize applicants who are able to commit to the entire season (April - November) and beyond. Employees are also encouraged to return to the farm for multiple seasons of employment, and we are continuously looking for ways to lengthen our growing and employment season.
Job Description:
Crew members will participate in all aspects of the farm's daily operations. This position is best suited for someone who is interested in a career in sustainable vegetable production - owning your own farm or managing a farm. While this is an hourly position, there will be many aspects of the job that mimic an apprenticeship model, a high level of training and responsibility will be given to each crew member. You will receive detailed training in all aspects of small scale vegetable farming. This includes, but is not limited to:
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basic construction projects
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soil and bed preparation
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seedling production
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transplanting
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harvest: baby greens crops, roots, tomatoes/peppers, etc.
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washing and packing produce for CSA and wholesale markets
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CSA distribution: be present for CSA pick up and help members pack their shares
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marketing channels: CSA, farmers market, and wholesale
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irrigation management
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tractor operation - safe use, tillage, basic implement operation
Schedule:
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April & November
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Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM with half an hour unpaid lunch break
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May - October
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Monday-Friday: 7 AM - 4:30 PM with half an hour unpaid lunch break
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This schedule is subject to seasonal variation
Job Requirements:
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Willingness to put safety and food safety at forefront of all activities
-
Good organizational and communication skills
-
Ability to take initiative, work in both a group and independently
-
Attention to detail while working in a fast paced environment
-
Experience working on a vegetable farm or other farm are strongly preferred
Physical Requirements:
-
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds, work in squatting or bent positions for prolonged periods and perform a variety of repetitious farm tasks with hands, arms and other body parts.
-
Eagerness to work outside in a variety of weather conditions - hot, cold, rain, etc.
-
Ability to drive tractor and operate other powered farm equipment, training will be provided but prior experience preferred
Compensation:
Starting wage of $11.50/hr. This depends on experience and could be more for the right candidate! 3 days paid vacation. Workers compensation. Farm vegetables (& lots of them). Friendship. Knowledge.
Please send a resume with references and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in farming and/or our farm to pearsonorganics@gmail.com.
