We are currently hiring for a EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/ FARM HAND.
Description:
Jordan’s Farm is seeking an individual to join our team as a Farm Hand and Tractor Operator.
We are a conventional grower located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. We grow approximately 60 acres of mixed vegetables each season. Our primary market is retail. In addition, we sell wholesale and continually seek ways to expand our markets. This season, we are expanding our pick-your-own strawberry operation. We strive to reduce food loss on our farm by working with organizations to end hunger in Maine.
The Equipment Operator position is a full-time, year-round position. Typical hours for this position are Tuesday through Saturday, 7am until 5pm. This employee should be flexible as hours and days may vary depending on the season, weather, and to accommodate large harvests. Strawberry season may necessitate a shift in schedule. Winter work varies based upon annual needs, includes some plowing, and can be discussed further upon interviewing.
The ideal candidate for this position takes direction, asks for help and is comfortable giving and accepting feedback. This employee should have a willingness to learn and work within our existing systems. The Equipment Operator works directly with Phil, our Lead Farmer, and is responsible for a wide variety of tasks such as field prep, pest scouting, cultivating, running irrigation, as well as various mechanical, construction, welding, woodworking, and property maintenance projects. This employee would assist with pick-ups and deliveries in our Landscape Department during our busier months (April, May, beginning of June). The ideal candidate is confident when operating tractors and large trucks, organized, comfortable working alone, and is comfortable self-directing and prioritizing their work. The Equipment Operator should be able to identify problems in the fields and on the property such as: concerning sounds or dripping on tractors and equipment, pest or deer presence in the fields, high weed pressure, or unusual crop growing patterns. They will also assist in large harvest events, such as: daily strawberry and sweet corn harvests, bulk harvests of squash and other storage crops, and mechanical harvests of carrots and root vegetables. On occasion, this employee will join the field crew to assist in large planting events.
Responsibilities:
Mechanical field prep, tillage and marking rows to be planted
Understand and adhere to all GAP/FSMA guidelines and SOPs outlined in our Food Safety Plan
Work with the Lead Farmer to identify which cultivation technique, equipment, and timing to use dependent on size/type of crop, size of weeds, and field conditions
Set up, run and manage irrigation equipment: identify and correct problems with irrigation and identify appropriate reels and nozzles to achieve accurate water coverage
Plant crops according to SOPs to ensure proper germination and easy cultivation
Seed in plug trays by hand and/or with a vacuum seeder
Harvest a variety of crops in accordance with SOPs and quality standards
Operate and maintain the mechanical integrity of farm equipment, trucks, tractors and other equipment
Property maintenance such as mowing, weed whacking, pruning, minor excavation projects
Assist with framing and building projects on occasion
Keep accurate records of planting and cultivation
Respond to issues that arise at farmstand with infrastructure and perform general maintenance as needed
Qualifications:
Some prior experience in agriculture (or a similar field)
Experience using hand and power tools
Experience operating tractors and other large equipment
Ability to operate a manual transmission or willingness to learn
Ability to assess mechanical issues and repair as needed, or a willingness to learn
Ability to take initiative and make decisions independently if unexpected problems arise
Ability to lift 60-80 lbs.
Ability to problem-solve in a fast-moving environment
Team-oriented
Valid driver’s license
High level of comfort with mechanical work
Compensation & Benefits:
$19-21 depending on experience
$750 per month housing stipend
PTO is accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours worked
30% discount in our farm stand (with exception of meat, alcohol and consignment)
Option to join Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Option to join MERIT IRA
Access to free seconds quality produce
