Creekside Farm

Last Updated On: noviembre 22nd, 2021 at 02:20PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
339 Avery Creek rd
Arden, North Carolina, 28704

Primary Contact: Ayrton Webb
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 8283333037
    Email: creeksidefarmcsa@gmail.com

Website:

Internship information

General Farm Description: Creekside Farm is a non-certified, bio-intensive organic farm in Arden, NC, 20 minutes south of Asheville specializing in vegetable and flower production. Our 47-acre property consists of one (1) acre in cultivation, 1 propagation greenhouse, 2 caterpillar tunnels, and a flock of 80 layers. Our produce is sold primarily through an 80 member CSA, the Asheville City Farmer’s Market, and a few local restaurants. We also host on-farm events including farm-to-table dinners and educational workshops to cultivate community and encourage people to learn about our farming practices.

CRAFT Member Farm? Yes

Internship Starts: March 15, 2021 (approximately)
Internship Ends: TBD in December
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Minimum Length of Stay: prefer a full season commitment

Internship Details:

We are looking for a wonderful individual with some prior experience in production farming and an ability to work independently as well as with the farm manager. As the Field Assistant at Creekside Farm, you are an integral member of our crew. Your ability to keep the farm organized, moving efficiently, and prepared for future tasks, is critical to the overall success of the farm. Over the course of the season, you will be exposed to all aspects of our farm and deepen your knowledge of our regenerative organic farming methods including CSA planning, produce harvest and post-harvest techniques, transplanting, cultivation, cover cropping, flower production, soil health improvement strategies, customer interfacing and small farm marketing. We require a half to full day working interview on the farm for those with no experience.
THE WORK SCHEDULE – March through November

This is a salaried position, and we will try our best to be out by 5pm, but work at the farm and the length of the workday varies within the busy season.

Creekside Farm Crew members work an average of 40-45 hours over a 5-day work week.
The pay for agricultural work at Creekside Farm is exempt from overtime pay
Working Monday – Fri 8:00 AM – 5pm with a 45 min lunch break, Wednesday’s until 6 as part of a rotating CSA pickup schedule.
Rotating weekend duty – 1 farmers market each month (Saturday 7-1), and at least one Sunday to run irrigation, check on animals, GH, etc. Sunday would be roughly a half day of work. Sunday’s work would not be scheduled alongside Saturday Market days.

PAY
$1,120/bi-weekly for experienced farm assistant
Provided produce from the farm
Experience working on a fast-paced, successful vegetable farm

FARM RESPONSIBILITIES
Field Assistant will plant, harvest, wash and pack for CSA and markets throughout the season
Seeding, Transplanting, cultivating, hand weeding, greenhouse work, trellising, and flower harvesting
Other activities include weed whacking, mowing, irrigation
Rotating weekend duty (approx. every 3 weeks) includes monitoring greenhouse seedlings, opening and closing caterpillar tunnels as needed and checking on any other specific needs for the farm on Sunday
Help manage laying hens (collect eggs, wash/pack eggs, feed, water, etc.)
Maintenance of grounds and worksite infrastructure
Keep all farm areas clean and organized
Operate and maintain equipment and tools
Offer constructive criticism, feedback, and insight

QUALIFICATIONS
At least 1 season of experience on a vegetable farm (CSA farm experience preferred)
Solid understanding of harvest methods for all types of vegetables
Knowledge of vegetable storage methods and requirements
Knowledge of food safety standards
Able to forecast workflow and rhythm
Develop and maintain an eye for detail
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to bend, kneel, and lift frequently
Ability to work in all types of weather (hot, rainy, and cold)
Comfort in interacting with farm share members or farm visitors
Previous farming experience is preferred
People person – able to interact with farm share members and others who visit our booth
Experience driving a tractor, truck and trailer (or willingness to learn)
Experience with physical labor or intense outdoor activity – able to lift 50 lbs regularly
Ability to stay focused throughout the day, keeping an efficient pace no matter the activity.
Farming requires flexibility and a can-do attitude, curiosity, and sense of humor
Must have reliable transportation and a good driving record

Evaluations: The first 4 weeks of work is a trial period to ensure worker/farm fit. At the end of this trial period, both parties will sit down to discuss if expectations are being met for both sides. We will have two additional check ins throughout the season to discuss workflow and expectations.

Monday morning field walks to go over the status of the farm, establish weekly to-do lists and goals.

TIME OFF
The following guidelines on vacation and personal/sick time assume employment from March through the end of November.
Vacations: Employees are given 3 paid vacation days plus 1 additional day for every year you return. Vacation times must be scheduled well in advance and be coordinated with the farm manager. If you would like to take additional unpaid vacation days, please speak with the farm manager about scheduling. Vacation time is not accumulated year to year.
Personal/Sick Time: It is expected that there will be some need during the season for every employee to take some personal or sick time, whether for car repairs, doctor’s appointments, or other personal needs. Each full-time employee may take up to 1 paid personal day each season. The personal day does not need to be taken as a “full day.” It is expected that except for emergencies, a week’s notice will be given about the need for personal time. Personal/Sick days that are not taken will go unpaid.

PERSONNEL & GENERAL POLICIES
Safety Policies: We will review safety policies during the first week of orientation. All employees are required to follow safety policies. We cannot stress the importance of safety on this farm. Your health is extremely important to everyone both on and off farm.

Phone Usage: Phone usage is to remain at a minimum. We ask that you please tune into what’s in front of you rather than what’s on your phone. Listening to music is fine during tasks such as cultivating, transplanting, seeding, etc. unless the task needs constant verbal communication.

Drugs and Alcohol: Illegal drugs are not permitted on the farm property at any time. It is unacceptable to work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No CBD, vaping, or cigarettes are allowed on premises.

General Demeanor: It is expected that all employees be prompt, dressed appropriately for work, and professional in their attitude at work.

Tools and Work Clothes: The farm provides harvest knives and daily hand tools. They must be returned to the shed at the end of the day. Employees must provide any other desired tools or work clothes (rain boots, rain gear, hats, gloves)
Inclement Weather: In farming, inclement weather often increases our farm duties as crops and livestock will require additional attention. Excessive rain, high winds, extreme temperatures, snow, etc., do not stop us from working unless they are too dangerous. Decisions concerning inclement weather will be determined by the farm manager. Be prepared to work in challenging weather conditions when they arise!

Educational Opportunities: Continued education through CRAFT events -- farm tours, discussions, etc.

Skills Desired: Prefer 1 season farming experience on a CSA or market garden style farm

Meals: no

Stipend: pay is $1120 paid out biweekly.

Housing: no

Preferred method of Contact: email