Field Crew Position – Crow Point Ecology

Last Updated On: diciembre 11th, 2024 at 02:03PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
3220 Ira Road
Akron, Ohio, 44333

Primary Contact: Bianca Macreno
Secondary Contact: Kevin Gross

Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: 3306688992
    Email: Bianca@crownpointecology.org

    Email: kgross@crownpointecology.org

Website: https://www.Crownpointecology.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: The 115-acre green space at Crown Point is home to amazing variety of species and habitats just outside of Akron, Ohio. Since the Crown Point is the largest undeveloped property in Bath Township, it needs all of us to be good stewards to sustain the amazing legacy the Dominican Sisters of Peace envisioned for the future of the property. Crown Point is also located in the Lake Erie watershed– which is why Crown Point does not use synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides on any of the property. We are 100% Certified Organic. Along with sustainable practices, Crown Point advocates for social justice by donating a significant portion of produce grown organically on the farm to foodbanks and food pantries in need. Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Stark County Foodbank are the two main hubs in the area that distribute our farm fresh produce to those in need. Through all of this, Crown Point welcomes everyone of all ages and walks of life to participate in annual programs, walk the 5 miles of trails, partake in a walking meditation in the Labyrinth or Meditation Garden or reserve the property for your next special event. It’s a place that may be just the right size to get important things done together and educate those who want to do the same. Please join us!

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: April 7th, 2025 (Flexible)
Internship Ends: Mid October (subject to change based on budget)
Number of Internship Available: 2-3
Application Deadline: February 1st, 2025
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 months

Internship Details:

Position: Farm Crew – Full-time, Seasonal

Overview:

Crown Point Ecology Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established as a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2010.  The mission of Crown Point is to demonstrate the practical applications of ecology and to connect spirituality, social justice, and environmental protection while battling food insecurities in the region through organic produce donations.  The vision of Crown Point is to be a role model for food security and sustainable land use through farm stewardship, advocacy, education and collaboration.

 

Crown Point Ecology Center is hiring for the position of one full-time farm crew member, a seasonal position on our small-scale organic vegetable farm. We maintain 115 acres of land with approximately 2.5 acres currently being farmed. This position will be integral to preparing for our spring plant sale and allowing for a robust year-round growing season, providing fresh organic produce to both our CSA shareholders and towards our produce donation program where Crown Point contributes over 25% of the yearly harvest to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

 

Primary Tasks:

• Field

• Greenhouse seeding and transplanting

• Bed preparation, compost and amendment application, planting, cultivating, hand weeding, trellising, pruning, weed whacking, mowing
• Harvesting crops
• Irrigation set-up, maintenance, operation, and repairs
• Assisting in managing the active composting operation on the farm
• Assisting in building and repairing farm infrastructure

• Harvest and Distribution

• • • Washing and packing produce
    • Washing bins, cleaning and sanitizing lower-barn area
    • Record keeping
    • Assistance with annual plant sale each spring, including preparing plants for donation to local community gardens and other non-profit organizations
    • When applicable, assists with market sales at off-site farmers markers, on-site market, and online market sales, including preparing orders for pickup

• Education and Outreach

• • Participates in outreach events both onsite and offsite when appropriate
  • Assists CSA members during pickup
  • Orients and helps to onboard new farm volunteers on farm tasks and locations throughout the growing season
  • Takes part in professional development opportunities to further develop an understanding of practical permaculture, sustainable agriculture, and food access issues

 

Experience and Qualifications

1 year experience on a diversified organic vegetable farm or similar environment is optimal, but not required. Experience in greenhouse nurseries, gardening, horticulture, and the trades also considered. 

The main requirement we are looking for is a willingness and eagerness to learn. 

High school diploma required.

 

Desired Qualities and Abilities

 

• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Openness to developing new skills, including the safe use of harvest knives, machinery, and power tools.
• Must be comfortable asking questions when tasks are unclear, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations.
• Able to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with others in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have a passion for food production, organic farming, land stewardship, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Must enjoy repetitive, physically demanding work, and the ability to work in diverse weather conditions (hot, cold, rainy, etc.).
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with colleagues, CSA members, and volunteers.

• Must be able to perform tasks that require stooping, crouching, and bending for extended periods.
• An open mind and a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward learning and contributing to farm activities.

 

Requirements:

Valid driver’s license. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Able and comfortable with driving golf carts, tractors with training provided, and using other farm equipment after applicable training is provided. Must be legally authorized to work in the US. All employees of Crown Point Ecology Center are required to submit to a background check and/or FBI fingerprint check prior to employment, and every 5 years thereafter. 

 

Work Schedule: 

Full-time (80 hours every two weeks), typical work week will be Monday through Friday, 8 hour days plus a half hour for lunch. Start times, days, and hours may fluctuate depending on the time of the year. Some weekend hours required throughout the season (with advanced warning)  with appropriate compensation or extra day off during the week. Flexible start date in the spring with a commitment to work through October. Start date is April 7th, 2025, and end date is mid October, though this is subject to change based on budget. 

 

Status, Compensation, and Benefits:

Seasonal. Full time. Exempt. $14/hour, paid bi-weekly. Paid time off accrual and holiday pay is available for full time staff working more than 3 consecutive months or more, according to the Crown Point Ecology Center Handbook.

Reports to: Farm Manager and Field Lead

 

How to apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, and three references to bianca@crownpointecology.org and kgross@crownpointecology.org with the subject line reading Farm Crew Position. 

 

We will accept applications until positions are filled. 

 

Crown Point Ecology Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military obligations, or veteran status.

Educational Opportunities: See Job Description above.

Skills Desired: 1 year of farming experience preferable, but not necessary. Strong passion for organic, sustainable farming necessary!

Meals: No. Free vegetables available though.

Stipend: $14/hr 80 per two weeks paid bi-weekly

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: email