Assistant Field manager – Whistling Duck Farm
Last Updated On: January 17th, 2024 at 07:14AM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:12800 WILLIAMS HWY
GRANTS PASS, Oregon, 97527
Primary Contact: Mary K Alionis
Primary Phone:
Type: Cell
Number: 5417615867
Email: wdfmary@gmail.com
Website: https://www.whistlingduckfarm.com
Internship information
General Farm Description: Whistling Duck Farm is located in the Applegate Valley of Southern Oregon, farming organically since 1991. We have a 22 acre farm with on-site farm store, commercial kitchen and fermentaria and online shopping; we also participate in local farmer's markets. We are a year-round succession-cropping vegetable operation.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: March 1, 2024
Internship Ends: ongoing
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: ASAP
Minimum Length of Stay: 2 years
Internship Details:
Assistant Field Manager position is a long-term multi-year commitment with opportunity to progress to full field management.
We are a 22 acre certified organic family farm with on-site natural foods store, commercial production kitchen, and online sales website. Our field production runs year-round and encompasses approximately 10 acres of fruits, vegetables, seed crops and cover-crop managed in a bed system utilizing tractors for tillage and cultivation, and overhead irrigation, plus multiple in-ground cold frames.
We at Whistling Duck Farm place great value on a positive and enjoyable work environment, no matter the weather or work load. It’s important that all team members feel comfortable working together and truly value the work we are doing and the world we are building here. Field production is the keystone to the success of the entire farm system. Creating beautiful health-giving food and nourishing others while stewarding this land should be an awe-inspiring adventure! The ability to approach every day and every season with that in mind and heart is paramount.
We hire based on aptitude and experience – all races, ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic classes and genders encouraged to apply. We are a predominantly mask-free workplace and will never insist on compromising another’s bodily autonomy, either in our store or on our farm. Please be aware that meat is sold in our store and frequently cooked and consumed on-farm. We are a recreational drug and alcohol-free workplace to maintain worker safety and team morale.
Tasks will include the following:
-Candidate will work alongside owner Mary Alionis to develop and implement the annual farm production plan, adapting to current priorities and conditions to meet full farm needs. A 6 week trial period and a training period will involve learning our systems with a plan to progress to full management.
-Assist with developing yearly farm plan including field mapping, seed orders to meet projected wholesale contracts, farmer’s market, farm-store and farm-kitchen needs
-Assist with production record-keeping, both analog and computer-based, as necessary for planning, financial and regulatory/certification needs
-Train, schedule and manage field and harvest staff to meet production needs
-Assure all tractors, tools and systems are maintained and in working order, including working with farm mechanic as needed and setting up maintenance schedules
-Interface with owner and fellow management throughout the farm, kitchen, store, marketing, executive system through scheduled meetings and daily communication to establish and maintain goals, priorities, staff delegation
-Participate in any tasks needed to help keep the farm running smoothly
Please email a current cover letter with resume and references. Once we receive those three items we will contact you for an interview.
Educational Opportunities: At Whistling Duck Farm we learn by researching, information-sharing with local and online resources, and by doing. Our 33 years of farming, marketing and entrepreneurial experience provide daily opportunities for learning.
Skills Desired: Candidate ideally suited to this position will have the following skills: - Knowledge of and passion for ecological food production and land stewardship -Multiple full seasons of organic vegetable production -Experience training and managing field, harvest and production crews -Knowledge of organic soil health and fertilization systems -Experience with tractors and hand-tools necessary for organic tillage, fertilizing, cultivation, irrigation; the ability to learn new equipment systems and operate them safely and effectively -Organized; able to stage multiple projects and timelines and network with staff when necessary to successful completion -Computer skills, including Word, Excel, Google Docs, and data entry -Team player; able to communicate with and work comfortably and constructively within our farm team -Curious, creative and innovative, with an optimistic, forward-looking, positive outlook -Adaptable and enthusiastic; able to navigate and thrive in dynamic, changing circumstances -Excellent time management skills; able to maintain focus and work quickly, effectively and efficiently while encouraging crew to do the same -Detail-oriented; able to develop and understand a comprehensive roadmap and follow it accurately -Big-picture; able to perceive how current decisions and events play into the larger, long-range vision -Driver's license and clean driving record -Comfortable being a part of a rural working family farm in all seasons -Able to navigate on the farm and perform varied physical tasks, able to lift 50 lbs.
Meals: no
Stipend: Compensation $18.50 per hour start, 32-48 hours per week (ag-exempt) depending on season. Winter furlough possible upon request. PTO/sick leave accrues at 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Bi-monthly store credit plus store discount and fresh veggies available to harvest.
Housing: on-farm housing negotiable
Preferred method of Contact: email