Wash/Pack Lead – Sola Gratia Farm

Last Updated On: January 16th, 2024 at 11:11AM MST

Contact information
Farm Address:
2200 S Philo Rd
Urbana, Illinois, 61802

Primary Contact: Traci Barkley
Secondary Contact: John Williams

Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: (217) 367-1189
    Email: solagratiacsa@gmail.com

Secondary Phone
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2623705405
    Email: solagratiafarmmanager@gmail.com

    Email: solagratiafarmmanager@gmail.com

Website: https://www.solagratiacsa.com/

Internship information
General Farm Description: Sola Gratia Farm is unique in many ways. We are a community mission-based farm started by St. Matthew Lutheran Church, dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality produce following organic practices. The farm is committed to helping those who lack adequate food resources by donating at least ten percent of our product to support regional hunger programs, such as Eastern Illinois Foodbank and Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. We grow a wide range of produce to support our 200 member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, two farmers markets and several retail and wholesale clients. We operate a robust volunteer program and have many established and active community partnerships. The Farm promotes healthy lifestyles and community building through volunteering and service, special events and outreach and education programs. More information at www.solagratiacsa.com

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: March 2024
Internship Ends: Ongoing
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Minimum Length of Stay: 1 Season

Internship Details:

NOW HIRING: Full-time Wash/Pack Lead

Location: Urbana, Illinois

Start date: Approximately Mid-March

Season: Full-time April-November; Part-time hours available December-March

Hourly wage:  The starting wage is $16-18 per hour depending on experience. Along with financial compensation, crew has access to fresh produce throughout the season.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

We seek a Wash/Pack Lead for our not-for-profit community vegetable farm. This position would work under leadership of the Farm Manager and work closely with the rest of the leadership team to help deliver high quality produce to our many different customers and donation partners.

Essential Responsibilities;

  • Management of the wash/pack shed including staff and volunteer oversight, adherence to food safety plan, washing and packing of produce for CSA, retail, wholesale and donation outlets;
  • Work with Farm Manager and Harvest Lead to decide on harvest needs to fulfill market demands, CSA box needs and wholesale orders;
  • Assisting in weekly planning, preparation and distribution of shares for a 200- member CSA; 
  • Support wholesale program including communication, marketing, packing, delivery and sales; 
  • Work with Farm Manager and Farmers Market Leads to co-manage retail program including communication, marketing, packing, delivery and sales; 
  • Co-coordination of donations to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and other local food assistance programs; 
  • Assist in promotion of the farm at farmers markets, farm activities, and community events; 
  • Manage cooler organization, inventory, wash/pack records and temperatures;
  • Assist in execution of a yearly organic vegetable crop rotation plan, assisting in harvest, transplanting, irrigation, cultivation, field maintenance and other farm tasks as needed;
  • Assist in tracking time records for wash/pack work if needed; 
  • Assist in weekend farm management and volunteer work days approximately twice per month;
  • Assist Farm Manager in training of crew members;
  • Performing others duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications/skills/abilities:

  • Valid driver’s license;
  • Clean driving record;
  • History working for other vegetable farms following organic practices;
  • Complete Food Safety Modernization Act training after hire;
  • Promptly and accurately complete tasks;
  • Work on repetitive tasks for a large portion of the shift;
  • Maintain a positive attitude and work-ethic during difficult or monotonous tasks;
  • Work in varied environments, including rain, snow, heat, cold and wind;
  • Regularly lift 20-30 lbs and occasionally lift 40 lbs;
  • Regularly work for the whole shift on a your feet on hard surfaces;
  • Regularly work in a wet environment cleaning and sorting produce;
  • Safely operate motor vehicles.

Educational Opportunities: This is not an internship, as we do not have a set educational component. That said, we will make every effort to thoroughly answer any production-related questions and share educational resources.

Skills Desired: Previous experience working for a similar operation especially one that follows organic practices and has a CSA program are highly favored. Other needed experience and skills listed above.

Meals: No

Stipend: This is a paid job ranging between $16-18/hour based on experience.

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: E-mail

Caretaker FarmFarm Ed/Volunteer Coordinator – Sola Gratia Farm