Farm Assistant Position Available for Summer 2017!

Organization Description: The LEAF Project Inc. is a farm-based youth employment program. LEAF's mission is to cultivate young leaders through meaningful work in our local food system. LEAF Youth Interns, ages 14-22, work alongside talented farmers, chefs, and public health partners during an intensive summer internship and then move onto positions of increased responsibility throughout the year running LEAF ventures in our community.

Overview: LEAF is seeking a Farm Assistant for the 2017 season. The Farm Assistant's primary responsibility will be managing LEAF's small-scale, sustainable farm operation under the guidance of the Farm Director. The LEAF Project raises diversified vegetables for sale to regional restaurants, preschools partners, a weekly produce share (CSA) program, our food ventures program, and for donation to hunger relief partner organizations. The Farm Assistant will be involved in all day-to-day tasks of vegetable production as well as in instructing and leading youth interns in basic agricultural tasks.

Timeline: This is a 5-6 month long position starting in late May 2017 and ending in late October 2017 (with some flexibility in the timeline, including starting early in the spring, based on the availability of the Farm Assistant).

Site Location: LEAF Home Farm, 554 Warm Springs Road, Landisburg PA 17040.

Hours: 32-40 hours/week, Monday through Friday, including some evening and weekend special events.

Compensation: $10/hour and weekly produce share.

Responsibilities: The Farm Assistant will report directly to the Farm Director, Heidi Witmer, and work with LEAF Staff and Youth on a variety of small-scale, sustainable vegetable production tasks including seedling propagation, transplanting, soil preparation, weeding, harvest, post-harvest, handling, and produce deliveries.

Requirements: Applicants should have a strong interest in sustainable and organic agriculture. A minimum of one season of growing experience related to vegetable production is required. Interested applicants should be self-motivated, willing to take unique responsibility for independent work, efficiency and detail oriented, and enjoy working with staff and youth from diverse backgrounds. This position requires the ability to lift 30 lbs and work in all weather conditions. Candidates must be able to work
weekends and special events as necessary (with advance notice) and must have a valid driver's license as well as the ability to have transportation to our work site.

To Apply: Interested applicants should email a cover letter (outlining past relevant experience and what motivates you about working with LEAF) along with a resume to Mackenzie Johnson (mackenzie@leafprojectpa.org , 978-626-2065 ). Please feel free to contact us with any questions! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting March 1st until the position is filled.