Farm and Farm Store Crew Member
Obercreek Farm
Wappingers Falls, NY
We are hiring for a part-time or full-time crew member working both on the farm and in our farm store. We are happy to consider both part-time and full-time interest based on your availability. As we are a small operation, working at Obercreek provides opportunities to learn the ins and outs of a diversified produce operation, from seeding to sales. We are seeking crew members with a strong work ethic, a sense of humor, top-notch customer service skills, and a commitment to local food and farming.
Obercreek Brewing Company will be relocating their taproom to a beautiful historic barn directly behind the farm store this year, and we’re expecting a boost in traffic as a result; this is a great time to join us and ride the wave of increased traffic and business that we’re looking forward to! There is very much the possibility of increased hours and responsibility at the store in future seasons for interested candidates.
Job Description & Expectations:
This is a split position with work both on the farm and in our farm store, and requires weekend availability; this position would regularly work full weekends at the farm store in addition to at least one weekday on the farm, with the possibility for additional days depending on an applicant’s interests and availability.
At the farm store, workdays are 10AM - 6:30PM and entail daily creation and upkeep of both produce and dry good displays, light cleaning and tidying, assisting customers and receiving payments via Square point of sale, as well as other tasks related to store operations and upkeep.
On the farm, daily hours for the majority of the season are 7AM to 5PM Monday to Friday with a mid-morning paid break and an unpaid hour for lunch. Farm work days include but are not limited to harvesting, transplanting, weeding, washing, sorting, and packing of crops, and propagation and greenhouse work including seeding, potting up, planting, and more. You will get the chance to see the entire life cycle of the crops and learn about all aspects of the farm, giving you a strong knowledge to discuss our operation with farm store customers.
This position would ideally work 1 or 2 days on the farm as well as Saturday and Sunday at our farm store. We can be flexible on making this a part time or full time position depending on an applicants interest and schedule, but regular weekend availability is a must.
Skill Sets and Job Requirements:
Interested in local agriculture and food systems
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Being comfortable and enthusiastic talking to retail customers as well as our share members about organic agriculture, Obercreek’s production methods, and the farm itself is crucial
A keen eye for displays (after training) and fronting/merchandising and making the store look top-notch
Capable of lifting 40 lbs. repeatedly
Communicative and receptive to feedback
Able to work well both independently (after instruction) as well as on a team
Able and prepared to work in all sorts of weather on the farm (farm store work is inside)
Trustworthy, reliable, and responsible
Able to balance speed and efficiency, while maintaining Obercreek’s standard of quality after training
Preferred (but not required): experience with Square POS, cash handling experience, small retail/farm retail experience
Benefits:
Hourly pay is $16.50/hour +, depending on experience
Lots of delicious organic vegetables available for free, as well as “scratch & dent” and products nearing expiry dates (but still perfectly good!) from the farm store
15% discount on all other products at our farm stand
Paid sick time
Opportunity to learn the ins and outs of organic farming from seeding to sales
How to Apply:
We encourage all interested applicants to reach out; we’re happy to accommodate schedules and more than happy to train the right person. To apply for this position, please send an email with a resume and some information about why you’re interested in Obercreek to Trixie at farmstand@obercreekfarm.com