POSITIONS AT RED FIRE FARM:
2013 Growing Season
All positions require a valid drivers license, physical stamina, sense of humor, and the ability to lift 50-75lbs repeatedly. Compensation is based on position and experience. To apply for a position, please visit our application page and e-mail us all the necessary information. We aim to fill our management positions from within our crew, with folks that have been with us through a season or more.
You can click on a position from this list or scroll down to see them all.
Field Crew Positions
Tractor Operator and Production Assistant
Human Resources and Communications Manager
Delivery Drivers
Farm Interns
Flower Intern
Packing Shed Supervisor
Harvest Supervisor in Montague
Flower Grower
Granby Farm Stand Caretaker
Harvest and Packing Manager in Granby
Planting Manager
Montague Farm Stand Caretaker
Montague CSA Program and Office Assistant
Bookkeeper and Office Assistant
Events Organizer and Marketing Assistant
Chef and Food Educator
Perks of working on the farm
Chef and Food Educator Intern: Hiring
Part of Red Fire Farm's mission is to not only grow great produce, but also to educate our customers about how to cook and utilize farm fresh produce. The person hired for this position will be on the forefront of food education for the farm's customers.
The ideal candidate will have a sincere interest in local agriculture, food, vegetables, community education, and enjoy vegetarian cooking. The position involves developing recipes with seasonal produce for publication in our CSA newsletter and on the website, organizing and conducting cooking demonstrations at CSA pickups and Farmers Markets, cooking for special events, preparing meals for the farm crew on weekdays, keeping farmhouse spaces clean and organized, researching and developing new processed products, and working with the farm crew part of each day. Compensation $8/hr .
Seasonal position, starting in the spring through mid-November.
Requirements:
*Experience cooking for large groups of 30 people or more.
*Familiarity with cooking seasonal produce.
*Ability to cook mainly with produce and minimal other ingredients on a budget.
*Customer service background.
*Ability to work independently and communicate to leaders at the farm.
Farming experience, special events service, proficiency with Excel and Word, teaching or workshop leadership experience, are all pluses
Field Crew: Hiring
From May- Nov. (esp. June, July, Aug. and Sept.).
We are seeking mainly full-time crew. Work involves harvesting, transplanting, weeding, hoeing, & packing over 40 different types of vegetable crops.
We are looking for people who can ideally work at our farms in both Montague and Granby. For example, one day you might be helping at the Granby location to bulk harvest root crops in fall, or transplant early melons in spring, and then big harvest and packing days you'd be in Montague picking the seasonal bounty for CSA and market.
There are several field crew positions that have added responsibilities that we are looking to fill, such as Weekend Harvest Coordinator and harvest team, Spring Greenhouse Assistant, end of day packing shed organizers, and daily Harvest Crew Leaders.
Farming is hard physical work, requiring a rugged work ethic and endurance, but is also very satisfying. Previous farming experience is a plus, but not required for field crew positions.
Necessary Skills
• Must be able to lift 50 -75 lbs repeatedly and easily, and work physically all day.
• Must work well in teams
• Must have a good attitude and be willing to learn
Starting pay is $7.25/ hr, with the possibility of pay increase.
Delivery Drivers: Hiring for 2013
The farm has several deliveries each day, with trucks going to the Granby farm, Boston, and various sites throughout western Massachusetts. We are looking for drivers to do 2-4 deliveries per week, who will work on field crew when not driving. Previous experience driving box trucks is preferred.
Responsibilities
• Deliver/pick up produce and other items to/from customers throughout Massachusetts
• Work on harvest and field crews
Necessary Skills
• Must have a good driving record
• Must be comfortable driving a box truck
• Must be very organized and have good attention to detail
Starting pay is $8.00/ hr, with the possibility of pay increase.
Events Organizer and Marketing Assistant: Filled
Events Organizer Details
We seek a highly organized individual to lead the preparations for our annual Tomato Festival and coordinate other farm events, like Feasts in the Fields.
You will develop event plans and coordinate all the details to make the events run smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Organize vendors, musicians, and chefs to come to the festival
- Prepare all aspects of each event, from crew and layout to forks and spoons
- Manage event budgets and do financial reporting
- Delegate preparation tasks and check in with volunteers and farm crew
- Develop publicity
- Manage day-of processes and teams, and after-event feedback
Necessary Skills
- Proven ability to keep tabs on multiple projects with timelines
- Previous experience organizing events
- Familiarity coordinating tasks with other people
- Experience writing press releases and other materials
- Excellent attention to detail and organization
Marketing Details
Assist with the farm's seasonal promotions of CSA, farmstands, and farmers markets to educate the public and increase sales.
Responsibilities
- Help create weekly CSA and promotional emails
- Write blog posts and Facebook posts
- Organize and stock marketing materials for stands, markets, CSA
- Assist in creating or updating some marketing materials like flyers
- Photograph aspects of the farm periodically for use in marketing
- Assist in planning website updates
- Represent the farm at outreach events and some on-farm events
- Keep retail staff up to date about highlight items and current promotions
- Assist with other marketing efforts as needed
Necessary Skills
- Design sense and experience making related materials, Strength in photographic composition
- Clear, concise, detail-oriented, creative writing abilities
- Ability to work quickly on deadline
- Familiarity and speed in computer work environments
- Excellent attention to detail and organization
- Sales experience and presentation experience a plus
- Having an nice camera and laptop with useful programs a plus
Part-time position, about two - two and a half days a week, with some times of year being busier. Position starts in March of 2013, year round. Located at the farm office in Montague, 184 Meadow Road. Compensation $8-$8.50/hr based on experience.
We can receive applications for review now through Sunday March 3rd, position open until filled. Include resume, references, sample materials and date available to start with your application.
Sample material for this application: selection of 6-15 photos you've taken with your camera, 1-2 press release examples if available, 2-3 examples of any marketing materials you've created (flyers, etc), 2-3 writing samples (like blog posts, papers, etc.).
Farm Bookeeper and Office Assistant: Filled for 2013
We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented professional to do the bookkeeping and assist with other office functions for our farm.
Core Responsibilities:
- Keeping the financial records
- Managing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
- Payroll and related HR financial accounting and reporting
- Explaining CSA programs to customers and processing CSA orders as needed
- Providing financial reports to the management team
- Participating in financial analysis of the business
Necessary Interpersonal skills:
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team setting
- Self-starter able to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
Required Experience:
- Previous work experience in business, accounting or economics
- Proficiency in using Quickbooks, MS Word, MS Excel, FilemakerPro, and e-mail programs
- Accuracy with numbers
- Typing proficiency
- Attention to detail.
Part-time position, about half to one day a week, with some times of year being busier. Position starts in early February of 2013. Located at the farm office in Montague, 184 Meadow Road.
We can receive applications for review now through Sunday Feb 3rd, position open until filled. Include resume, references, and date available to start with your application.
Farm Interns: Filled for 2013
Learn organic farming skills and gain valuable experience! Candidates should have some prior experience with vegetable growing. You will be an integral part of the crew, doing seeding, planting, weeding and harvesting organic vegetables for our multiple markets. Depending on the farm’s needs and your abilities, you will take on roles in the packing shed, help with the farmers' market, assist farm stand stocking and lead crews later in the season. Most of your on-farm learning is hands-on. Interns also participate in the CRAFT farmer-training program, visiting area farms to learn aspects of regional farming from different farmers.
Second-season interns with demonstrated skill will begin working with tractors on the farm, take on daily crew management, and learn other areas of increased responsibility.
Starting as an intern is a great way to learn our systems and prepare for taking on a position of more responsibility in the next season. Candidates considering a commitment of 2 or more seasons are preferred.
The season starts in April and goes through November.
Starting pay is $8/ hr.
Flower Intern: Filled for 2013
We are looking for someone with a beginning to intermediate background in cut flowers to assist in growing and harvesting the CSA flower shares and bouquets for our farmstands and market. Four days per week on flowers, combined with other roles on the farm depending on your background, to make a full-time position.
Position starts in May or early June and goes through October. In the fall, as flowers wane, you will be working in other roles on the vegetable farm. Potential for winter work, and advancement for the next season. First season compensation $7.50 - $8/hr based on experience.
We are seeking applicants who would like to study cut-flower growing techniques at our farm, with the potential for skilled candidates to become our head Flower Grower in the future. We grow and arrange organic flowers for our CSA farm shares, farmstands, markets, local retail stores, and special events like weddings.
Responsibilities
- Seed flower starts and assist greenhouse care
- Flower field care
- Harvest flowers and prepare bouquets for scheduled deliveries
- Assist with vegetable farm activities as needed
Necessary Skills
- Knowledge of cut flower varieties, growing needs, and harvesting techniques
- Excellent organizational skills and self motivation
- Good communication skills, sales experience a plus
- Must be able to lift 50 -75 lbs repeatedly and easily, and work physically all day.
- Valid drivers license
Tractor Operator and Production Assistant: Filled for 2013
We are looking for individuals with proficiency operating a mix of farm machinery with precision and safety. You will work with the management team to implement the farm’s production plans in the field, from field preparation and seeding to cultivation and irrigation. Aside from field tractor work, you will round out time helping with harvests, and assisting with the general process of the farm.
Tractor Responsibilities
At Red Fire Farm you will operate 65-75 hp Massey and John Deer Tractors with Imants Spader, Flail mower, Chisel Plow, Perfecta, Bed Former, Mulch Layer, Lannen and Rain Flow Transplanters and other vegetable farm implements for field preparation and crop care. Detailed operation of ACG's and Farmall Cubs for seeding and cultivating also. Please detail previous machinery experience, including crops and methods, in your application.
Other Responsibilities
You are a key member of the production team, and will be doing all sorts of farm related tasks. You work closely with the Production Manager on irrigating, repair projects, greenhouse care, weeding, and more.
Background and Skills:
• Knowledge of vegetable growing systems and understanding of the field production process for organic crops will be helpful to understand detailed farm plans and practices.
• Field management experience.
• Experience working with a team and leading a group successfully
• Ability to jump in to help in other areas of an organic vegetable farm as needed.
• Mechanical experience a plus.
Starting pay is $8.50 - $9.50/ hr, based on experience.
Granby Farm Stand Caretaker: Filled for 2013
We are seeking someone with retail experience and an artistic sense of display to stock and manage the care of the farmstand in an efficient manner. Must be able to lift 50 -75 lbs repeatedly and easily. Weekend availability a must.
Seasonal position: late April – early November.
Responsibilities:
- Stock the farmstand with fresh produce various times a week.
- Clean displays, remove old produce/product, neaten farmstand grounds.
- Learn and implement display standards of the farm, and create new displays with the latest produce.
- Keep orderly the inventory of cooler and shelf products and assist in ordering/receiving.
- Help customers with purchases and questions about plants and produce
- Explain and sell CSA memberships
Requirements:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and e-mail use.
- Retail leadership experience.
- Ability to work efficiently independently based on priorities.
- Familiarity with vegetables, flowering plants and vegetable plants a plus.
- Passion for local food
Harvest Supervisor in Montague: Filled
The Harvest Supervisor is the person most responsible for making the daily harvest run smoothly. Their primary responsibility will be leading and training the harvest crews throughout the season. They must have a mastery of harvest techniques and standards for all vegetables on the farm. Harvest Supervisor works very closely with the Packing Shed Manager to ensure everything gets from the field to the customers as efficiently as possible. Prior farming experience is required.
Responsibilities
• Lead harvest crews daily
• Assign crew leaders and teams for the daily harvest
• Train harvest crew members on harvest techniques and standards
• Stay up to date on crop conditions
• Be the pace setter and motivator for all harvest crew members
Necessary Skills
• Must thrive in a group setting. Able to work with and lead others effectively
• Detailed knowledge of all vegetable crops - ability to recognize when crops are ready to be harvested, knowledge of quality standards and most efficient harvesting techniques
• Ability to think creatively and quickly respond to issues that arise
Montague CSA Program and Office Assistant: Filled
We are seeking someone with great communication skills and a passion for local organic agriculture to assist with our CSA memberships and our office. Aside from the responsibilities below, applicants should be flexible to help cover other areas of the farm's office work as needed.
Responsibilities
- Maintain database of CSA members.
- Answer farm e-mail.
- Answer phones.
- Communicate with CSA members and prospectives about the program and shares.
- Assist in the setup and processes of the CSA program, from creating weekly lists for each distribution and preparing packets for delivery, to communicating with delivery drivers, to making sure each distribution has a tent, scales and other equipment.
- Assist with other farm-related paperwork.
Necessary Skills
- Good writing abilities, please provide samples with your application.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and email (experience with FileMakerPro, Constant Contact, or Dreamweaver a plus).
- Experience in customer service.
- Proven ability to do consistently correct data-entry.
- Experience and skill doing other detail-oriented office work.
- Experience managing an office a plus.
Part-time position, about 20-30 hours a week, year round. Flexibility to help more during busy seasons is needed for the position. Starting pay $8.50-9/hr. Located at the farm office in Montague, 184 Meadow Road.
Human Resources and Communications Manager : Filled
Help create and oversee the system of positions that make the farm run, and keep it going smoothly as a responsive, supportive and directive facilitator throughout the seasons.
Responsibilities
- Make sure necessary work of the farm is covered sufficiently, within budgetary constraints, including interviewing, hiring and scheduling
- Monitor that all positions are fulfilling their roles towards farm goals and give support where needed
- Policy and Program Administration - Workers comp, payroll, etc.
- Develop Crew Skills and Coach
- Cultural Development and Crew Wellness
Skills/Requirements
- Exceptional interpersonal skills – including listening, coaching and training
- Strong leadership, project management and time management skills
- Ability to develop strong relationships and work in sync with senior managers
- Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills, including ability to engagingly present to groups
- Able to develop new HR policies and programs based on business requirements
- Vision and systems thinking
- Solid business acumen, management reporting, and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated proficiency with applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Deep integrity and respect for privacy
- Know or learn quickly the workings of the farm system
- Knowledge of regulations related to employment, and familiarity with related functions like Workers Compensation, Payroll, etc.
Year-round, 3 days a week, with some seasonal variability, can be full-time combined with field crew work. Flexibility to help more during busy seasons is needed for the position. Starting pay $9.50-$10/hr based on experience. Located at the farm office in Montague, 184 Meadow Road. Occasional days in Granby with crew there.
Packing Shed Supervisor: Filled for 2013
We seek a highly organized individual with great communication skills to work our packing shed. In this position you will lead and organize the packing processes at the farm. We wash and pack for our CSA distributions, farmers' markets, and wholesale accounts. You will coordinate and supervise packing crews and do packing personally.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that the produce coming in from the field meets quality standards for the different markets.
- Receive, process and communicate orders with customers and crew.
- Load trucks and make sure orders get filled and delivered correctly and completely.
- Manage inventory of packing supplies and reorder as needed.
- Enforce sanitation practices.
- Plan layout and keep barn and packing shed organized.
- Jump in to help with other areas of our organic vegetable farm as needed.
Necessary Skills
- Knowledge of diverse vegetable varieties, quality standards and washing/packing techniques.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to lift 50-75 lbs repeatedly and easily.
- Experience with pallet jacks and forklifts (tractors a bonus).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Leadership skills and ability to work well with a small team.
Candidates must have a strong work ethic and good attitude.
Competitive wages.
Flower Grower: Filled for 2013
We are looking for an experienced flower grower to handle growing and harvesting the CSA flower shares and bouquets for our farmstands and market.
This is a
Part-time position, but could become full-time if combined with other roles on the farm, depending on your background.
Responsibilities
- Develop growing plan for flowers (if you’re available in the early winter)
- Seed flower starts and manage greenhouse care
- Arrange transplanting plans, field preparation, and cultivation
- Harvest flowers, manage crews and prepare bouquets for scheduled deliveries
Necessary Skills
- Knowledge of flower varieties, growing needs, and harvesting techniques
- Proven experience planning flower crops
- Excellent organizational skills and self motivation
Harvest and Packing Manager in Granby: Filled for 2013
We seek a highly skilled individual to run the daily harvest in Granby and oversee the washing and packing of all produce from the Granby fields. The Harvest and Packing Manager is responsible for training and leading harvest crews and packing assistants, organizing labor throughout the day, getting the harvest completed in a timely fashion, and washing, packing and loading all the vegetables to go out on time.
Responsibilities
• Lead the daily morning meeting and assign crews to various harvest and packing tasks
• Train harvest crews on quality standards and harvesting techniques
• Ensure that the produce coming in from the field meets quality standards for the different markets.
• Supervise and participate in the washing, packing, and storing of all crops harvested in Granby
• Receive, process and communicate orders to crews.
• Load trucks and make sure orders get filled and delivered correctly and completely.
• Manage inventory of packing supplies and reorder as needed.
• Enforce sanitation practices.
• Plan layout and keep barn and packing shed organized.
• Jump in to help with other areas of our organic vegetable farm as needed.
Necessary Skills
• Knowledge of diverse vegetable varieties, quality standards and washing/packing techniques.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift 50-75 lbs repeatedly and easily.
• Experience with pallet jacks and forklifts (tractors a bonus).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Leadership skills and ability to work well with a small team.
Planting Manager: Filled for 2013
We seek an individual with plant propagation experience and excellent attention to detail and plant care to lead the transplant season and greenhouse management. You will work with our management team and crews to implement the farm’s planting plans in the greenhouse and field.
Growing Responsibilities
- Convert planting plans into weekly and daily lists of planting goals
- Manage and train seeding and transplanting crews
- Seed and pot-up plants
- Organize and care for plants in the greenhouses
- Keep track of greenhouse supplies
Tractor Responsibilities
- You will operate 65-75 hp Landini and John Deer Tractors with Lannen and Rain Flow Transplanters and other vegetable farm implements as needed.
- After the major transplanting season is over, you will help with the harvest season in various roles and be involved with planning for the winter greenhouses and the next season.
Montague Farm Stand Caretaker: Filled for 2013
Our farm stand in Montague has grown over the years, and we would like to hire someone part-time to take care of the place.
We are seeking someone with retail experience and an artistic sense of display to stock and manage the care of the farmstand in an efficient manner.
Must be able to lift 50 -75 lbs repeatedly and easily.
Weekend availability a must.
Seasonal position: late April – early November.
Responsibilities:
- Meet the delivery truck, help unload, and then stock the farmstand with fresh produce various times a week. (Deliveries currently on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
- Clean displays, remove old produce/product, neaten farmstand grounds.
- Learn and implement display standards of the farm, and create new displays with the latest produce.
- Manage cooler and shelf product inventory and assist in ordering.
Requirements:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and e-mail use. (Access to your own computer and cell phone to communicate product orders is needed as well).
- Retail leadership experience.
- Ability to work independently and communicate back to the farm.
Events Organizer: Filled for 2013
We seek a highly organized individual to lead the preparations for our annual Tomato Festival and coordinate other farm events, like Feasts in the Fields.
You will develop event plans and coordinate all the details to make the events run smoothly.
This is a part-time position.
Responsibilities
- Organize vendors, musicians, and chefs to come to the festival
- Prepare all aspects of each event, from crew and layout to forks and spoons
- Delegate preparation tasks and check in with volunteers and farm crew
- Develop publicity
- Manage day-of processes and feedback
Necessary Skills
- Proven ability to keep tabs on multiple projects with timelines
- Familiarity coordinating tasks with other people
- Experience writing press releases and other materials
- Excellent attention to detail and organization
Benefits of working on the farm
• Lots of delicious organic vegetables available for your use
• Being part of a dedicated community of people working to improve our local food system
• Spend lots of time outside in the summer
• Potential to move up into more managerial roles in subsequent years at the farm
• Voluntary pre-tax health care options available