Farming Assistant

The Blue Sky Farm Assistant will work alongside the Farm Director and team in day-to-day operations on Gracie’s intensive and diverse vegetable farm. The farm will supply fruits, vegetables and flowers to Blue Sky Ranch and Lodge restaurants, events, and banquet services. The farm will also be a space in which guests of the Lodge will share adventures and experiences which will enhance their luxury experience.

Responsibilities consist of participation in and some ownership over the farm’s activities. These activities include but are not limited to: seeding and maintaining the greenhouse, preparing the ground, irrigation installation and maintenance, transplanting seedlings, weeding, harvesting, processing, and packaging. The position will also include being a steward and representative of Gracie’s Farm for Lodge guests and visitors during programmed experiences.

The position requires significant autonomy, but also the ability to follow a direct management plan. The Farm Assistant position will require attention to detail, commitment and love for the art and science of farming, great interpersonal skills and the love of being outdoors.

While farm experience would be a preferred skill set, we will be willing to train the right candidate.

Some holidays and weekend days will be REQUIRED for this job. 

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS

Operational:

• Support field operations, including but not limited to: soil and bed preparation, planting, cultivation, harvest, and cover crop establishment
• Help maintain greenhouse operations – sowing, watering, material storage
• Participate in hoop house operations
• Maintain the landscape and grounds of the farm to be an inviting and beautiful space
• Maintain irrigation plan
• Participate in processing procedure with unique and innovative techniques
• Be involved in the use of livestock to enrich the soil
• Deliver produce to the lodge kitchen as well as maintain positive relationship with chef and kitchen
• Help staff and support farm stand, farmer’s market or CSA program to distribute produce to the community

Administrative and Communications:

• Assist in the inventory of produce on hand, cold room storage, and harvestables
• Diligently follow task calendar
• Weekly check-ins with Farm Director and staff to discuss activities, challenges, solutions, and needs
• Provide support to other cross department staff with regard to the farm property
• If needed, communicate with the Lodge staff to coordinate farm experiences for guests
• Maintain awareness of happenings and situations on farm to improve upon

Guest Services:

• Welcome and guide guests through the farm depending on their chosen experience
• Participate in farm activities that the lodge guests will reserve – dinners, tours, etc.
• Be an attentive and informed farm representative at the farm stand, farmers market, or with a CSA
• Aid experiences coordinator with implementation of guest focused experiences

Continuing Education:

• Learn the organic and regenerative process through hands-on experiences and provided resources
• Become familiar with tools and equipment used on farm
• Investigate and dive into soil science
• Participate in any provided resources (Masterclass, Floret Flowers, farm library, USU classes, etc)
• Be open to furthered and continuing education as it presents itself

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong work-ethic, potential leadership ability and exceptional interpersonal skills
• Adaptability to changing situations with the ability to perform multiple tasks, with multiple priorities
• Positive, observant, quick learner, interest in expanding skill and knowledge
• Able to work fast and efficiently, on a variety of tasks
• Interested in growing organically/sustainably and enthusiastic about local food movement
• Excellent communication skills for work with operational personnel on the farm as well as with lodge guests
• Motivated to work independently and also able to take directions and be a contributing team member
• Adherence to high aesthetic standards in all areas
• Maintain a professional and outstanding customer service attitude
• Ability to use vegetable hand tools and power equipment safely and efficiently
• Basic knowledge of vegetable gardening techniques
• Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Able to perform physically strenuous task and be able to lift up to 50lbs
• Flexibility in atypical work hours

SCHEDULE

This is a seasonal position with hopes to grow into a blended year round position. Full time through the main season with direction toward part time in the off-season, with potential to grow. The schedule can be discussed upon the discussion of the position.

40+ hours per week: April – October (including weekends)

Qualifications