Avocado Farm Assistant

San Diego CA

Description

Compensation: $15 per hour + quarterly revenue share bonus after 90 day work period Availability: 30-40 hours per week Monday to Friday A certified organic avocado grove is seeking an enthusiastic person who is keenly interested in helping rejuvenate the orchard located in SE Escondido by implementing various regenerative farming practices for improving soil health and the farm productivity. This position can be a wonderful opportunity for someone who is not afraid of the intense outdoor work involved in establishing the various practices, and who has interest in growing & learning with the workings of the farm. For the right individual this position can transition into a full time Farm Foreperson role. Position Responsibilities: The immediate work involves + maintaining the fields (weeding, mulching, pruning) + planting cover crops, new trees (clearing, digging, planting) + pest control (rabbits, snakes, squirrels, gophers, ants, snails) + maintaining irrigation lines + establishing seed propagation areas + staking young trees for wind protection + fertilizing, compost tea preparation Essential Qualifications: + Desire to work outdoors in a farm setting, and understand the challenges involved + Knowledge and/or experience with growing fruit trees in backyard or commercial setting + Maintaining orchard plantings with tasks assigned + Perform all tasks in a safe manner in accordance with safety guidelines (No drugs or alcohol permitted. Prefer nonsmoker) + Acts proactively to prevent issues within the grove + Keeps regular and organized logs of activities completed + Attends staff, service and training meetings as required + Strong work ethic and willingness to learn + Healthy physical condition and ability to lift 50 lbs + Speak and write fluent English + Ability to work independently in an outdoor setting during various weather conditions + May help with R&D of grove farming methods + Has reliable transportation and experience in first aid. Desired Qualifications: + Knowledge of and experience with regenerative farming practices, including principles of soil health, water conservation, and integrated pest management + Comfortable using internet and phones; Android, iOS and computer applications + Friendly and clear communicator + Ability to learn and adapt to ongoing organic best practices is critical + Good organization and attention to detail is critical + Nice to have experience maintaining and using equipment such as tractors, excavators, mulcher, chainsaws, weed wacker, etc + Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding skills all a plus + Experience with seed starting, annual vegetable cultivation is a plus + Related experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture is a plus + Related education in horticulture, crop science, business, marketing etc is a plus + Knowledge and interest in growing diverse edible fruits, vegetables etc is a plus Why you should join us: Ambitious Teammates - We see ourselves as a micro team of highly effective people. We all have different backgrounds, bringing different perspectives to the table. If you are independent, driven and detail-oriented, you will feel at home. Meaningful Work - Initiative is the name of the game, and what you do has a direct impact on the long term viability of the farm. Compensation with Benefits - We believe that no one should ever have to ask for a raise - just like we believe that we should never have to ask anyone to go the extra mile. As the farm grows, so do your rewards. Health Coverage and Retirement Plans - We do not offer one at the moment, but would love to provide comprehensive coverage as the farm revenue improves. Pick of the Week - A weekly basket of seasonal farm produce for your enjoyment. Who we’re looking for: We’re building a team to bring our vision to life around these core values Loyalty - we are in this for the long haul, and we are looking for individuals who share our ambition of creating a sustainable productive farm. Accountability - There is nothing we admire more than people who own their work, take responsibility for their mistakes and appear consistently reliable. Passion - if you are the kind of person who shows up and does not hesitate with high quality work day in, day out, then you may very well be a great fit for our team. Respect - last but not least, maintaining a pleasant work atmosphere for everyone around is top on our priority list: warning, this is a ego-free & discrimination-free space. To Apply: Let us know why you are the right person for this Farm Assistant opportunity at our farm, by contacting us via email with your direct contact information. Thanks for your interest in this position.