Job Description

ABOUT OUR FARM

Lewis Farm sits on land originally inhabited by the Massawomeck and officially established as the Frye Farm in the early 1800s by one of Wardensville’s founding families. This 100-acre farm site is bordered by the Cacapon River. Our vegetable production is focused on two intensively-managed acres and we are in the process of refining our vegetable and flower programs, as well as increasing livestock production to better serve our markets and other connected enterprises (market, bakery, kitchen, etc.). This year we will be growing poultry and pigs, with additional forms of livestock to come.

Our vegetable farm, and nearly 45 acres of pasture, has been certified organic since 2019 and we have loyally followed sustainable principles such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and cover-cropping.

As a nonprofit social enterprise, our farm serves as a living classroom teaching local high school students (what we call our “Junior Crew”) organic and sustainable farming techniques as well as how the farm interacts with, and is integrated into, the larger ecosystem. They are involved in all aspects of production, from seed to sale. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand and restaurant, gaining hands-on, real life experience.

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a motivated Farmer to support the day-to-day operations of Lewis Farm at Farms Work Wonders. In conjunction with the Farm team, Farmers participate in and understand all farm activities related to food production, land stewardship, & youth education. Farmers are integral to ensuring timely planting, cultivation and harvesting, and maintaining orderly and efficient workspaces. We are accepting applications for both full and part time positions.

This role reports to the Agriculture Manager.

MUST-HAVES

• Working with youth: Contribute to a welcoming environment where youth can explore their interests while being supported with relationships and opportunities;
• Communication and learning mindset: Ability to take and give timely feedback, communicate effectively within the farm team;
• Farming interest: Ability to support field production with urgency and competence; understanding that farming is rewarding, yet physically demanding.

Additional responsibilities will be detailed in the interview and full job description.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs;
• Must have enjoyment of working outdoors in all weather conditions;
• Willingness and ability to commute or relocate to Wardensville, WV if necessary;
• Most positions at FWW require you to be 18 years or older and have a valid driver's license.

WORK SCHEDULE AND POSITION DATES

Full time positions are expected to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with 2 days off per week. Must have weekend availability. The position term is anticipated to start March/April, and end September/October, dependent upon applicant and farm work load.

COMPENSATION

This is a non-exempt position with a starting hourly rate of $15.00 per hour commensurate with experience. 

Team members are offered discounts at our enterprises and free seconds quality produce at Lewis Farm, as available.

We have a standard ninety (90) day orientation period that allows you to decide if we meet your expectations and for us to ensure you can perform the job assigned to you. During the orientation period, you may or may not be eligible for certain benefits.

ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS

Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders launched the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm, market, and bakery that has currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with most held by local high school students, and we continue to grow.

Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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