Farm Assistant

Description

SUMMARY

The Farm Assistant supports the Farm Manager by maintaining the standards of production and presentation of the Inn at Little Washington’s culinary gardens and horticultural programs. The primary production will support the produce needs of both culinary departments of the Inn at Little Washington and Patty O’s Café and Bakery. The Farm Assistant will help the Farm Manager operate both on-site fruit tree care and perennial herb gardens along with maintaining off campus high tunnels and greenhouses; tending to vegetables, fruits, micro greens and edible flowers The position will assist in maintaining a natural beauty and aesthetic design to the Inn’s gardens that aligns with Chef Patrick’s vision. The assistant will help oversee and care for the Inn’s farm animals, feeding and tending to their needs as necessary. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Execute a variety of garden maintenance tasks including but not limited to seeding, planting/transplanting, pruning, weeding and crop harvesting.
• Help maintain the gardens for culinary micro greens, edible flowers and perennial/annual herbs.
• Maintain expected aesthetics of the culinary gardens and common areas for the community.
• Assist in pest management and mitigation, crop disease identification and control.
• Maintain permanent and seasonal functioning irrigation systems.
• Help execute proper soil fertility and fertilization practices.
• Keep accurate inventory of supplies and assist in ordering from preferred vendors.
• Maintain proper care of tools and equipment.
• Perform daily cleaning and organization of all storage areas.
• Oversee the care and well-being of all farm animals.
• Occasional work and collaboration with the Director of Estate Gardening, planting, pruning, landscaping and general maintenance and upkeep of our property gardens.
• Follow guidance and direction from senior management effectively, efficiently and appropriately.
• Weekend availability required.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Proven experience in horticultural and agricultural farming.
• Experience working with irrigation systems.
• Experience and knowledge in pest management and disease control.
• Experience tending to farm animals, specifically with care to chickens, goats, llamas and sheep.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Flexibility in scheduling and willingness to work weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays.
• Willingness to take initiative and ability to ask for help.
• Valid driver’s license.

Desirable

• 3-5 years of professional farming experience.
• Experience in high tunnel and greenhouse production.

SKILLS

• Great communication skills and strong ability to follow directions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to adapt to changing conditions.
• Strong work ethic and passion for farming, horticulture and animal care.
• Ability to safely and properly use a variety of garden tools and equipment designed for planting, transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, pruning, digging, raking, etc.
• Ability to work well independently and self-motivated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds consistently.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel and be on your feet, hands and knees for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work outdoors in the heat/cold and other weather conditions as needed.
• Availability and understanding that this position often requires hours in excess of a standard work week (40-50 hours) including weekends