We’re hiring!
Field crew and Farmers’ Market position: This is a full time position lasting through November, with part time available Dec-Mar. Full-time staff is expected to work approx 50 hours per week(five days) which will include one day at a Farmers’ Market. Those who remain with the farm past the first season will have opportunity to have increased roles in management and planning with pay raises based on demonstrated ability. Past crew have gone on to be assistant farm managers, farm managers, small business owners, and farm business owners, or remain as important members of our managing team.
Requirements: interest in vegetable farming, stamina, and the ability to repeatedly lift 50 lbs. Priority given to those with vegetable growing experience.
To apply, please send an email to chickadeecreekfarm@gmail.com stating your interest along with your resume and the contact information for two references.
Educational Opportunities: Chickadee Creek is entering its 12th successful season in 2021. The farm is always improving, with constant upgrades in infrastructure, equipment, and methods – an exciting and fast paced place to learn. Chickadee Creek founding farmer, Jess Niederer, was the recipient of the 2016 NJ Outstanding Young Farmer of the year award as well as the 2016 National Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year award. The pace set on the farm is intense. Farm crew are involved in every aspect of the growing season in a hardworking yet educational, environment. This region on Central NJ has a rich sustainable agriculture community. We are friends and neighbors with multiple farms with intern programs, and welcome the exchange of information, experience, and farm tours with our neighbors. One farm tour per month is available during the work day without taking vacation time to attend. We actively participate in NJ CRAFT (Creating a Regional Alliance for Farmer Training). Jess is the NOFA-NJ facilitator of the New England Small Farm Institute class named Exploring the small farm dream. This class guides potential farmers through pre-enterprise planning. One-on-one guidance through the curriculum is offered as part of the apprenticeship. We usually do this with the whole crew in the fall after work hours.
Skills Desired: Two years of experience on a vegetable farm is required. Enthusiasm, passion, can-do spirit, and proven ability to tough-it-out can substituted for that experience. Being able to regularly lift 50 lbs, work fast, and keep up the pace in all weather conditions is required. Applicants must be in good health, fit, and be great learners. Excellent customers service skills are a must.
Meals: Crew are welcome to what we grow and can purchase our value added products(tomato sauce, salsa) at cost.
Pay: Hourly pay begins at $12/hr for the lower experience end and is paid on the books with NJ mandated workers compensation insurance coverage and one week paid sick leave. Bonuses add a significant bump to total wage paid- see below for details. In 2020 the lowest full time hourly equivalent was over $16/hr. We pay very competitively in comparison to other area farms. Applicants with higher level experience begin at higher rates. Mid-year and year-end bonuses are calculated via a merit and tenure based system and awarded to full season crew. Profit sharing based on the gross sales of the farm are distributed twice annually and is significant; it typically adds $1 to $2 to the hourly rate paid.
Housing: No
Preferred method of Contact: Email
Work shares!
To work for your food, please check out our work share farm membership program.
Volunteer!
If you would like to volunteer please send an email to Jess at Chickadeecreekfarm@gmail.com. Past volunteers have helped seed in the greenhouse, weed, harvest, and helped at Farmers’ Markets.
