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OPEN POSITIONS FOR 2023:

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- 1-2 Farm Worker Positions (Full-Time or Part-Time)

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Overview

Hoot Owl Farm is a vegetable farm located 13 miles north of Libby, MT on highway 37. We grow a wide variety of vegetables for restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, and our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members. We attend the Farmers Market at Libby on Thursday afternoons 3:00-6:30 PM. We utilize outside field space, three large unheated hoop houses, one moveable tunnel, and a heated plant propagation greenhouse. Our main farm area is about 3 acres of growing space within a 5 acre  area and is worked using mostly hand tools and intensive market gardening techniques.

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We have high standards for production and quality; our goal is to be profitable on small acreage by providing high quality produce to our customer base as efficiently as possible.

 

We are seeking motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working individuals to join our team the 2023 growing season. We would prefer candidates that can commit to the full season (April through October), but will consider those with seasonal constraints. Full or part time positions are available. Hours will vary as the seasons change; full time farm positions will be 32-40 hours per week and part time positions will be 16-24 hours per week. The pay rate is $12-$16/hour, depending on experience.

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All employees will participate in many aspects of on-farm activities - see below for details. A Full time Farm Worker will learn the ins and outs of the farm's operation and will become familiar with all aspects of our business from seed to sale. Part time Farm Workers will be more geared towards harvesting, washing and packing produce, but may assist in any farm related tasks. 

 

Responsibilities

Farming is a job requiring many skills and responsibilities; time will be spent in start-to- finish vegetable production. Some or all of the following tasks will be required of the position.

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• Bed preparation

• Transplanting and direct seeding

• Cleaning and sanitizing of equipment

• Irrigation management

• Preventative management for weeds, pests, and disease

• Customer Interaction and sales

• Record keeping

• Construction and maintenance of on farm infrastructure

• Seedling production

• Driving

• Hoop house management (pruning and trellising)

• Harvest and storage of vegetables

• Processing and packaging of vegetables for various points of sale

• Order preparation and delivery

• Mowing / weed whacking

• Fencing

• Moving tarps and sand bags

 

Requirements

This is a very active physical position that is mainly outdoors in all weather conditions. It requires one to be moving, kneeling, lifting, pulling, bending and other strenuous tasks throughout the day. Good physical condition is therefore mandatory, we are hiring for a labor position on a production farm.

• Commitment to a full season in good faith

• Lifting up to 50 pounds comfortably and safely

• Ability to work independently

• Good attitude in all working conditions, windy, rainy, hot, cold, snowy, and the ability to remain upbeat and positive as conditions change.

• Flexibility as requirements for the day or priorities change quickly dependent on conditions and or product demand.

• Reliable transportation to the farm

• Ability to work for extended hours without distraction from social media and cell phones.

• Willingness to take direction and to learn, as well as lead and take initiative

• Clean and professional appearance

• Adherence to our rules, standard operating procedures and food safety plan.

• Valid driver’s license

• Legal ability to work in the US

 

The ideal candidate:

• Has a knowledge of gardening techniques and familiarity with a variety of vegetables. (both eating and cooking).

• Has experience working on a small farm or at the very least has experience working outside in variable weather conditions.

• Seeks to advance their knowledge of small-scale market farming.

• Enjoys learning new skills and is able to employ them in an efficient manner with care to completing the tasks well AND completing the tasks quickly.

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Employment details

• This position is paid hourly. Depending on experience starting wages may vary from $12-$16 per hour. The position may start at $12 with no experience but if the worker shows outstanding performance during the season there is the opportunity for a raise.

• The position will be entitled to 5 (preplanned) un-paid days off during the season. 

• Vegetables will also be used as additional compensation as they are available throughout the season.

• There will be a six-week probationary period starting at the hiring date.

• After the first year, we will supply a $250 credit to purchase work-related clothing or footwear.

 

How to apply

Application packs may be sent via e-mail to info@hootowlfarm.net or via mail to Hoot Owl Farm, 1101 Five Mile Road, Libby, MT 59923.

 

To be considered, completed application packs must include the following:

1. Completed Employment Application form (please specify which position you are applying for)

2. A brief cover letter containing relevant experience, why you want to work here and why you would be a good fit for our farm.

3. Two professional references: include the names and phone numbers or email addresses of at least two supervisors and what you did for them.

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Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but we encourage people to apply as soon as possible if interested. We'd like to complete our hiring for the start of the season in April of 2023. 

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