The Farm
Open Book Farm is a diverse livestock and vegetable farm in Frederick County, Maryland. Each season we raise approximately 2500 meat chickens, 100 turkeys, 200 laying hens, 30 hogs, and 8-12 steers. We grow certified organic vegetables intensively on a footprint of under 1 acre.
The majority of veggie work takes place in our greenhouse and high tunnels, where we have permanent raised beds and a no-till system, though we do also have outdoor space for lower maintenance crops. Animal work involves moving animals, feeding, moving fences, collecting eggs, and processing poultry, which we do on nine work days in our state-licensed facility. In addition to production, employees represent our farm at farmer's market, in DC, as well as at on-farm sales days.
Job Description
Farm Team Member
Beginning/End: April-October, with the possibility of part-time winter work before or after the season.
Days: Tuesday-Saturday
Hours: 35-45 per week
Starting pay: $15/hour
Housing available in a furnished apartment for $500/month.
Key Responsibilities
Livestock
Collect, wash, and pack eggs
Move fences for hogs, laying hens, and steers
Perform daily broiler/turkey chores
Maintain optimal conditions in our chick brooder.
Assist with chicken processing
Vegetables
Soil prep work: fertilizing, prepping soil for seeding/transplanting
Greenhouse work: seeding, watering, and potting on
Field work: transplanting, weeding, harvesting
High Tunnel: trellising, pruning, harvesting
Markets
Work to create an attractive display and a well stocked stand
Strive to create a positive experience for customers
Utilize POS systems effectively for accurate sales record keeping
Safely travel to and from market and deliveries
Mindset
Maintains food quality and food safety standards
Prioritizes organization and a tidy farm
Works with an eye for efficiency and system improvement
Maintains flexibility and a positive attitude
Requirements
Strong communication skills
Ability to make informed and accurate decisions and work productively either solo or in groups
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Drivers license and clean driving record
Other Skills, preferred but not required
2+ season of experience on for-profit farms
Familiarity with a tractor, front end loader, and implements such as brush hog, chisel plow, and tiller
Proficient with small internal combustion engines (weedwacker, BCS, chain saw)
Experience with hand tools (drill, circular saw, sawzall, etc)
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please email us a resume, 2-3 references, and brief answers to the following questions:
Why do you want to work on our farm?
Any special considerations we should know about? (Pets, diet, health, skills/trades?)
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