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Processing Area Lead

Full-time March–October
Part-time November–February

The Processing Area Lead supports all aspects of Cedar Circle’s farm operations with a primary focus on performing and overseeing the washing and packing of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The position plays a role in identifying daily and weekly farm priorities and is responsible for upholding records and systems to ensure the highest level of food safety and compliance with FSMA. This position also plays a critical role in facilitating effective communication throughout the farm team and when available participates in daily farm tasks including field cultivation, planting, irrigation, weeding, and vegetable harvests.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Crew coordination – coordinate and supervise daily tasks of Cedar Circle’s field crew, including:

  • Clearly communicate and delegate weekly and daily harvest and processing priorities to field crew
  • Train and mentor production crew members in performance of harvest and packing duties, ensuring food safety, and product quality standards are met
  • Enforce existing post-harvest handling practices to ensure freshness and cleanliness of produce
  • Work alongside crew in a leadership role when not engaged in the PA
  • Act as a point of contact to answer harvest and processing questions as they develop throughout the day
  • Help to establish a positive and nurturing work environment for all members of the crew
  • Promptly address any staffing issues that may arise
  • Relay relevant information regarding crew performance and questions to farm management

Harvest, Processing, and Packing – under the supervision of and in close collaboration with the farm manager, responsible for coordinating and performing the following:

  • Coordinate and facilitate harvests — 1) Communicate effectively with farm stand, kitchen, and market personnel. 2) Ensure harvest and packing tasks are performed in a timely, effective, safe, and efficient manner. 3) Plan and delegate the harvest process to meet deadlines.
  • Ensure quality of produce meets Cedar Circle’s high standards — 1) Perform quality control, wash, and pack with care and thoroughness. 2) Pack to preserve quality of all produce. 3) Ensure that all orders are packed accurately, clearly labeled, and accounted for.
  • Maintain clean and organized walk-ins and food storage areas — 1) Oversee regular cleaning and good working order of facility, coolers, equipment, and harvesting totes. 2) Maintain appropriate produce backstock. 3) Maintain inventory of packing and washing supplies for PA
  • Maintain highest level of food safety and facility cleanliness — 1) Point person for CAPS (Community Accreditation Program for Produce Safety) and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance. 2) Update and utilize farm food safety manual
  • Record all necessary data needed for harvest, PA cleaning, and compliance with the CAPS program, FSMA, and USDA Organic Certification

Farm Planning and Management – in collaboration with the Farm Manager and Crew Lead

  • Assist in establishment of weekly harvest and processing priorities and the development of weekly work schedules
  • Participate in implementation and improvement of the farm’s Food Safety Plan
  • Assist in crop planning efforts and development of organization systems and documents specific to harvest, processing, and food safety

Other Farm Duties

  • Assist Crew Lead (CL) in vegetable production duties and record keeping
  • Assist the Veg Production Manager in field production and farm crew supervision when the CL is not present
  • Tractor work, depending on previous experience and interest level
  • Participate in all aspects of field production including field cultivation, planting, irrigation, weeding, and harvests
  • Assist the Veg Production Manager with hiring needs
  • Participate in educational activities or events as required and pre-arranged by Education Program Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least one full season previous vegetable farming experience, two years preferable
  • Competence delivering clear directions and project supervision to crews
  • Leadership experience
  • Clear and concise recordkeeping and note taking
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Strict attention to detail and strong understanding of washing and packing standards
  • Positive, energetic interpersonal skills and passion for mentoring new farmers
  • Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity, and give/accept constructive feedback on work and technique
  • Clear, consistent communication skills
  • Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
  • Ability to work for long durations in inclement weather – standing, sitting, bending over, or kneeling

COMPENSATION

This is a year-round position, full-time March through October and part-time November through February. The Processing Area Lead is an hourly position with benefits including health benefits (50% of the group premium is employer paid), paid time off, fresh produce, and a 20% discount to our farm stand. Pay range is $17-19/hour, depending on qualifications.

Temporary (1-2 months) on site housing potentially available to allow time for transition to the Upper Valley.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through our employment application below. Apply by April 10th for first consideration. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after this date until the position is filled.

Apply

Cedar Circle Farm is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to reply to every applicant individually. We will be in touch via e-mail if we are interested in scheduling an interview with you.