Join the Cedar Circle team and contribute to our local food system by producing and distributing sustainably grown, organic produce on a farm that is dedicated to our natural environment, community engagement, education, research and the well being of our staff!
POSITION OVERVIEW
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
Communicate effectively with farm stand, kitchen, and market personnel
Ensure harvest and packing tasks are performed in a timely, effective, safe, and efficient manner
Plan and delegate the harvest process to meet deadlines.
Ensure quality of produce meets Cedar Circle’s high standards
Perform quality control, wash, and pack with care and thoroughness
Pack to preserve quality of all produce
Ensure that all orders are packed accurately, clearly labeled, and accounted for
Maintain clean and organized walk-ins and food storage areas
Oversee regular cleaning and good working order of facility, coolers, equipment, and harvesting totes
Maintain appropriate produce backstock
Maintain inventory of packing and washing supplies for PA
Maintain highest level of food safety and facility cleanliness
Point person for CAPS (Community Accreditation Program for Produce Safety) and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance
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, submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references through the employment application on our website: https://cedarcirclefarm.org/about/job/processing-area-lead. Apply by April 10th for first consideration. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after this date until the position is filled.
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.