Seeking High Tunnel Specialist

Contact Name
Taylor Mendell
Phone Number
8023853078
Details

Farm Overview

Footprint Farm grows diversified, certified USDA Organic and Real Organic vegetables on 2+ acres, serves a 150-200 member CSA and over a dozen wholesale accounts. We specialize in year-round greens and focus on producing consistently high quality produce for our customers. We practice a low-till soil management approach, and focus heavily on improving our soils without compromising the health or ergonomics of our people.

Our farm crew is small (5-9), works closely with each other, and is focused on constantly learning and improving our skills and how we work together. We assign responsibilities through Roles, which range from Crop Planning Lead to Bike Tire Pumper Upper. Some positions naturally absorb a number of Roles, and individuals can add additional Roles if time and experience permit.

We also really enjoy both our work in the field and the delicious food we produce!

 

Job Summary

The High Tunnel Specialist will participate in all aspects of food production including seeding, transplanting, harvesting, washing, and packing produce. In addition, this position will be our eyes and ears in our 6 high tunnels. They will work closely with the farm owners in helping to determine weekly high tunnel work needs, and will be the crew’s point person for all high tunnel activities including, but not limited to, planting, trellising, harvesting, IPM (integrated pest management) and irrigation activities. They will also be responsible for daily opening and closing of high tunnels, and a once or twice weekly tunnel needs walk.

 

This additional Role of High Tunnel Specialist comes with daily responsibilities, so can be paired with most but not all additional Roles to add depth of experience to the position. This position may start as early as March with transitioning high tunnels from winter greens to spring crops, and should expect to be working full time by mid April/late April at the latest. All crew members are expected to participate in a mandatory training the last week of April, and are expected to participate in a rotating schedule of Saturday harvest help which is usually a 4 hour commitment, 2-3 times during the season, paid time and a half.

 

Responsibilities

Transplant, Harvest, and Cultivation Teams

  • Effectively and efficiently carry out day to day field activities such as: bed prep, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting.

Wash/Pack Team

  • Effectively and efficiently carry out day to day harvesting, washing and produce packaging activities.

High Tunnel Management

  • Daily monitoring and management of high tunnel ventilation
  • Daily monitoring and adjustment of high tunnel irrigation
  • Weekly monitoring and management of high tunnel pests and diseases
  • Leading small team for trellising activities (Qlipr, Florida weave, single line with clips)
  • Acting as High Tunnel reference for Harvest and Transplant Leads

Additional Roles

  • Option to add specialized responsibilities through taking on additional roles. Each position can include as few or as many Roles as makes sense based on experience and schedule. This will be a discussion during the interview process.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • At least 2 full Summer seasons on another farm
  • At least 1 season of high tunnel experience on another farm
  • Be able to lift 50 pounds safely and with repetition
  • Be able to work on ladders (we use drywall benches for harvest and trellising)
  • Be able to work an 8 hour shift in all weather conditions

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Attention to detail (ie noticing new pest or disease pressure)
  • Ability to complete repetitive tasks (ie trellising) with a consistent standard
  • Ability to complete solitary tasks (we don’t do this often, but there are solo trellising days)
  • Familiarity with and competency in basic pruning and trellising methods
  • Comfort with advising coworkers

 

How to Apply & Application Deadline

Find more details (hours, compensation etc) and application on our website. Applications are due on a rolling basis, most interviews will happen in January and February with the goal of filling most positions by March 1, 2026. Interviews can be in person or by phone/zoom and prospective candidates will need to provide 2-3 work or character references.