Biodynamic Farm Assistant — Crops, Livestock & Equipment

Summerfield Waldorf School And Farm; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Summerfield Waldorf School And Farm is seeking an Assistant Farmer to help maintain the biodynamic farm, raise livestock, and support crop production. You will work with the farmer and the Farm Committee to keep the grounds productive and sustainable in line with biodynamic practices.

The role requires practical farming skills, ability to supervise interns, and a willingness to coordinate with various school and farm activities.

Qualifications

• Certification/training in Biodynamic farming preferred.
• Knowledge of biodynamic principles, crop rotation and compost.
• Experience with biodynamic techniques and soil health assessments.
• Experience in crop planting, cultivation and harvesting.
• Strong irrigation, fertilization and pest management skills.
• Crop planning, soil management and irrigation techniques.
• Livestock management incl. feeding, watering and health checks.
• Operate and maintain farm machinery safely; tractor experience helpful.
• Valid California driver’s license required.
• Experience maintaining farm infrastructure and buildings.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate clearly and mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Provide water and feed for all livestock; keep facilities safe.
• Maintain pastures, fencing and irrigation systems.
• Assist in breeding cows and sheep as directed.
• Support crop production following Demeter guidelines and rotations.
• Perform soil tests, bed prep, seeding, planting, weeding, and harvesting.
• Maintain irrigation lines and main delivery systems.
• Process vegetables for distribution: harvest, wash, and bunch.
• Stock and operate Farm Stand; CSA distribution when applicable.
• Maintain heirloom apple trees: prune, train and irrigate.
• Operate and maintain farming machinery; train interns safely.
• Teach interns about rotations, compost, greenhouse care and propagation.
• Supervise interns in chores like milking, planting and weeding.
• Support Farm Camp activities: orientation, weekly checks, outreach.
• Transport goods, report issues, and collaborate with Farm Committee.

Skills

Biodynamic farming

Biodynamic principles

Compost management

Crop management

Irrigation management

Pest management

Crop planning

Soil management

Livestock management

Equipment operation

CA driver’s license

Farm infrastructure maintenance

Mentoring others

Job description

Summerfield Waldorf School And Farm is seeking an Assistant Farmer to help maintain the biodynamic farm, raise livestock, and support crop production. You will work with the farmer and the Farm Committee to keep the grounds productive and sustainable in line with biodynamic practices.

The role requires practical farming skills, ability to supervise interns, and a willingness to coordinate with various school and farm activities.