Culinary Farmer

The Umstead Hotel and Spa; Cary (AR); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC is seeking a Culinary Farmer to join the One Oak Farm team. The role involves physically demanding outdoor work, seed propagation, harvesting and delivering produce, and maintaining field crops with a small team.

You will assist in onboarding new farm staff and may host visitors. Basic computer skills and strong communication are important, along with the ability to work in varying weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related preferred.
• Two years farming or related experience; a degree may substitute with related training.

Responsibilities

• Seeding and propagation in greenhouse.
• Harvesting, processing and delivering farm produce.
• Cultivating, weeding and landscape maintenance.
• Planting, pruning, trellising and care of field crops.
• Onboarding and training new farm team members.
• Hosting/assisting visitors to the farm.

Skills

Flexibility

Physical stamina

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Tool operation

Education

Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related

Two years farming experience

Tools

Hand tools

Small power mowers

Landscaping equipment

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: NC The Umstead Hotel and Spa - Cary, NC 27513, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.00 Hourly, Job Shift: AM/Day, One Oak Farm produces naturally grown vegetables, fruits and herbs using organic practices that prioritize soil health and ecological diversity on the farm. Our choice in minimizing tillage necessitates the extensive use of hand tools, and this approach offers those interested in farming a unique opportunity to forge an intimate relationship with the soil, plants and the broader ecology of the farm. The work is highly physical, often repetitive, and being outdoors means working through the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. For the right individual, the work we do on the farm is also immensely rewarding and provides us with limitless opportunities to learn. The Culinary Farmer will work as part of a small team and be directly involved with all aspects of the farming operation. While the work may be repetitive at times, tasks vary each day and throughout the season.

These tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Seeding and propagation in our greenhouse
• Harvesting, processing and delivering produce grown on the farm
• Cultivating, weeding and performing general landscape maintenance as needed
• Planting, pruning, trellising and general care and maintenance of field crops
• Assisting in the onboarding and training of new farm team members
• Hosting and/or assisting visitors to the farm

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability and willingness to follow simple verbal and written instructions, as well as receive constructive feedback
• Ability to bend, sit, squat and kneel frequently
• Ability to lift, or assist in lifting, heavy loads often in excess of 50 pounds
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, displaying excellent communication and organizational skills
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to operate all hand tools, small power mowers and general landscaping equipment

Complexity Works on assignments that are routine in nature, requiring high attention to detail. This position would often enable the individual to work independently, but also responsible and dependable to execute assigned work. We need folks who can make informed decisions based on their own observations and make judgement calls in the field.

Supervision Normally receives detailed instructions on all work. Works under close supervision.

Problem Solving Acquires job skills and learns company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks.

Qualifications:

• Education Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related preferred
• Experience Two years of experience farming or related without an Associate’s degree; some experience preferred with an Associate’s degree.

Equivalency: Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered in place of the requirements stated above.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform manual labor on a daily basis under various weather conditions. Ability to regularly lift 70 pounds. Ability to work during inclement weather when the Company is closed or has a delayed opening.