Culinary Farmer

The Umstead Hotel and Spa; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

One Oak Farm seeks a dedicated Culinary Farmer to join a small team responsible for all facets of the farming operation. You will participate in seeding, harvesting, and field maintenance while supporting onboarding of new staff and guest visits.

The role emphasizes hands-on work and soil health practices in outdoor conditions. The position requires strong physical fitness, ability to lift heavy loads, and good communication.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Horticulture or related preferred.
• Two years of farming or related experience recommended, especially with or without an Associate’s degree.
• Ability to perform manual labor outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds and work flexible hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Seed and propagate in greenhouse and fields.
• Harvest, process and deliver produce.
• Cultivate, weed, and maintain landscape areas.
• Plant, prune, trellis, and care for crops.
• Assist in onboarding and training new farm team members.
• Host and/or assist visitors to the farm.

Skills

Farming experience

Physical stamina

Communication

Heavy lifting

Basic computer skills

Education

Assoc. degree in Horticulture

Job description

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 AbilitiesAbility 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;ComplexityWorks 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.SupervisionNormally receives detailed instructions on all work. Works under close supervision.Problem SolvingAcquires job skills and learns company policies and procedures to complete routine tasks.EducationAssociate’s degree in Horticulture or related preferredExperienceTwo 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.