Seasonal Market Garden Assistant (PT)

The Ground; Carlton (OR); On-site; USD 19,286 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The Ground is seeking a self-motivated Seasonal Garden Assistant to support our market garden during peak season. This part-time role runs Tuesday–Thursday and likely through December, averaging 24–30 hrs/week.

Responsibilities include planting, harvesting, washing, packaging, and keeping records. You’ll use hand tools and irrigation, assist with livestock as needed, and work outdoors in varying weather.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of small-scale farming or vegetable gardening experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Able to work outside in all weather and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working in a team and following directions.
• Willing to learn market gardening practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with seeding, planting, watering, weeding, mulching and mowing.
• Harvest, wash, bunch and pack vegetables for distribution.
• Maintain records of seeding and harvesting schedules.
• Operate basic garden tools and irrigation systems.
• Support animal care if needed and help with light data entry.

Skills

Driver's license

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Job description

Why We Need You

We are seeking a self‑motivated, skilled individual with a passion for gardening to assist during our peak season in our market garden. This is a part‑time position working Tuesday‑Thursday, and likely through December.

The Seasonal Garden Assistant works closely with the Market Garden Leads, Farm Operations Manager and other farm employees to assist with planting, harvesting, washing, packaging, and cleaning fresh produce. Your responsibilities include weeding, pruning, plant and soil maintenance, seeding, transplanting, and more. Other duties include keeping accurate records of all market garden operations, such as seeding and harvesting schedules, pest and diseases. You will use a variety of hand tools and machinery to complete your tasks, and may also help with feeding, watering, and moving livestock as needed.

Responsibilities

• Be receptive to learning new methods of farming/gardening and sharing existing knowledge.
• Support food production goals and ongoing garden maintenance through daily tasks such as seeding, planting, watering, weeding, mulching and mowing.
• Propagate plants from seed in high tunnel.
• Process vegetables for distribution including harvesting, washing, bunching, and packing.
• Perform light data entry and other record‑keeping.
• Maintain garden areas by operating gas‑powered string trimmer, tiller, and mower as needed.
• Install, maintain, and operate drip and overhead irrigation systems.
• Occasional farm and animal assistance dependent on need and other work priorities.

Requirements

Must‑Have

• Current, valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Reliable transportation.
• 1‑2 years of experience in small‑scale farming or vegetable gardening.
• Ability to maintain focus while performing repetitive tasks.
• Ready to work outside, in all types of weather.
• Able to meet the physical demands of farm labor (walking, standing, reaching, stooping, squatting, lifting up to 50 lbs; working indoors and outdoors in cold, hot or wet conditions on uneven surfaces).
• Excited to learn/deepen knowledge of market gardening best practices and techniques.
• Open to direction and working well in a team.

Nice‑to‑Have

• Comfortable using Microsoft suite.
• Experience with BCS (or other) walk‑behind‑tractors and implements.
• Experience with irrigation system installation and repair, both drip and overhead.
• Experience starting plants in a greenhouse or high tunnel.
• Experience using tractors, skid steers, and related implements.

Schedule

Part‑time: average 24‑30 hrs/week, Tuesday‑Thursday.
Full‑time: 40+ hrs/week, Monday‑Friday.

Wages and Benefits

Pay: $17/hr.
No benefits as this is a temporary, seasonal position.