Job Description
ABOUT OUR FARM Lewis Farm sits on land originally inhabited by the Massawomeck and officially established as the Frye Farm in the early 1800s by one of Wardensville's founding families. This 100-acre farm site is bordered by the Cacapon River. Our vegetable production is focused on just under 1 intensively-managed acre and we are in the process of refining our vegetable and flower programs, as well as adding livestock production to better serve our markets and other connected enterprises (market, bakery, kitchen, etc.). This year we began Livestock production, growing pasture raised poultry in 2024 and preparing for additional forms of livestock production in 2025.
Our vegetable farm, and nearly 45 acres of pasture, has been Certified Organic since 2019 and we have loyally followed sustainable principles such as crop rotation, soil nutrient balancing, and cover-cropping.
As a nonprofit social enterprise, our farm serves as a living classroom teaching local youth (what we call our "Junior Crew") organic and sustainable farming techniques as well as how the farm interacts with, and is integrated into, the larger ecosystem. They are involved in all aspects of production, from seed to sale. They also learn with our farm crew as they grow, cultivate and prepare produce for our market, bakery, farm stand and restaurant, gaining hands-on, real life experience.
OVERVIEW We are seeking a motivated Farmer to support the year round operations of Lewis Farm at Farms Work Wonders. Working closely with the Farm leadership team, this Farmer will participate in and understand all farm activities related to food production, sustainability, & youth education. This is a field based role, integral to ensuring timely production, crop observation and communication, and thoughtful youth agriculture education. This is a full time position.
This role reports directly to the Farm Manager.
MUST-HAVES - Working with youth: Contribute to a welcoming environment where youth can explore their interests while being supported with relationships and opportunities.
- Curiosity and learning mindset: Ability to take and give constructive and timely feedback.
- Collaborative mindset: Work and communicate effectively within the farm team.
- Farming experience: Ability to lead on field projects with urgency, confidence, and competence; understanding that farming is rewarding, yet physically demanding.
Additional responsibilities will be detailed in the interview and full job description.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS - Valid driver's license
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Willingness and ability to commute or relocate to Wardensville, WV if necessary.
WORK SCHEDULE Full-time & part time positions available. This is a year-round position requiring weekend and holiday availability. This position is expected to work up to 40 hours per week for full time candidates and up to 32 hours per week for part time candidates.
COMPENSATION This is a non-exempt position with a starting hourly rate of $17.00 per hour commensurate with experience.
Full time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package including medical and life insurance, a generous paid time off policy, bereavement leave, and discounts at our enterprises.
We have a standard ninety (90) day orientation period that allows you to decide if we meet your expectations and for us to ensure you can perform the job assigned to you. During the orientation period, you may or may not be eligible for certain benefits.
ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is
to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders started with the Wardensville Garden Market project-an organic farm and farm stand. Since opening, our enterprises have expanded to include a market, bakery, glass blowing studio, and restaurant that have currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with many held by local high school students.
Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. As this position is with a youth focussed organization, all employees are required to pass a background check, as well.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Part time, Local area, Relocation, Gangs, Weekend work,