Community Farm Seasonal Grower

Title:                           Community Farm Seasonal Grower

Supervisor:                Community Farm Manager

Location:                   Loudoun County, VA

Job Classification:   Part-Time – Non-Exempt, Seasonal (April – October)

PEC is seeking to hire a Community Farm Seasonal Grower to support operations at its Community Farm.

About PEC

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

Geographic Focus

The PEC Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows is located on 172 acres of PEC-owned property at Gilberts Corner in Loudoun County, Virginia (39990 Howsers Branch Dr., Aldie, VA 20105). The area has become an access point to outdoor recreation, natural resource conservation and restoration, local food production in service to others, and historic preservation. It serves to highlight the bounty and beauty of the rural Virginia Piedmont just steps from the residential suburbs of Loudoun County.

About the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows

Launched in 2019, PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows is a vegetable farm operation that utilizes organic inputs and techniques to grow produce for local food pantries. We donate the majority of our produce to hunger relief organizations in Loudoun and Clarke counties. The farm consists of 3.5 acres of vegetable production and 1 acre of fruit trees and berries, producing tens of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually. Engagement with volunteers, schools and community organizations is a vital part of the farm, providing opportunities for members of the public to engage with their local food system and give back, as well as fostering lasting relationships with fellow members of the community. The Community Farm is highly visible through its productivity, use of a volunteer workforce, and engagement with the community. It promotes the importance of land stewardship, access to fresh foods and mutual aid. Through the collaborative efforts of the Community Farm team, local residents and volunteers learn about local agriculture while contributing to increased access to fresh, healthy, locally-produced fruits and vegetables for families in need.

Your Role

The Seasonal Grower will possess experience and knowledge of vegetable farming, with an interest in working with a diverse network of volunteers and community members. They must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and proactively as a member of the farm team, as well as with volunteers and visitors, and PEC staff. The Seasonal Grower will have an integral role in the full farm operation, providing assistance to the Community Farm Manager on all farm operations, and working alongside three additional farm staff.

Key Responsibilities

Typical activities include:

• Vegetable and fruit production to meet the needs of our local food pantries
• Mowing, bed preparation, seeding, planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting and washing crops
• Organizing, educating, and working alongside diverse volunteers
• Grounds, equipment and building maintenance
• Assuring safety protocols and best management practices are met
• Assisting with broader property management tasks throughout the Roundabout Meadows and Gilberts Corner Farmers Market properties as assigned. Tasks may include but are not limited to:
  • Soil sampling
  • Trail maintenance
  • Tree planting
  • Fence maintenance
• Other duties as assigned

The Community Farm Seasonal Grower reports to the Community Farm Manager. In addition, the Seasonal Grower will collaborate with other PEC staff and departments within PEC.

This is a seasonal, part-time position

averaging 24-30 hours per week between April and October. This position will be based at PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105) with occasional travel to the headquarters office in Warrenton, VA.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position will be primarily completed in the field. Fieldwork is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and is carried out with other members of the farm team and volunteers, or occasionally alone. Fieldwork is often physically demanding, including walking over uneven terrain, with a risk of exposure to natural hazards. Occasional lifting of materials up to 50 pounds is required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of vegetable farming experience.
• Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively and creatively with minimal supervision.
• Mission-minded with a strong interest in conservation, sustainable agriculture, education and community engagement.
• Familiarity with computers and the use of online tools, such as the Google Suite, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, etc.
• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions, with limited facilities.
• Willing to work weekends, approximately 3 weekend days/month
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to service and community and a willingness to participate in practices of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of farming experience.
• Experience working with volunteers, school groups and individuals of all ages and skill levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture or related field.
• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience are a plus.
• Experience using mowers and power equipment.

Compensation

This position is a seasonal (April- October) non-exempt / hourly position without benefits. Weekly hours will range between 24-30 hours, with a salary range of $18 to $22 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

Part-time or Seasonal employee benefits may vary but PEC generally offers the following:

• Cell phone reimbursement, up to $75 per month
• Travel Expense / Mileage Reimbursement
• Worker’s Compensation coverage

The Piedmont Environmental Council strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all aspects of achieving our mission. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Read more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) commitments.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations during the Application or interview process may be requested. If you have any questions or concerns, please email apply@pecva.org.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.