Listing Information

Number of Workers Sought

3

Type of Farm

Vegetable

Marketing Strategy

Community Supported Agriculture, Wholesale

Paid

Yes

Pay Rate

We will provide a starting wage $15-17DOE there will be an option for mid-season raises depending on performance. Crew are responsible for their own meals although we will occasionally share farm dinners. There will be produce available for personal consumption, as well as seconds for preservation.

Describe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests

Harlequin Produce is a certified organic diverse vegetable farm located in Arlee Montana, 25 miles north of Missoula, 2024 will be our 14 year in business. Brian and Kaly have been working with vegetables since 2007. Prior to becoming full-time farmers we studied Agroecology at Montana State University. Over the course of the last years we have grown from a small one-acre farm to 40-acre farm operating with 20 acres in vegetables. Each season we hire a total of 6-10 employees, we believe the success of our farm in part stems from having employees that feel valued and respected we strive to create a working environment that is both positive and productive.
We value efficiency and ecology with an emphasis on production. We strive to grow produce in a manner that incorporates ecological principles while increasing yields. We take each tillage or cultivation pass with consideration of soil health and longevity.

Our website has full details about our farm, farming practices and job opportunities.
http://www.harlequinorganicproduce.com/

Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live

We are 25 miles north of Missoula. The farm overlooks the Jocko River and the Rattlesnake Wilderness. The Flathead River is 20 minutes away. Arlee which has a post office, grocery store, and a few bars is 10 minutes from the farm.

Describe your farm operation

We have five high tunnels, a heated prophouse, a warehouse and walk-in cooler for packing and storing produce. We also have an assortment of appropriately scaled vegetable specific equipment that reduces our labor and increases our production. This includes a plastic mulch layer, water wheel transplantor, flame weeder, cultivation equipment, tractor pulled seeder, an undercutter for harvesting roots, Scott Viner carrot harvestor, conveyor for brassicas, a 200lb capacity barrel washer, and 6 tractors of various sizes.
We grow a large assortment of classic vegetables. Our produce is marketed in two main avenues; through the Western Montana Growers Cooperative, and direct to customers via our 500-member summer Customizable CSA and Winter Storage Stock-UP. Our farm offers a unique opportunity to learn how to be both a wholesale grower and a vibrant direct market producer.

Describe the work to be performed by applicant

Farming is extremely rewarding, allowing us to see the direct effects of the fruits of our labor. Farming is both an exercised in mental as well as physical strength, work can be long, tedious and monotonous.
We are looking for applicants who have a strong desire to learn, work hard, communicate effectively, think ahead, enjoy working in a fast paced environment, and potentially have an interest in a farming career.
We often work side by side with our crew allowing time for questions and conversations about agriculture. Employees are also expected to be able to work efficiently by themselves without our constant guidance.
Employees will assist with all aspects of vegetable production: greenhouse work in the spring, field preparation, building low tunnels, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, post harvest preparation of vegetables, farmers market sales, CSA packing, and field tear down.

Please visit our website for complete job profiles. http://www.harlequinorganicproduce.com/job-opportunities/

What do you expect of a worker?

On average we strive to have employees work 40-45 hours a week Monday-Friday; but this is farming - and we do expect people to work until the job completed.

Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker

The farm is your oyster -

Are you a full-time farmer?

Yes

Explain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area

The farm currently has housing for 1 employee. There is also a break-room with a full kitchen and couple of beds for those that wish to commute from Missoula or stay a couple of nights a week. Crew are responsible for their own meals although we will occasionally share farm dinners. There will be produce available for personal consumption, as well as seconds for preservation.

Please attach any photos of your farm and operation

What are the dates of your position?

May-October 27th for full-time positions (best estimate), June-mid-October for Part-time employees

Are you open to shorter periods of employment or do you prefer that workers stay the full season?

Prefer full season

Please share three things you think people should know about living with you.

Each season we hire a total of 6-10 full employees, we believe the success of our farm in part stems from having employees that feel valued and respected we strive to create a working environment that is both fun and productive.
We value efficiency and ecology with an emphasis on production. We strive to grow produce in a manner that incorporates ecological principles while increasing yields. We take each tillage or cultivation pass with consideration of soil health and longevity. We have worked hard to keep prices low and consistent thus increasing the access of local food.
We are looking for applicants who have a strong desire to learn, work hard, communicate effectively, think ahead, enjoy working in a fast paced environment, and potentially have an interest in a farming career.
We often work side by side with our crew allowing time for questions and conversations about agriculture.

Currently Hiring

Yes

Do you have a website, social media account, or job posting anywhere else?

Yes

Online Listing URL

http://www.harlequinorganicproduce.com/job-opportunities/