Listing Information
Type of Farm
Vegetable, OtherMarketing Strategy
Community Supported Agriculture, Farm Stand, Farmers' Market, WholesalePaid
YesPay Rate
Pay rate begins at $15/hr and increases as efficiency and ability increase. Potential higher starting wage for experienced harvesters.Describe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests
My name is Tracy, I am a queer headed toward my 13th season as farmer/business owner. My partner Bethany and I strive run our diversified vegetable and flower operation with intention and care. We welcome a variety of friends, visitors, and volunteers to the farm every summer, and enjoy the energy and excitement that they bring to our lives. Our summer employees are an incredibly important part of our operation. Depending on what days you're working, you will harvest, plant, seed, weed, grow, eat, and sell with us. You also help us welcome the community to the farm throughout the season, during a variety of events and upick flower sessions.Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live
The farm is an easy 20 minute drive from Missoula proper, close to a number of hiking trails, and within walking distance of swimming spots along the Clark Fork River. It is a perfect location to enjoy two-stepping, karaoke, and fine dining in Missoula, and an afternoon of fishing or hiking in the back-country.Describe your farm operation
County Rail Farm is a small diverse Organic farm located in Western Montana, just west of Missoula. We grow for two Missoula Farmers Markets and sell wholesale through the Western Montana Growers Coop. Some of our crops include salad greens, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cut flowers including roses, sweet peas, ranunculus, and tulips.
Describe the work to be performed by applicant
*We are not currently hiring* We have a crew of part time employees. Schedules may be only Mondays and Thursdays or Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. Positions start May or June - September 30. No experience necessary, but experience is great if you have it. Work includes harvesting vegetables (and strawberries), washing, packing, labeling, and if working Wednesdays or after harvest, other tasks such as planting, weeding, dead heading, and bed preparation. If interested, working at the farmers market on Saturdays is also an option.We seek to provide a work experience that is demanding without being grueling. You will be working with Tracy and Bethany, other part time employees, and frequently alone. Your responsibilities will vary through the season and work requires physical labor, repetitive movements, and the ability to take direction as well as self-motivate.
What do you expect of a worker?
This position is for Mondays and Thursdays (and potentially Wednesdays) 7am-4pm or 8-5 depending on weather May or June through September or October depending on the season.Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker
As our employees, you gain first hand experience and detailed knowledge about how a small scale operation like ours functions. You be part of many conversations about how we do what we do while you're here. I am happy to share what knowledge we have about plants, animals, insects, tractors, trucks, and business plans. That said, we are always learning ourselves and you will likely find yourself learning with us as well as from us. We belong to Montana Homegrown, a group of growers committed to community and sustainability in Western Montana, and you will have opportunities to visit member farms and participate in available workshops through Homegrown and CFAC.Are you a full-time farmer?
YesExplain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area
No housing available for part time employeesPlease attach any photos of your farm and operation
