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The Commonage Farmhand Job Description

Ever been interested in learning how to grow your own food, or more about sustainable farming? Looking to ask questions and deepen your spiritual life within the context of an intentional community? Love spending time in nature?  Not afraid of hard work? 

We are seeking individuals with a positive attitude, a desire for community and meaning, a willingness to learn about farming, and an interest in exploring their spiritual journey.

We are looking for two long-season Farm Hands to work up to 40 hours per week from April through October (long-season), and two for May to August (short-season). 

Farmhands will participate in every job on the farm, as well as participate in life on camp and some summer camp activities as a member of the Procter community.

This job includes housing and meals, as well as a stipend.

 

General Description

The Commonage at Procter Farm is part of the Episcopal Service Corps program, which helps young adults come together to transform unjust structures through community building, local collaboration, prayer, and action.

Procter Farm is a 6-acre, diversified vegetable and livestock farm in Central Ohio, offering production and educational opportunities. We supply Procter Camp & Conference Center with a substantial amount of fresh produce, operate a farmers market stand in Grove City, offer up to 30 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares across Southern Ohio, and donate to local community organizations. We extend our season with a greenhouse, hoop house, raised beds and row covers. Though not certified, we use only use organic practices to grow our food.

At Procter, we recognize the connection between the land, our labor, our food, our bodies, and our spirit. We engage with each element with due conscience as we cultivate healthier individuals and a more just society.

Procter’s Mission Statement

As a ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Procter Center witnesses to the Good News of God’s love by embodying and teaching creation care, spiritual growth, hospitality, and belonging.

Procter Center is a faith-based farm, camp, and retreat center for daytime and overnight groups. We serve spiritual, community, business, and youth organizations, as well as families and individuals who seek inspiration, reflection, education, team building, and togetherness in a simple, peaceful, and secluded setting.

Skills Required

· Team-focused

· Self-starter

· Crew-work experience

· Comfortable using power tools and motorized equipment, or willing to learn

· Comfortable driving a truck and tractor, or willing to learn

· Comfortable handling animals such as pigs and chickens

· Lift and walk with 50 pounds

· Likes working with families and kids

· Basic money addition

· Basic record keeping

· Experience using Google Calendar

· Willing to engage with the public in a friendly and outgoing manner

· Willingness to live in community in on-site housing

· Interested in building community 

· Open to learning and sharing about spirituallity 

 

Skills Desired

Farmhands should possess a philosophical enthusiasm or curiosity for sustainable agriculture and conservation, as well as a strong work ethic. Practical knowledge and experience in organic gardening is an advantage, but not required.

We are seeking individuals who demonstrate responsibility, integrity, reliability, initiative, creativity, and a strong work ethic.

 

Role Description

We are looking for two long-season Farm Hands to work up to 40 hours per week from April through October (long-season), and two for May to August (short-season). 

Farmhands will participate in every job on the farm, as well as participate in life on camp and some summer camp activities as a member of the Procter community. This includes, but is not limited to, greenhouse work, high-tunnel work, soil prep, mowing, raking, digging, seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, harvesting, regularly lifting 20 to 50 pound loads, maintaining equipment, hog and chicken care, working farmers markets, and providing farm tours for our summer campers and visitors. Farmhands must be able to work well independently, or as part of a team, depending on the staffing needed for the task.

Farmhands must successfully pass a state and federal background check and complete SafeChurch, CPR, and Dismantling Racism training (all provided by the employer). A valid driver’s license is required.

Educational Opportunities

Farmhands learn the fundamentals of operating a small farm from seed to sales. They will have the opportunity to learn the agricultural/botanical elements, as well as the business end of the operation. Not only will interns learn on the job about soil, irrigation, pest management, tool use, planting schedules, and more, but they will also learn about marketing and sales at our farmers' market stands.

Farmhands will also learn team-building skills and be given opportunities for public speaking or teaching on occasion. 

Schedule

All-staff days are every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, ensuring we have adequate coverage for harvesting and events. Sundays through Wednesdays, a rotating schedule is in place to ensure that everyone gets sufficient time off each week. However, at least one person is always available to tend to the farm animals and complete the daily chores.

Farmhands also meet weekly with the Commonage Coordinator for a community meal, spiritual reflection, and meditation. 

Additionally, during Summer Camp months, all staff who live onsite are expected to attend evening prayer in the chapel. 

Meals

Farmhands eat meals with other onsite staff, guests, and campers in the dining hall during Summer Camp and retreats. Farmhands also have access to camp leftovers, excess farm produce, and eggs, and a small warming kitchen. 

Housing

Farmhands live in on-site housing. Long-season farmhands live together in a cottage, where you will have a private bedroom, common living space and two shared bathrooms. Accommodations are modest and comfortable with wifi.

Stipend

Commonage Farmhands are paid a weekly stipend of $385, plus housing and meals.

Short-term insurance is also available. 

Job Type: Farmhand 

To apply,  please use this link: https://proctercenter.campbrainstaff.com/?ReturnUrl=%2fHome%2fLanding

If you have questions, please email info@proctercenter.org .