Lead Market Garden Field Assistant: Full-Time at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Inc.

Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Jun, 26

Salary

20.78

Posted On

20 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Seeding, Transplanting, Weeding, Mulching, Trellising, Pest Management, Disease Management, Harvesting, Post-Harvest Management, Packing, Delivery, Recordkeeping, Supervision, Communication, Physical Stamina, Initiative

Industry

Hospitals and Health Care

Description

Description VMRC strives to live and work as a community. Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County in race, ethnicity, and cultural demographics. We are committed to maintaining a culture that embraces and values the views and opinions of "all" people regardless of race, color, ethnicity, and gender. Our commitment to achieving this goal will help to bring our mission and values to life. The Lead Field Assistant position is responsible for assisting with the management of all areas of production at The Farm at Willow Run from seed to delivery. Responsibilities include: seeding, transplanting, weeding, mulching, trellising, pest and disease management, as well as harvesting, washing, post-harvest management, and packing and delivery of produce. Assists with managing the maintenance of farm fields, the grounds around farm buildings, market garden recordkeeping, and provides direction and guidance as needed to farm staff and volunteers/interns Salary is based on experience Range: $16.25 - $20.78 Work Schedule: Full-Time (or) Part-Time starting April 1st 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday-Friday (hours may vary based upon weather and position's responsibilities) 75-80 hours per pay period (every 2 weeks) Eligible for benefits on date of hire Why Join VMRC? We’re offering benefits that hit all the right spots—starting day one for benefit-eligible team members! Work 60+ hours per pay period (every 2 weeks) to unlock the full package, or 40–59 hours to unlock most perks (except medical). Are you thinking about joining us? Here’s what we’re bringing to the table: Medical insurance with prescription coverage: (30+ hours/week), plus dental and vision plans to keep you looking and feeling fresh. Future-Proof Your Finances: 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% company match after one year—stacking wealth for your next chapter. PTO That is awesome: Full-timers rack up over 230 hours of Personal Time Off in year one, with cash-out options for that extra flex. Pre-K Subsidy: Pending eligibility, you could qualify for a subsidy from VMRC to offset pre-kindergarten (pre-K) expenses. On-Demand Pay: Access to Earned Wages BEFORE the scheduled payday because life happens Company-paid Short-Term Disability for full-time crew, plus optional Long-Term Disability for added peace of mind. Life Insurance, Locked In: Free company-paid life insurance, with supplemental options to level up your coverage. Flex Spending, Made Easy: Flexible Spending Account with a company contribution to help you save smart. Wellness Opportunities: Free or discounted membership to our on-site Wellness Center—because self-care is real. Level Up Your Learning: Tuition reimbursement and scholarships to keep your career moving forward. Foodie Deals: Employee meal discounts to fuel your hustle without breaking the bank. Good Vibes Only: Our Healthy You program and RARE (Recognizing, Assisting, and Rewarding Employees) committee keep the energy high with shout-outs and rewards. Mental Health Matters: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you through life’s ups and downs. Cash In on Your Network: Referral bonuses for bringing your friends and family to the team. Loan Forgiveness, Super Shift Diff's & Signing Bonuses: Select roles come with financial perks to kickstart your career with a bang. Tickets at Work: Snag deals at over 1,000 vendors—dining, concerts, car rentals, and more. Local Perks: Enjoy 10% off at local spots to make every day sweeter. Requirements As a condition for employment, VMRC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If selected for a pending job offer, the candidate will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination(s) or provide proof of prior COVID-19 vaccination(s) before the date of hire. VMRC is a drug-free community - we have and will continue to comply with all federal and state laws. If selected for a pending job offer, the candidate will be required to satisfactorily pass a background check and drug screen during the pre-employment screening process. High school diploma or equivalent specialty coursework, with 1-2 years of farming experience preferred. Must possess a current Virginia driver’s license with a clean driving record. Ability to lift 50 lbs, perform strenuous physical tasks, and work in all types of weather. Experience with and passion for small-scale, low-input, sustainable vegetable production preferred Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and strong work ethic. Fast learner with the ability to work quickly and carefully in a safe manner, and motivate others to do the same. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the ability to anticipate operation needs and take initiative. A. Essential Functions 1. Under the direction of the Farm Operations Manager, supervises other farm staff and volunteers/interns. 2. Supports programming and outreach opportunities organized by other VMRC Service Lines 3. Seeds, transplants, removes weeds, and mulches all areas of the Market Garden. 4. Performs necessary pest and disease management to ensure optimum harvest yields. 5. Actively participates in the harvesting of crops, including washing, post-harvest management, and packaging and delivery of produce. 6. Assists with managing the maintenance of farm fields and grounds around the farm buildings. 7. Assists with Market Garden recordkeeping. Effectively communicates all challenges, issues, and concerns to the immediate supervisor. B. General Functions 1. Complies with all VMRC and departmental policies & guidelines in a conscientious manner. 2. Actively engages residents in a meaningful, positive, and compassionate manner while ensuring an environment of resident-centered respect and appreciation. 3. Maintains confidentiality of all resident care and protected health information. Reports known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information to the supervisor. 4. Handles responsibility and maintains a positive, professional, and collaborative working relationship with residents, families, administration, peers, and co-workers. 5. Uses correct body mechanics to prevent injury to self, residents, and other staff. 6. Assumes responsibility for and actively participates in staff development (professional growth) and continuing education to keep skills and required certification(s) up-to-date. 7. Demonstrates computer skills necessary to complete job tasks/responsibilities. 8. Attends all required in-services and department staff meetings. 9. Follows emergency and evacuation procedures. 10. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Responsibilities

The Lead Field Assistant manages all production areas at The Farm at Willow Run, from seed to delivery, handling tasks like seeding, harvesting, pest management, and post-harvest processing. This role also involves assisting with field maintenance, recordkeeping, and providing direction to farm staff and volunteers.