We’re looking for two Farm Assistants for the 2021 growing season. Please read on for more information.

Feel free to email or call Nella Mae Parks at farmer@nellamaesfarm.com or 541-910-4098 to discuss position before submitting application. Please do not contact us via text or messenger in regards to this job.

Farm Assistant Positions Now Open

Background: Nella Mae’s Farm is a small vegetable farm growing for local markets. We sell to restaurants, retail outlets, through our on-farm farmstand, and at the La Grande Farmers Market.

Farm Assistants experience first-hand what it takes to manage a diverse small farm through the growing season. The work is physical and mentally engaging. Farm Assistants help with harvest, planting, weeding, irrigation, pruning, trellising, and other production tasks. The work is varied throughout the day, the week, and season. It is a great job for someone who likes to work outside and likes to learn new skills.

We value our employees and appreciate the skills and ideas they bring to the farm. We have a friendly, organized workplace with clear procedures and daily objectives. We have a strong sense of community and teamwork on our farm.

Farm or gardening experience is not required. Interest, curiosity, and a strong work ethic go a long way.

COVID note: We require masks and appropriate distancing until further notice to keep all our employees safe.

Wage: Starting at $13/hour.

Work Schedule: 10-30 hours per week. Schedule is flexible but harvest days are required–Tuesdays and Fridays. Daily schedule is 7am-12pm, lunch, 1pm-3pm.

Term: June-Oct

Job Description: The Farm Assistant will work with a team of other workers under supervision of the farm manager. The Farm Assistant will be involved in daily fieldwork with instruction in pest and disease control, soil health, and irrigation and water management.

• Field work: includes field preparation for planting, transplanting, weeding, thinning, pest control.
• Greenhouse: seeding, transplanting, watering, trellising and pest control.
• Harvesting: Field harvesting, washing, sorting, and packing salad mix and vegetables.
• Record keeping: Assisting with planting, harvest, farm activity records.

This position also provides an excellent learning experience for someone who is interested in agriculture, food and running a small business and who enjoys being outside. At the farm we strive to provide learning opportunities for all employees per their interests.

Qualifications: We are looking for a hard-working, self-motivated person who is able to communicate well. The Farm Assistant must be able to work quickly and deftly with their hands. This person must be able follow direction of the farm manager and provide constructive feedback about operations. Attention to detail and adherence to our food safety procedures is critical. Applicants should be ready for physical work and to lift 30lbs regularly. They should also be able to work outside in all weather conditions from rain to heat. We invite a person of any skill level to apply for as long as they are excited to learn and work outside.

How to Apply: Please send the following to farm owner Nella Mae Parks at farmer@nellamaesfarm.com: 1. A cover letter of 1-2 pages explaining your interest in the position and availability; 2. Current resume and; 3. A list of three work references with contact information. Please email as attachments in MS Word or PDF format.

Feel free to email or call Nella Mae Parks at 541-910-4098 to discuss position before submitting application. Please do not contact us via text or messenger in regards to this job.

More information about the farm at www.nellamaesfarm.com and on Facebook and Instagram.