Seasonal Farm Laborer

The St. Luke's Organic farm is a partnership between the Rodale Institute and the St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) to create an innovative farm-to-hospital model. This Rodale Institute farm grows annual and perennial crops using organic techniques and provides CSA & wholesale orders to the SLUHN.

The Seasonal Farm Laborer will participate in all duties necessary to successfully operate the 15-acre diversified organic fruit & vegetable farm. This position will assist in a wide range of farm, landscaping, and distribution activities, including but not limited to greenhouse work, field preparation, planting, irrigation, plant care, harvesting, washing and packing produce, maintaining activity logs, and general cleaning and maintenance duties.

Applicants are encouraged to have prior agricultural and/or holistic health experience, although not required. This position is best for individuals who are prepared to work in a professional farming environment. Seasonal Workers report directly to the Farm Manager and Farm Technicians. This is a seasonal position, with available openings April – October 2026.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with Farm Manager, Farm Technicians and other crew members to execute day-to-day farm operations
• Conduct field and greenhouse activities, including but not limited to: field preparation, cultivating, planting, weeding, watering, seeding, dead-heading, spraying, pruning, trellising, harvesting produce and general plant care
• Participate in post-harvest handling of produce, including washing, sorting, packing, weighing and record-keeping
• Assist in landscaping and general property and farmhouse maintenance, including mowing, trimming fence lines, weed whacking, cleaning and other tasks as requested.
• Assist with infrastructure repair, sanitation, and compost
• Assist with set up and break down of events, such as u-picks, farmers markets, etc.
• Irrigation installation, maintenance, and removal
• Organic pest management
• Maintain equipment, tools and spaces to be functional
• Maintain activity logs to the standard set by the Farm Manager
• Maintain clean, organized work areas
• Follow all food safety protocols
• Record and submit all farm activities daily
• Other duties and tasks as assigned

Required Experience & Qualifications:

• Previous experience in manual labor, agriculture, or landscaping
• Previous experience with small engine equipment
• Ability to maintain organized activity logs
• Ability to adapt to repetitive tasks & the demanding changes of the farm
• Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to be flexible with scheduling, as farm work can be unpredictable
• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
• Willing to work in all weather conditions
• Positive, motivated and professional attitude
• Attention to detail and ability to follow directions
• Valid Driver's License
• High School diploma or equivalent

Schedule:

• The timeframe for this position is April - October; applicants may work the entire season or a portion of the season (a minimum of 3 months of availability is preferred).
• Flexible to accommodate 20-40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday with rotating weekend shifts
• Weekend chores amounting to 1-2 hours are required on a rotating basis and will be divided equally among crew members. Additional weekend work may be assigned by the Farm Manager.

Compensation:

• $16.00 per hour
• Communal, co-ed, on-site housing is available on a limited basis.

Other Expectations:

• Individuals must be committed to the farm’s success, and in turn, the farm will be committed to the individual’s success
• To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.