We are Hiring!
Featherstone Farm is all about being a responsible, employee friendly workplace: this commitment is embedded in the Farm’s Mission Statement, which says in part: Featherstone Farm is committed to being a fair, transparent and accountable agricultural employer, and to making farm work a safe, respected and personally sustainable profession. In 2024 Featherstone received formal certification from the Fair Food Program, a nationally recognized, farmworker based auditor of employment practices and policies. FFP sets a very high bar for transparency and accountability to employees; Featherstone Farm has always met these standards in practice. Now that practice is audited and certified by a formal program. Year round employees at Featherstone Farm- including those positions described below- receive paid vacation time, paid sick time, and other benefits described in the Featherstone Farm Employee Handbook. FF does not offer health insurance or a retirement savings match at this time. All employees at Featherstone Farm are entitled to take fresh produce from designated areas in season.
To Apply:
Applicants for any position listed below are asked to submit a Featherstone Farm Application for Employment found by clicking the “Apply Today” button underneath the job posting. Please send your application along with resume, references, and cover letter to office@featherstonefarm.com. And please reach out with any questions!
CSA Program Coordinator
Featherstone Farm is seeking a creative, energetic, and experienced individual to serve as its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program Coordinator beginning in 2025. This is a full time, permanent position, that reports directly to the General Manager of Featherstone Farm.
The CSA Coordinator is both the behind-the-scenes strategic “brains of the program” as well as the “face of the program” for its ~1100 CSA members. Much of the weekly and seasonal work of the Coordinator is focused on telling the story of Featherstone Farm and the story of seasonal vegetables to this wide audience, through coherent, compelling narratives presented in newsletters, member education materials and in social media. This is both a highly creative role, and a nuts-and-bolts customer service job.
The position is based on the farm in Rushford, MN where the CSA Coordinator will be immersed in the day-to-day workings of the farm business and the CSA box packing process. The position also involves some travel, to CSA member communities in the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester, Winona and LaCrosse WI.
Job Description
Responsibilities:
1. Works with GM to update CSA strategic plan every year including (but not limited to):
a. Goals for signups per season (numbers and dollars, both)
b. Renewal level targets for each season
c. Full list of tactics and plans to achieve (a) and (b) (existing and new initiatives)
d. Updating and expanding map of communities served by CSA program
2. Develops and maintains relationships in communities that CSA serves including:
a. Drop site hosts
b. Food advocates: NGOs, media, restaurant people/chefs
c. Social media influencers
3. Develops and maintains relationships with CSA members as “face of FF” including
a. CSA core group(s), focus groups (in person and virtual)
b. Dropsite visits / informal chats with members wherever possible (in person)
c. Social media groups (virtual)
4. Creates Content: story telling
a. Writes material / creates video (and other media?) multiple times per week, focused on telling stories of FF: people, place, daily and seasonal processes, history, mission..
b. Goal of this content: engage and educate members, build and sustain “CSA/ local food mindset” and appreciation, ultimately to boost renewal rates
5. Creates Content: vegetable advocacy
a. Writes material / creates video (and other?) multiple times per week, focused on the nature (seasonal, weekly variation) and use of veggies in CSA boxes. This includes (but not limited to!) priorities for use (what veggies will not keep?), stabilization and preservation, and actual preparation. This is about much more than providing recipes!
b. Goal of this content: optimize member use of the largest percentage of every box, reducing food waste and ultimately, boosting renewal rates.
6. Engages in all aspects of the life of FF in all seasons, from the greenhouses and high tunnels to field and machine shop to warehouse and CSA pack line. Rides in each CSA delivery truck at least 1x/season. Goal of this is to build relationships on the farm, as a foundation for relationships off the farm (#2 and #3 above), and as a way to develop authentic source material for content creation (#4 and #5 above).
7. Works with GM to develop and implement seasonal marketing and promotional plans to sell CSA shares
a. Develops and manages all seasonal sales and promotional materials, from brochures
to banners and advertising of all kinds
b. Identifies, prioritizes and attends in-person events of all kinds, at which to promote FF in general and the CSA program in particular.
c. Evaluates effectiveness of various efforts in real time, makes adjustments necessary to hit sales targets season by season
8. Serves as administrative manager of CSAware- FF’s online CSA member platform- and interface between CSAaware, the farm operation, and CSA members themselves
a. Programs in (3) seasons per year, with dates, dropsites and registration deadlines.
b. “Creates weekly boxes” on CSAware every Friday in season, with the help of FF Crop Allocator and other staff; sends out the “create your box” weekly update to members through CSAware
c. Answers member questions and assists members in navigating all aspects of CSAware
d. Proposes and implements updates or needed changes in various aspects of the platform, in coordination with CSAware staff
9. Creates newsletters (separate from CSAware messages) and sends out every week through Constant Contact, filled with content created personally (see #4 and #5 above), and by others at and around FF; Co-ordinator is content editor as well as creator.
10. Creates and sends out social media posts multiple times per week in season, filled with content related to, but separate from, newsletter content (see #9 above).
11. Answers member questions by email, text and phone call; provides direct customer service on all issues related to the CSA program.
12. Plans and implements on-farm events and events in CSA member communities, in service of strategic goals of widening and deepening CSA community in every way possible.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A successful applicant will present:
Strong, well documented writing and communication / story telling skills
Substantial knowledge of seasonal vegetables and scratch cooking
Demonstrated capacity for independent, creative and strategic thinking
Fluency in online communications including social media platforms and online
advertising
Demonstrated capacity for teamwork and positive communication with co workers, ideally with members of other cultures
A commitment to high quality, timely work delivery and deadline management
Good customer service skills, by phone, email and in person
Dedication to the values of environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, strong rural communities, and a just and vital local food system
Compensation
Pay begins at the level of $25 per hour. The CSA Coordinator is eligible for overtime pay as well as sick time, vacation time and other benefits as described in the FF Employee Handbook.
Order Administrator/Assembler
Job Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Order Administrator/Assembler to join our team! The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing orders, coordinating shipments, and ensuring timely delivery to customers.
Responsibilities:
- Process incoming orders accurately and efficiently
- Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure timely fulfillment of orders
- Maintain accurate records of orders, shipments, and inventory levels
- Utilize warehouse management systems to track orders and inventory
- Assist in resolving any order discrepancies or issues
Experience:
- Previous experience in order administration or related field preferred
- Familiarity with warehouse operations and materials handling processes
- Knowledge of shipping and receiving procedures
- Ability to operate equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks ect.
- Mechanical knowledge for rigging and loading/unloading tasks
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in using warehouse management systems
- Experience with materials handling equipment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Has strong spatial management
- Proficient with the use of computers. Strong mathematics.
- Have an interest in learning about sustainable and organic vegetable production
- Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly, occasionally up to 100 pounds. Able to push or pull up to 2,000 pounds with material handling equipment
- Ability to work inside coolers/freezers, and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions
If you are a proactive individual with excellent organizational skills and a background in order administration, we encourage you to apply for this position!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 48 per week
Benefits:
Employee discount
Paid sick time
Schedule:
Afternoon shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Delivery Driver
Featherstone Farm is seeking a locally based Delivery Driver/Farm Hand (Rushford, Winona, La Crosse etc. home base) for our weekly vegetable deliveries in the Twin Cities, while filling in with farm based work on non delivery days. Work days include Monday through Saturday. Days and times will vary. Approx. 40-45 hours a week.
This driver will drive to our Twin Cities’ Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) drop sites and our wholesale store accounts to deliver fresh market produce. This is a seasonal position, with further opportunity for continued employment. (June 2024 to end of the year)
At Featherstone Farm we value a positive attitude and team-work; treating every customer, colleague and vendor with the highest level of respect and service; and growing and delivering fresh organic produce of the highest quality.
We are seeking a positive, engaged, self-motivated team player. This individual will be expected to provide professional customer service and timely deliveries.
Job Summary: The Delivery Driver is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of our product to the Twin Cities via a large box truck. Delivery tasks include driving safety, accurately stacking pallets to ensure product quality and orderly delivery processes. Other off day farm tasks as needed.
Responsibilities:
Driving a large box truck safely to and from CSA farm share sites with farm product, following all roadway laws
Responsible for loading/unloading vehicle and maintaining a clean cab and box
Accurately stacking pallets prior to the beginning each day’s route. Accurately pulling box counts and orders for each site from pallets
Maintaining a timely schedule, working quickly, yet with careful attention to detail and precision regarding box counts at all sites
Reporting to the distribution and CSA coordinator any delivery delays or product problems and working with them to effectively problem solve
Consistently gathering and logging box and pallet returns at each site and reporting those numbers back to the distribution coordinator at end of day
Performing a daily safety check of the truck and logging that information each day. Reporting to the distribution coordinator any current or potential future maintenance or repair needs
Monitoring fuel level and refueling at the end/start of shift as necessary
Representing the farm in a professional and friendly way with receivers and produce department staff at each delivery
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
No CDL required. Valid/clean MN Driver’s License required.
Ability to drive a large box truck and use mirrors for lane changes and backing up
Ability to follow instructions, problem solve and maintain deadlines
Ability to communicate effectively, and work in a team environment.
Ability to work quickly and with careful attention to detail
Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift up to 100 pounds with assistance, ability to push/pull objects up to 2,500 pounds using material handling equipment
Must be able to perform physical work in a variety of positions and at various heights includes bending, stooping, reaching and twisting of arms and body movement
Benefits: Starting Wage is $19.50 with a review after 60 days. Includes Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time and free organic produce
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $19.50 per hour
Benefits:
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Paid training
Shift:
Day shift
Work Days:
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Shift availability:
Day Shift (Preferred)
Applicants must submit a Featherstone Farm Application for Employment. Click the link to download an application and email it to office@featherstonefarm.com.
Crop Management Team Member
We are looking for an experienced individual who is interested in the potential to become a long term and key member of our crop management team. This person would spend the 2023 season working in field production to get to know our systems, our team, and learning the skills to move forward with more management and leadership responsibilities in subsequent seasons.
Responsibilities: Participation in all aspects of crop production work including but not limited to: greenhouse and hoophouse, irrigation installation and application, planting, scouting for pests and disease, field prep and cultivation, fertility monitoring and application, data collection, and crop planning. Horticulture team members are also occasionally assigned other responsibilities or projects like wash and pack, harvest, carpentry projects, ect. They will be involved in all aspects of Field Production from hand labor and equipment operation to data collection and analysis.
Qualifications: We are seeking positive, engaged, self-motivated team players with a passion for problem solving and completing high-quality work. Qualified applicants will have experience with field production of organic vegetables. Spanish language skills and proficiency with MS Excel are highly sought but not required. Ability to operate farm equipment (tillage, seeding, cultivating and harvesting equipment, among others) is also desired but not required. We are willing to train those willing to learn. The ideal candidate will also have strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong organizational skills.
Positions are based at our farm in beautiful Rushford, MN. During the growing season (April-October) employees are expected to work 40 to 50 hours a week in all weather conditions; hours and days may vary. Winter work (Nov-March) in our warehouse and with crop planning likely 30-40 hours per week with opportunities for more time off if desired.
Benefits: Hourly wage (starting at $18.50). Paid Time Off after 6 months, access to land for individual farm projects, and access to free organic produce. Housing options may be available with reasonable rent payment.
Applicants must submit a Featherstone Farm Application for Employment and cover letter. Applications can be downloaded by clicking “Apply Today.” Please email application documents to abby@featherstonefarm.com or send to Featherstone Farm 43090 City Park Road, Rushford, MN 55971.
Farm Shop & Equipment Maintenance Worker
Featherstone Farm is a certified organic farm located in the bluff country in and around Rushford, Minnesota. The farm produces fresh market vegetables and fruits for distribution to natural food stores, wholesalers, and a 1000+ member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. At Featherstone Farm we value a positive attitude and team-work; treating every customer, colleague and vendor with the highest level of respect and service; and fresh organic produce of the highest quality.
The Farm Shop & Equipment Maintenance employee is based at our farm in Rushford, MN. This is a full-time position. During the nine-month growing season (March-Nov), repair and maintenance employees are expected to work 40 hours a week in all weather conditions. From Dec-Feb, repair and maintenance employees work part time; hours and days may vary. Background check may be required.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications: At least 5 years of experience in most or all of the following:
Troubleshooting on all types of farm systems, equipment and vehicles.
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul of farm machinery including vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems. Hydraulic & pneumatic systems. Defective engines or engine components. Diesel and gas motors. Welding.
Maintenance and service of pickups and delivery trucks (including refrigeration)
Repair and maintenance of farm buildings & infrastructure
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical
Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
Track inventory of tools, parts, and supplies
Maintain facilities’ cleanliness and organization
Demonstrated ability to operate farm equipment (tillage, seeding, cultivating and harvesting equipment, among others) is required.
Excellent communication skills.
Develop safe work areas, good habits, and establish good housekeeping practices.
Applicants will need to be able to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly, and to squat, bend over, and reach for extended periods, and work in all weather
Perform post-season equipment maintenance and winterization
Benefits: Hourly wage based on experience; includes Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave and free organic produce.
References: At least three references are required.
Applicants must submit a Featherstone Farm Application for Employment. Click the link to download an application and email it to office@featherstonefarm.com.