General Description
Procter Center Farm is a production and educational, 6-acre, diversified vegetable and livestock farm in Central Ohio. We supply Procter Camp & Conference Center with a substantial amount of fresh produce, operate a farmers market stand in Columbus, and Procter Store in London, OH. Each season, we offer up to 30 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, 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 each element with due conscience as we are cultivating healthier persons and a more just society.
Farmhand Position Description
Our farm is staffed through our Farmhand Program.
Each year, we seek three to four people to work 40 hours per week from June through August (summer season),
And 2 people to work April-October (long-season).
As a ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Procter’s mission is to embody and teach creation care, spiritual growth, hospitality and belonging while working to become beloved community together. Procter Farmhands support this mission and the ministry of Procter Farm. Farmhands are responsible for assisting the Resident Farmer in the planting, harvesting, and upkeep of the Procter market gardens, fruit trees, livestock, greenhouse, and high tunnel, under the direction of the Co-Executive Director: Facilities and Agriculture, and according to the standards set forth in the Procter Center Farmer’s Almanac, in alignment with the mission of Procter Center. Procter Farmhands are also a seasonal intentional community within the larger Procter community.
This includes, but is not limited to, greenhouse work, high-tunnel work, soil prep, seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, harvesting, regularly lifting 20 to 50-pound loads, feeding animals, collecting eggs, maintaining equipment, mowing, digging, raking, working farm markets, and sometimes being involved during farm tours for campers and participants. Interns develop their farm skills in our teachable areas within the greenhouse, raised beds, high tunnel, fields, and animal shelters.
The Co-Executive Directors and Resident Farmer provides all the training needed to make sure tools and small motorized equipment are used in a manner that keeps all staff safe. Interns ideally live onsite and are provided room and board.
Farmhands must successfully pass a state and federal background check, and complete Safe Church and Episcopal Anti-Racism training. A valid driver’s license is required.
Our Mission Statement
As a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio the mission of Procter is to embody and teach Creation Care, Spiritual Growth, Hospitality and Belonging as we work to become beloved community together.
Job Description
The Farmhands will work closely with the Resident Farmer and Co-Executive Director: Facilities and Agriculture to perform the following functions:
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- Farm planting and production schedule and rotation of crops.
- Daily check-ins with leadership
- Maintain compost piles
- Assist in maintaining fruit trees throughout the season, pruning, keeping their area free from weeds, and treating with organic sprays as necessary.
- Keep the garden beds free from weeds and pests throughout the season
- Ensure Livestock is properly housed and cared for, enclosures are safe and clean, always providing ample water. Protecting livestock from predators when necessary.
- Improve the soil quality in the garden beds using cover crops and introduction of organic material and compost
- Assisting the starting of seeds in the greenhouse and transplanting seedlings, direct sewing in the garden beds when appropriate.
- Support the sales and delivery of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
- Work farmer’s markets
- Participate in ongoing educational opportunities to learn about and implement sustainable farming techniques.
- Support the farm as a program area for guests and summer campers.
- Attend weekly community gatherings for spiritual reflection and fellowship
- And other duties which may arise from title to time as may be assigned to Employee
Skills Desired
Farmhands should possess a philosophical enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture, conservation, and hard work. Practical knowledge and experience in organic gardening and/or marketing is an advantage, but not required. It is also helpful if farmhands can cook, as we do test recipes for our CSAs, and often have cooking demonstrations at farm markets. We are looking for people who demonstrate responsibility, integrity, reliability, initiative, creativity, and a strong work ethic.
Educational Opportunities
Farmhands will learn the fundamentals of operating a small organic 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 will also learn about marketing and sales at our farmer’s market stands and the Procter Market.
Schedule
Farmhands work every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, so that we may have appropriate coverage for harvesting and events. Sundays through Wednesdays, there is a rotating schedule to ensure that everyone gets two days off per week, but that there is also always at least one person tending to the farm animals and completing the daily tasks.
Meals
Farmhands will have access to excess farm produce and meals provided by Procter Center Kitchen on camp, event and retreat days. Farmhands will have access to the camp kitchen, leftovers and other cooking tools in their cabin.
Housing
Farmhands will be provided housing on the farm in Cabin 5 and the Eco-Huts. Accommodations are modest and comfortable. Wi-Fi is not always available in the cabins, but access to Wi-Fi is always available in the center’s main building, Hobson Hall.
Community
Procter Farmhands are a seasonal intentional community within the larger Procter community. Farmhands and all farm staff will meet weekly for a time of community check-in, spiritual reflection, and fellowship. All expressions of faith are welcome, as are questions,. doubt and unbelief.
Farmhands will be supported by the Procter Wellness Chaplain and Procter Staff Chaplain, as well as the entire Procter team.
Stipend: $1,000 per month.
Farm Hand