Job Title: Assistant Farmer

Organization: Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead

Location: Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA

Reports to: Historic Farm Manager

Salary: $17 per hour

Time Commitment: Full Time (approximately 40 hours per week); weekends, evenings,                   and holidays required

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Farmer will work alongside the Historic Farm Manager, staff, and volunteers to participate in all farming activities including animal care, site maintenance, crop maintenance to support the Farmstead’s mission to educate, interpret, and encourage active participation in historic farming practices and skills that made 18th century life possible. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In coordination with farm staff and volunteers, support the historic farming initiatives of the farm including working with the heritage breed animals and planting and harvesting of heritage variety crops.

• Assist with daily animal care including feeding, watering, and regular upkeep of pastures and pens. Monitor, organize, and order feed, bedding, and medical supplies as assigned. 

• Assist with the planting, weeding, and harvesting of field crops which may include wheat, barley, rye, flax, corn, potatoes, and hay as well as native plants as part of the natural landscape.

• Assist in the support of on-site educational programming including supply of program materials such as split wood, charcoal, etc.

• Assist with oversight of seasonal mowing and weed whacking, and ensure that public areas and walking paths are clear and clean of debris. 

• Assist in basic site repairs to maintain the appearance and safety of the site including fencing, building maintenance, and regular maintenance of machinery and equipment as assigned.

• Assist in cleanliness of the bathrooms and monitor supplies.

• Option to participate in weekend interpretive programs and events. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possess a valid driver’s license. Reliable transportation is a must.

• Previous experience and background in animal care is required. Must be comfortable with basic animal care and routines such as feeding, grooming, administering medications, and picking feet. 

• Knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance (i.e. mowers, chainsaws, splitters, etc.) strongly preferred or willingness to learn. 

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position and perform farm work both indoors and out. This includes lifting a minimum of 50 pounds in weight; standing for long periods of time; walking over rough terrain; working in hot, cold, and rainy weather, and contact with livestock.

• Be willing to work as part of a team, take direction, and be open and friendly with visitors, volunteers, and staff. 

• Availability for daily animal chores at 8 AM and/or 3:30 PM. Occasional  weekend, holiday, and evening work is required to provide animal care.

• Must possess a strong attention to detail, take initiative, and willingness to perform repetitive tasks. 

• Beneficial to have an interest or passion in history, farming, and/or historic skills. 

• Opportunity to wear 18th-century attire for interpretive programming. 

BENEFITS

$100 monthly for health insurance reimbursement, 10 days paid time off and 5 days paid sick leave yearly. 

APPLICATION

Please submit a cover letter and resume to farm@colonialfarmstead.org.