Small Greens Lead/Harvest Assistant

NOW HIRING : Small Greens Lead/Harvest Assistant

Location: Urbana, Illinois

Start date: Approximately mid-April

Season: April-November; hours potentially available December-March

Hourly wage: The starting wage is $16-17 per hour depending on experience. Along with financial compensation, crew has access to fresh produce throughout the season.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

We seek a Small Greens Lead and Harvest Assistant for our not-for-profit community vegetable farm. This position would work under the guidance of the farm management team to lead small green production and assist the Harvest Lead.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist in execution of a yearly organic vegetable crop rotation plan of small greens, assist in harvest leadership and other farm tasks as needed;
• Co-manage staying on schedule for seed starting and transplanting and assist in making decisions on adjustments to the plan;
• Co-manage records of planting placement and timing, harvest, organic practices, equipment maintenance and all other records necessary to the small greens farming operations;
• Assist in managing harvest activities including staff and volunteer oversight, establish and maintain pick standards, time tracking and ensure correct harvest amounts;
• Work with Farm Manager, Harvest Lead and Wash/Pack Lead on harvest plan to fulfill market demands, weekly CSA boxes and wholesale orders;
• Monitor, manage and report and co-address dynamic crop conditions including growth, weather, insect, disease and other factors;
• Support other leads in completing tasks on other areas of the farm as needed and prioritized by leadership team;
• Ensure that food safety standards are maintained by crew and with equipment during harvest operations;
• Assist in promotion of the farm at farmers markets, farm activities, and community events;
• Assist in weekend farm management and volunteer work days approximately twice per month;
• Assist Farm Manager in training of crew members;
• Perform others duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications/skills/abilities:

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record;
• Experience working for other vegetable farms following organic practices;
• Experience harvesting a wide range of vegetable crops;
• Ability to lead others through difficult working conditions and tasks with a good attitude;
• Prompt and accurate task completion;
• Ability to work on repetitive tasks for a large portion of the shift;
• Maintain a positive attitude and work-ethic during difficult or monotonous tasks;
• Work in varied environments, including rain, snow, heat, cold and wind;
• Regularly lift 20-30 lbs and occasionally lift 40 lbs;
• Regularly work a 6-10 hour shift on a your feet;
• Safely operate motor vehicles.

SOLA GRATIA FARM:

Sola Gratia Farm is unique in many ways. We are a community mission-based farm started by St. Matthew Lutheran Church, dedicated to making healthy food accessible for all by nurturing productive land and cultivating diverse, inclusive communities. The farm is committed to helping those who lack adequate food resources by donating 20-30% of our product to support regional food access programs, such as Eastern Illinois Foodbank and Jubilee Cafe. We grow a wide range of produce to support our 250 member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, farmers markets and several retail and wholesale clients. We operate a robust volunteer program and have many established and active community partnerships. The Farm promotes healthy lifestyles and community building through volunteering and service, special events and outreach and education programs. More information at

Sola Gratia Farm believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members brings us strength and is critical to our success as a community farm. We are seeking to recruit a diverse and multi talented team, and encourage Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and religious and cultural minorities to apply.

Send cover letter and resume to Traci Barkley, Sola Gratia Farm, 1821 East Mumford Drive, Urbana, IL 61802 or to [email protected]. Early applications encouraged. Scheduled interviews will begin December 1, 2025.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Urbana, IL 61802 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Urbana, IL 61802: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person