Seasonal Assistant Farmer

Preston Farm and Winery is hiring a Seasonal Assistant Farmer in Healdsburg, CA. This full-time, entry-level position involves tasks such as harvesting, planting, and maintaining the on-site farm store. Candidates should be hardworking, detail-oriented, and enjoy outdoor work. The role requires working Saturdays at the Healdsburg Farmers' Market and offers $20/hour compensation along with free produce and employee wine. The job runs from ASAP to December 19th.
Preston Farm and Winery is a family-operated, certified organic property in Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Valley. Our 125 acres are nestled between a meandering salmon-spawning stream and a stretch of former wagon trail leading to town. Under 50 years of stewardship by the Preston family, our land has evolved from an emphasis on wine alone to diversified crops including vineyards, vegetables, fruit and olive trees, grain, pastured chickens, and six sleepy farm cats. We currently farm about 4 acres of mixed fruits and vegetables which are sold at our local Saturday Healdsburg Farmers’ Market, our on-site Farm Store, a weekly CSA program, and to local chefs.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:


We are seeking an entry level, seasonal, full-time employee to assist Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager with:


Field Duties: harvesting, planting, weeding, seed saving, irrigation set up

Greenhouse: sowing, thinning, propagating, watering

Harvest and post harvest handling: washing produce, order packing, neatly labeling boxes and organizing shelves

Stocking and maintaining quality in the on-site Farm Store

The ability to work Saturday Healdsburg Farmers’ Market (April – December) is required. As this is a customer facing position, the ideal candidate will also be comfortable working with the general public in a fast paced environment, giving tips about how to use and prepare produce.


Desired Qualifications:


We are looking for a seasonal, full-time, assistant farmer to work alongside the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager, achieving our goals of growing, harvesting and selling produce to a variety of clients, and maintaining our on-site farm store. This person should come with a great work ethic and a positive attitude. The job can be strenuous at times (but fun and very rewarding!) and the ideal candidate will enjoy working outdoors, growing food for our community, and stewarding the land. Our work is bigger than any one person and we are contributing to an ecosystem greater than ourselves. The ideal candidate will be intrinsically motivated and will be able to work with a sense of urgency, safely and efficiently, paying close attention to details. Our team is small so it’s important that we can rely on each other to show up, work hard, and communicate well.


Interest in organic farming and agriculture (skills can be taught, but you have to bring the curiosity and desire to learn)

Ability to focus and pay attention to detail, even while engaged in repetitive tasks

Ability to follow written and oral instructions and willingness to seek guidance as needed

Ability to bend, stand, or kneel for extended periods of time

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Hard worker in any condition, rain or heat

Good communication and interpersonal skills: Active listener with empathetic, respectful communication

Flexibility and positive attitude

Reliable and consistent work ethic and performance

Ability to work independently and as part of a team





Work Schedule:


Start Date: ASAP


End Date: Saturday December 19th


Tuesday through Friday: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm with ½ hour unpaid lunch break. Saturday: Market days begin between 6:00 am – 6:30 am and end between 2:30 pm – 3 pm, with ½ hour unpaid lunch break.


Compensation:


$20/hour plus free veggies and employee wine when Wine Club is released quarterly. Employee will accumulate 5 days of sick pay.


To Apply:


Send your resume, two references, and a cover letter addressing the following questions to Kristin@prestonvineyards.com


We want to get to know you a little bit! We are a small (like, two women and one part time man) Farm Team. Please answer openly and honestly so we can understand your working style and what makes you tick:


Please describe your previous work experience and one “highlight” and “lowlight” from your last job

What motivates you in a work environment? What do you find most challenging in a work environment?

What are your long term goals?

What do you hope to gain from this job?

What do you connect with the most about Preston?


Thank you for your time and interest! We look forward to hearing from you.