WHO WE ARE

Caney Fork Farms (CFF)  is a diversified regenerative organic farm in middle Tennessee. Our mission is to inspire others with living proof that regenerative organic farming in our region benefits farmers, the environment, and the community. CFF produces mixed vegetables, chestnuts, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised pork, and we sell them directly to consumers in our region. Our work is centered around the soil, focusing on carbon farming practices that store atmospheric C02 below ground. In addition to farm production, we have a robust research program studying different organic agriculture methods and how those methods impact soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall agroecosystem health. We organize and share the information we have learned with other stakeholders. 

We are a fun and exciting workplace filled with challenges and opportunities to expand your knowledge. We believe in the work we are doing, and we take ownership of it. The work environment is communal and nurturing, and we believe in having hard conversations, holding each other accountable, and building trust through vulnerability. We foster a safe space for walks of life.

We share in the 5 Caney Fork Farms Core Values, and the right candidate will also.

• Be Good to Each Other
• Do the Hard Stuff that Matters
• Honor Relationships
• Be Curious and Innovative
• Farm Holistically for an abundant future 

The Farm is an equal-opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Farm’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices. Details of our equal employment opportunity policies are further explained in the Anti-Discrimination & Harassment section of the handbook. 

INTRODUCTION  

The Vegetable and Crops Team Member takes responsibility for assisting on operations within the farm’s vegetable crops production systems, ensuring assigned tasks happen in a timely and effective manner, and with close attention to soil and ecosystem health. The Vegetables and Crops Team Member will assist in the execution of essential department operations needed to successfully meet the vegetable and crops production goals of the Vegetables and Crops Department, which are defined by the Head of Vegetables and Crops  in consultation with the Leadership Team and the department.  

The Vegetables and Crops Team Member has no direct reports, but will be responsible for supporting management and  crews on an as-needed basis. It is the responsibility of the Vegetables and Crops Team Member to work with and assist the Vegetables and Crops Production Lead in scheduling hours by looking ahead in the production calendar as well as in response to day-to-day needs. The Vegetables and Crops Team Member will be expected to assist with general duties outside of their direct accountabilities, including packing produce, the maintenance of all department areas/buildings to ensure a safe, production and clean work environment. 

This position works with the direction and support of the Vegetables and Crops Production Lead, but has a considerable level of autonomy and responsibility, and will require strong initiative and organizational skills. With the direction and consultation with the department, will assist in all areas of the Vegetables and Crops department  and meet expectations on production guidelines, crop oversight and tool usage and maintenance, and will be given space to explore areas of improvements if they are aligned with departmental goals and constraint elimination.

Vegetable and Crops Team Member 

Department: Farm Operations
Reports To: Vegetables and Crops Production Lead
Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time / Seasonal

Position Summary

The Vegetable and Crops Team Member supports all aspects of vegetable and crop production. This role assists with planting, cultivating, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and general farm and equipment maintenance. The ideal candidate is reliable, adaptable, and comfortable working in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with soil preparation, planting, transplanting, and direct seeding of vegetables and crops
• Perform crop maintenance tasks including weeding, thinning, pruning, staking, and trellising
• Support irrigation setup, monitoring, and basic maintenance
• Apply fertilizers and soil amendments as directed
• Monitor crops for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies; report concerns to supervisor
• Harvest crops according to quality and safety standards
• Wash, sort, grade, and pack produce for distribution or sale
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of fields, greenhouses, and storage areas
• Operate hand tools and basic farm equipment safely
• Follow all safety, food safety, and farm protocols
• Assist with general farm duties as needed

Qualifications

• Previous farm or agricultural experience preferred but not required
• Ability to perform physically demanding work (lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, standing for long periods)
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Basic knowledge of vegetables and crop production is an asset
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn and take direction

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor field and greenhouse work
• Exposure to varying weather conditions
• Fast-paced during planting and harvest seasons
• Early mornings, weekends, and seasonal overtime may be required

Desired Attributes

• Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills
• Dependability and punctuality
• Interest in sustainable agriculture or local food systems
• Flexibility to assist across multiple farm functions

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Assists in the following operations, with oversight and support from the Vegetables and Crops Production Manager and Lead: 
• Field and bed preparation
• Transplanting and direct seeding
• Cover crop planting and termination
• Fertilization, and foliar applications
• Weed prevention and control
• Irrigation setup and maintenance
• Field material application, removal and storage (row cover, shade cloth etc)
• Tunnel setup and maintenance
• Compost management assistance
• Maintain all areas of responsibilities clean and organized
• Additional responsibilities include: assisting as needed in all other department areas, including nursery, field, compost, orchards, and all Company related activities, all used equipment maintenance and cleanness. 

DAILY/WEEKLY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Look ahead in task plan to ensure readiness for upcoming operations
• Continuously monitor all areas of responsibility and plan as needed to ensure all expectations are met while responding to changing conditions
• Work with the Vegetables and Crops Production Lead to ensure preparedness for all tasks
• Communicate with the Vegetable and Crops Production Manager and Lead to understand current priorities, both for short-term and long-term activities within the department
• Monitor the state of irrigation infrastructure and conduct any needed setup or repairs
• Keep records of time spent within each assigned task.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

• Planning and communication
• Soil health and integrated pest management
• Tractor and implement operation desired but not required
• Cover crop seeding, management and termination
• Bed and field preparation techniques
• Self management skills
• Understanding of vegetable crop needs throughout their life cycle

DIRECT REPORT DETAILS     

• This position has no direct reports, and reports to the Vegetable and Crops Production Lead 

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the team member in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

• Employee Handbook  
• Caney Fork Farms Google Drive, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Core Processes. 
• Mission and Values Statement 
• Tractor and Equipment handbooks
• The annual Vegetable Crop Plan

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

Repetitive motion, bending, crouching, squatting, long hours on a tractor and the ability to lift 50 lbs are all aspects of the position. Each employee is responsible for maintaining proper form and tool usage to avoid injury. 

This position is responsible for executing and monitoring a complex set of operations, and frequently facing competing priorities is a part of the job. The Vegetable and Crop Team Member must be able to prioritize their work, and to communicate clearly with the Vegetable and Crops Production Manager/Lead on what current needs and capacities are, reaching out for help early and often to avoid overwork and overwhelm. Both emotional intelligence and patience are required in working with team members, and proper steps must be taken to avoid burnout. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Must be able to work outside in most conditions, including hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions. 

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to info@caneyforkfarms.com with your name and the job title in the subject line. We look forward to speaking with you about the role.