Job description:
We are looking for a reliable and motivated Farm Hand and Cider Production Team Member to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for agriculture and a strong work ethic. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to gain experience in the organic farming and/or food processing industry.
The positions will begin in early August, possibly sooner for a motivated candidate. The cider season wraps up around the week before Christmas. Availability around Thanksgiving is strongly considered as it is our busiest time for cider pressing and bottling. (we always take Thanksgiving Day off) The position could extend to a full time, year round position for the right candidate.
About us:
Organic Orchards Inc is a small, family owned and operated orchard in White Salmon, WA. We have been growing apples and pears organically since 1993. We wash and pack our fruit on our "vintage" 1960s packing line for sale in the Portland and Columbia Gorge markets. We press two styles of cider, our 100% Organic Fresh Pressed Apple and Pear-Apple Cider, as well as several varieties of Sparkling Apple and Sparkling Pear Cider.
Qualifications:
-Willing and able to work and lift up to 60 lbs.
- Experience on a farm or in manual labor preferred, but not required.
- An eye for detail and quality
- Ability to work collaboratively with other team members
- Strong time management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently
Responsibilities:
Fruit Picking: Carefully handling 40-60lb picking bags on 10ft ladders without bruising .
Fruit Sorting: Good eye and hand coordination for fruit quality to check thousands of fruits .
Fruit Packing: Safely handling, lifting, and palletizing delicate fresh fruit in 42 lb. boxes.
Bottling: Handling fresh juice products in a sanitary manner, safely lifting 25-50 lb. boxes.
Packaging: Making boxes and labelling bottles in a safe and efficient manner.
Processing: Loading/unloading 10-15lb trays of fruit in a sanitary manner.
Cleaning: Handling organic sanitizers and ensuring 100% proper sanitation for food safety.
Projects/Repairs: As needed, certain projects, repairs or maintenance jobs may be required.
Marketing/Sales: There may be opportunities to go to markets and festivals to sell cider.
Benefits:
On site housing along the White Salmon River is available
Fresh organic fruit
Fresh organic cider
Both English and Spanish/Español spoken on the farm.
Pay: $16.50 - $18.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week
