Thank you so much for your interest in working with us!
We are CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2024 SEASON. Please fill out the form at the bottom of the page to get in touch!! We would love to connect with you as our team evolves.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mountain Belle Flower Farm
2024 Field Crew Job Description
Company Overview:
Mountain Belle Flower Farm grows seasonal commercial cut flowers on 1.5 acres leased from the Gardens at James Ranch in Durango, CO. We are not certified organic, but strictly follow sustainable growing practices. We sell almost entirely wholesale for the floral trade and local market bouquets.
Job Summary:
This Field Crew member (1 position available) will play a critical role in our team, assisting with the field production aspect our floriculture operation of 1.5 acres of cut flowers. This job position is PART TIME SEASONAL, approximately 30-40 hours/ week, beginning in early to mid April and ending in mid-November when we finish processing dahlia tubers (exact start and end date varies each year).
Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Field Crew member, you will be expected to participate in all aspects of our field production. We will only hire an applicant who is willing to make a commitment for the entire growing season
Pay is commensurate with experience. Starting wage is $16/ hour.
There is an opportunity to earn pay raises as hands-on experience increases.
Workflow will vary throughout the season. Early in the season (April, May and June) the emphasis will be on planting and fieldwork. Then in mid-July the scales tip and we move into primarily harvesting with a little fieldwork. We typically harvest through mid-October, mother nature willing. Then in late October and early November we finish up the season with 3 weeks of dahlia digging, washing, dividing and packing for winter storage.
A flexible personal schedule is required for this position, as start and end times for work hours will vary throughout the season depending on how much we’re harvesting, the weather, etc.
Once we move into harvesting mode, we get into a regular harvest schedule of Mondays and Thursdays. HARVEST DAYS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. This field crew position would involve another 10-hour work day, but those hours are more flexible. That additional day would be dedicated to fieldwork and bucket washing, but may involve other tasks as well.
All employees are expected to be punctual as well as reliable.
THIS WORK IS FAST PACED!!!! All employees on our team must be capable of working quickly, efficiently and also maintaining outstanding attention to detail.
THIS WORK IS PHYSICALLY DEMANDING!! Although we do our best to vary the tasks and make it as easy on our bodies as possible, this job is extremely physical, and is not a good fit for everyone. Candidates must be able to repeatedly perform the following for extended periods of time: lift up to 50 lbs, bend, kneel, work on knees, work bending over, manual dexterity, pound t-posts, etc. The candidate must also be able to work a full 8-10 hour workday in all weather conditions. We ask that you please do not apply for this job If you have current limitations on your physical ability to perform ALL necessary tasks of the job, or if you foresee having limitations on your ability to perform the job.
We start harvesting early in the morning, often 6:30 or 7am to beat the heat. These harvest days can be long during peak season, but we try to cap them at 10hrs.
As a Field Crew member, you will be instructed by experienced full-time staff, and will be expected to learn the nuances of harvesting each type of flower that we grow. Proper harvesting techniques are absolutely essential to a long-lasting, high quality product and the repeat customers that make our business possible. Efficiency is critical since our harvesting must be both fast and accurate.
As a Field Crew Member, you will often participate in bouquet making, following each harvest, especially later in the season in August and September when we are at peak volume. Bouquets are made in an assembly line fashion, often several hundred at a time. You will be trained and supervised by experienced full-time staff, to achieve a smooth and efficient workflow for the group.
Field Crew members will also be expected to assist with field maintenance. Field work includes, but is not limited to, planting, weeding, laying weed barrier fabric, pinching, installing support netting to keep stems straight, etc. You will be expected to help wash and sanitize buckets. You will be trained in a hands-on manner for all fieldwork activities until you are capable of working independently.
Required Skills and Education:
Must be an excellent communicator
Team player!! Ability to see the big picture and act accordingly
Must be able to work independently after receiving proper training. Ability to prioritize and ask directed questions as well as making own decisions without being micromanaged. Must take ownership and see assignments through to completion
Owner will be present on-farm for training, but not always present in the field during our busy growing season.
Reliable and punctual
Excellent observation skills, organization skills and outstanding attention to detail
Must be able to maintain a quick pace, while also working carefully
Must be physically strong and fit, due to the nature of the work. Must be willing to undertake outdoor physical work in a variety of weather conditions
Priority will be given to applicants with prior farm and floral industry experience