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Position: Orchard Assistant, Part-Time

Starting Date: Immediate

Hours: 10 hours per week

Compensation: $17-20 /hour (dependent on experience)

Commitment: 1 year

Location: HOEC Community Orchard, Oregon City

Position Description:  The Orchard Assistant (OA) works with the direction of the ED to manage the day to day functions of the orchard in accordance with property policies and procedures, values, and regulations. The OA is tasked with: orchard care & maintenance, teaching, mentoring, and leadership roles, supporting staff & volunteer needs, clear and consistent communication with participants, supporting a strong, healthy, and accountable team environment within the orchard.

Position Duties

• The Orchard Assistant will work closely with the ED on a day-to-day basis to execute the following duties: 

  Environment:

  • Represent the property and organization in a professional and accurate manner that is in alignment with organization mission and values.

  • Create  and maintain a supportive and healthy environment for all program members and participants, protecting a positive community culture.

  Orchard Care & Maintenance

  • Ensure that a wide variety of tasks required to keep the orchard healthy and productive are planned, delegated, and completed as necessary. Some tasks will be delegated to volunteers and interns and others completed by the OA as needed. Tasks include but are not limited to: pruning, thinning, weeding, string trimming, scion collection,  mulching, mowing, debris management, harvesting, structure, irrigation, and additional grounds maintenance, etc.

  Program Assistance

  • The OA will assist with the CSA program, workshops, and community events.

  Leadership

  • The OA will provide guidance/direction to program participants and interns.

Required Skills  

Eligible applicants will have:

• Experience with operating power equipment such as: riding mowers, blowers, and string trimmers.

• Experience leading a diverse team of volunteers and students.

• Familiarity with organic gardening practices, plant/weed identification and management.

• Previous landscaping experience preferred but not required. This is a highly physical position that requires frequent bending, stooping, twisting, walking, pushing, pulling, climbing, crawling. May require ladder work (8 feet and under) and lifting up to 50 pounds. This position is year-round and work is outdoors in all weather including: heat, rain, and cold. Applicant should have appropriate outdoor workwear including footwear.

Required Traits 

Eligible applicants will be:

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-starting, and motivated to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Have a genuine interest in organic gardening, horticulture, and/or orcharding.