Orchard Worker, Farm and Market

About Black Rock Orchard:

     Black Rock Orchard is a 100-acre family orchard located in Lineboro, Maryland on the MD/PA border. Lineboro is about 2 hours N of Washington, DC and about an hour N of Baltimore in Carroll County, MD.

     We grow a wide variety of tree fruit, berries, figs and specialty greenhouse tomatoes. Our tree fruit includes peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, apples and pears. Berries include blueberries, raspberries, elderberries, currants and gooseberries. All of our fruit is sold at busy urban farmers markets in the DC metro area.

      Black Rock Orchard uses Integrated Pest Management practices to manage our pesticide use. Our orchard is not organic.

Job Description:

     Black Rock Orchard has a full time opening for an orchard worker who has interest and experience in crop production. In addition to general fieldwork, the worker would attend at 1 or 2 markets a week in the DC metro area. 

    The 5-day work week would be split between farm and market work as needed.  Individual must be prepared to do both orchard field work and market.  

    This is a full-time permanent position with opportunity for growth.  It would be a good position for someone who wanted practical experience in sustainable orchard production with the goal of owning their own farm in the future. Experience in agriculture or a related field is essential.

     Salary range: $18.25- $24.25/hour. Starting pay will be based on experience. Overtime  (Time and a Half) paid over 40 hours.  Regular work week  (45 hours) includes 5 hours overtime. Market days are sometimes longer.  Other benefits apply after probationary period.

     Rental Housing is available on the farm (private farmhouse). The rental housing is subsidized housing with some maintenance responsibilities. We prefer an individual who can live on the farm in this housing.  We are hiring for two positions, only one with house rental included.  Relocation assistance will be offered.

Requirements

• Excellent physical condition for outdoor field work.
• Completed degree in Agriculture or related field.
• Interest and experience in farming, preferably crop production, one year minimum of agricultural work experience.
• Good driving record. (Driving history required). Experience driving a box truck helpful.
• Covid Vaccination required
• No tobacco use. (Tobacco can cause a virus which damages greenhouse tomatoes.)
• Must have current US driving license.
• School Transcript and Employer references.
• Black Rock Orchard is a drug free workplace

To apply, send resume and cover letter to Emily Zaas at this email:

Emily@Blackrockorchard.com