Upward Farms designs and operates complete ecosystems of plants and fish in vertical farms, supplying these organic products to local grocers.
We are currently expanding and have recently opened a new cutting-edge, fully automated facility in Brooklyn.
More and larger farms are in the works.
Our mission is to heal the broken food system and reconnect eaters with flavorful and nutritious local food.
In this role, you will work on the Farm Operations team and report to our Farm Operations leaders at our Headquarters Farm in Greenpoint.
The Farm Operations team runs all growing and processing activities for our packaged salads, utilizes and maintains best-in-class automation systems and equipment, and supports aquaculture (fish farming) operations as needed.
The day-to-day work will be focused on seeding, maintaining plant health and environmental conditions, harvesting, washing, packaging, shipping / receiving, and cleaning / sanitation / maintenance related to these activities.
Success Your objective is to work collaboratively with team members to ensure farm production targets are met, as well as creatively solving roadblocks to production as they come up.
Success in this job demands attention to detail, efficiency, and a hunger to learn.
Upward Farms will provide specialized on-the-job training to build skills for advancement within our company and for the rapidly growing food processing and agriculture technology industries.
There is tremendous room for growth at our company.
Responsibilities Clean and maintain facilities and equipment for safe and smooth operations.
Be a key player in farm operations including seeding, harvesting, washing / drying, packaging, cleaning, routine maintenance, and shipping / receiving.
Exercise attention to detail and tireless diligence in quality assurance processes.
Maintain the highest levels of food safety, animal welfare, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and USDA Certified Organic status.
Ensure a healthy environment for our plants, fish, and people by helping to collect and track a variety of metrics, responding to any conditions outside of acceptable ranges.
Monitor the farm for disease and pests utilizing Integrated Pest Management practices.
Support R&D projects through growing trials and other experiments.
Be a key user for our Software and Engineering teams, providing feedback and insights for the development of better tools to run our farms.
Work with the Technicians to troubleshoot issues with machinery, equipment, and systems.
Assist with equipment installation or other facilities maintenance tasks using hand or power tools (training provided as required for your safety and success).
Requirements Ability to work in a cold climate-controlled environment (40-45F) and warm grow-room (75-85F) for extended periods of time.
Maintain high standards of hygiene to promote food safety and quality assurance.
Arrive on time and stay on track for precisely scheduled farming shifts.
Comfortable with handling fish, agricultural materials, and getting dirty.
Comfortable working with hand tools, power tools, and automation equipment (training provided as required for your safety and success).
Able to take direction and ownership of delegated tasks.
Be able to lift, carry, push, and pull weights up to 50 pounds.
Wear a facemask (minimum requirements set by company) while on-site.
Reliable, detail-oriented, organized, hard-working, self-motivated.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, can work effectively as part of a team, enjoy giving and receiving feedback.
Stand for 8 hour shifts and engage in repetitive activities such as packaging, bending, and squatting.
Demonstrate safe work practices at all times, including identifying and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), reading and adhering to safety data sheets High school diploma or G.E.D.
certificate.
Either of the following: (a) 2 years work experience in farming, food production/service, warehousing, or manufacturing; or (b) relevant vocational training, a college degree, or other higher education.
Preferred Skills Experience Previous work in agriculture/horticulture, food production/service, manufacturing, or other related fields.
Previous use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), OSHA, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols.
Schedule Expected 40 hour work week.
Weekend and overtime availability required, with weekend shifts rotating.
Benefits We offer a dynamic work environment and benefits that include: Aetna Medical, Aetna and MetLife Dental, and Aetna Vision insurance; FSA/HSA plans; and HIPAA-compliant health advocates.
Upward Farms contributes 80-95% of the premium for Medical benefits for employees and their families.
Unlimited paid sick time.
For extended illness, we offer short term disability.
10 days paid time off per year, depending on experience, in addition to paid holidays.
For new parents, an extension of New York States paid family leave for up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
This leave is in addition to Disability leave available to pregnant and postpartum mothers.
401(k) Commuter benefits, discounted bike shares, and other perks.
Fresh salad, and lots of it Working Here We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Our needs are unique and varied so we value colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and/or protected veteran status.
Please note we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position; applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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