Farm Production Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Farm Production Assistant
Location: Lancaster (Main Office) and multiple farm sites across Worcester County
Reports to: Program Manager & Land Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Seasonal (June 29 – November 1, 2026) Non-benefit eligible other than earned sick time
Compensation: $19.00 - $21.00/hourly

Job Overview

World Farmers is seeking a Farm Production Assistant to support multicultural farmers across eight land sites. This is a hands-on, field-based role that blends farm operations, pest management, and food safety.

You’ll work closely with the Program Manager and Land Manager. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being in the field, solving problems in real time, and supporting farmers from production through market readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Operations & Site Management

• Support daily farm operations
• Run irrigation systems on schedule and operate water reels and pumps
• Build and repair irrigation systems as needed
• Assist with wash station management, including cleaning/filling water tanks and identifying food safety concerns
• Conduct regular farm site visits and complete plot assessments (training provided)
• Use farm equipment and power tools (tractor, chainsaw, weed whacker, drills, saws, power washer) (training provided)
• Assist with basic construction

Pest Management (IPM)

• Assist in monitoring crops for pests and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Conduct field inspections to assess crop health
• Mix and log pesticide use in compliance with standards

Food Safety Education & Compliance

• Support the implementation of food safety practices across farm sites
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards
• Maintain documentation for audits and certifications

Farmer Support & Communication

• Collect weekly crop availability data from farmers, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
• Ensure farmers are informed of and meet quality, packing, and weight standards for their crops.
• Work closely with farmers to inspect crops before pickup and offer guidance on proper preparation for market sales.
• Communicate crop availability to the markets team weekly, providing clear updates on inventory and timing.

Greenhouse Operations

• Provide support in growing and selling culturally relevant crop seedlings

Team & Program Support

• Support college interns on specific projects
• Use database systems for tracking and reporting
• Represent World Farmers as an ambassador across all interactions

Requirements

• At least 1 year of crop farm experience or relevant family farm background
• Must be 25+ years old (for driving insured vehicles) with a valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Availability for occasional weekend work

Core Competencies

• Strong communication skills, especially in multicultural environments
• Mechanically inclined with experience using farm equipment
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong problem-solving skills and situational awareness
• Organized and detail-oriented, especially with data collection and reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pest management, food safety
• Familiarity with agricultural data tracking or inventory systems
• Knowledge of produce packing and quality standards

About World Farmers

World Farmers has over 30 years of experience supporting immigrant, refugee, and beginning farmers. Through Flats Mentor Farm in Lancaster, MA, we provide access to land, infrastructure, and technical assistance in agricultural production and marketing. Our work supports farmers in growing culturally relevant crops and strengthening local food systems across New England.

To Apply

Submit your résumé, a brief cover letter, and three references References will not be contacted without prior approval. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait too long.

Equal Opportunity Employer

World Farmers is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants from culturally diverse and historically underrepresented communities to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Company Description

World Farmers’ mission is to support small farmers in sustainable agricultural production and successful marketing practices to connect culturally relevant produce to viable markets. World Farmers provides mentoring, training, and hands-on assistance when working with each farmer to build the capacity needed to operate individual farming enterprises. We enact our mission through various initiatives, the most prominent of which is the Flats Mentor Farm program.

Since 1984, Flats Mentor Farm in Lancaster, Massachusetts has provided the space and infrastructure for small immigrant and refugee farmers to get started. The farmers at Flats Mentor Farm produce over 55 acres of ethnic specialty crops; supplying to wholesale and retail markets throughout New England, including over 40 farmers’ markets and dozens of small-scale direct-to-consumer outlets in and around Massachusetts. Participating farmers are skilled producers who come from agrarian backgrounds and seek to make a new life for themselves while preserving their cultural identity. In order to contribute to their success in the new culture and climate of the Northeast, the World Farmers’ Mentoring Program offers regular training in agricultural production, business development, and marketing. All programming is performed in a respectful environment of cross-cultural co-learning among farmers, World Farmers staff, and our interns and volunteers.

Many of the farmers at Flats Mentor Farm have told us that they never believed there would be an opportunity like this when they came to this country: access to land, trainings in new growing practices for this climate, and support in building a business in farming have made a huge impact on their ability to adapt and thrive. Just as important as our programming and services is the simple access to a safe space to learn from their neighbors, feed their families, heal, rebuild their cultural foundations, and teach the next generation all that agriculture can provide.

Company Description

World Farmers’ mission is to support small farmers in sustainable agricultural production and successful marketing practices to connect culturally relevant produce to viable markets. World Farmers provides mentoring, training, and hands-on assistance when working with each farmer to build the capacity needed to operate individual farming enterprises. We enact our mission through various initiatives, the most prominent of which is the Flats Mentor Farm program.\r\n\r\nSince 1984, Flats Mentor Farm in Lancaster, Massachusetts has provided the space and infrastructure for small immigrant and refugee farmers to get started. The farmers at Flats Mentor Farm produce over 55 acres of ethnic specialty crops; supplying to wholesale and retail markets throughout New England, including over 40 farmers’ markets and dozens of small-scale direct-to-consumer outlets in and around Massachusetts. Participating farmers are skilled producers who come from agrarian backgrounds and seek to make a new life for themselves while preserving their cultural identity. In order to contribute to their success in the new culture and climate of the Northeast, the World Farmers’ Mentoring Program offers regular training in agricultural production, business development, and marketing. All programming is performed in a respectful environment of cross-cultural co-learning among farmers, World Farmers staff, and our interns and volunteers.\r\n\r\nMany of the farmers at Flats Mentor Farm have told us that they never believed there would be an opportunity like this when they came to this country: access to land, trainings in new growing practices for this climate, and support in building a business in farming have made a huge impact on their ability to adapt and thrive. Just as important as our programming and services is the simple access to a safe space to learn from their neighbors, feed their families, heal, rebuild their cultural foundations, and teach the next generation all that agriculture can provide.