Troy Farm Summer/Fall Season Crew Member

Title:            Troy Farm Summer/Fall Season Crew Member

Reports To:   Troy Farm Manager

Location: Troy Farm (502 Troy Drive, Madison, WI 53704)

Position Type:   20-24 hours per week, LTE, Non-Exempt

Salary:    $15-16/hour

Benefits: Crew members receive a bi-weekly produce box and a $50 gear stipend

Dates:    June 2nd - October 31st, 2025

About Rooted
We are committed to collaborations rooted in food, land, and learning so that people can grow and thrive in healthy, equitable, and sustainable neighborhoods. Ours is a firm commitment to building racial equity and inclusion and dismantling racism in our communities, in our education and food systems, in the environment, and within our organization. This is a path of lifelong learning and commitment to action. 

About Troy Farm
Troy Farm is a project of Rooted located on a 26 acre property that also includes the Troy Kids’ Garden, Troy Community Gardens, and other natural areas. Troy Farm operates alongside six other growing operations in the Troy Farm Collaborative, which Troy Farm supports and collaborates with on the 5 acre farm. Troy Farm itself includes 1.5 acres of field and greenhouse production of certified organic diversified vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. The farm has been growing certified organic vegetables on Madison’s Northside since 2001, and we are proud to be one of the city’s oldest urban farms. Troy Farm produce is sold to members of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operation and to local restaurants. Some of the produce we grow is distributed free of cost to nearby neighborhood centers where it is available to community members through the Purpose Grown Project. Troy Farm also hosts various community and educational events throughout the year. 

About the Position
Working side-by-side with farmers and staff, crew members engage in small-scale, organic, and sustainable farming practices. Troy Farm uses hoophouses, greenhouses, hand tools, a two-wheel tractor, and a four-wheel tractor to grow a wide range of crops. Crew members work with the Farm Director, Farm Manager,  1-2 other seasonal crew members, as well as a large group of both regular and one-time volunteers who help with the daily tasks of the farm.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Regularly lead groups of volunteers and summer crew through farm tasks. 


• Perform field work such as bed preparation, fertilizing, seeding, cover cropping, weeding, mulching, trellising, harvesting, and post-harvest washing and handling.


• Assist with seedling production in our greenhouse.


• Event setup, pizza oven management, customer service, and cleanup during pizza nights


• Help setup, serve, and clean up during Saturday events


• See Dates below for Pizza Nights and Saturday Events


• We work outside in all weather conditions, so a willingness to work in hot, wet, and sometimes inclement weather is a must. We take water and heat breaks, try to find indoor work during rain, and follow safety guidelines in storms. Coming prepared with clothing, food, and gear for each day’s work conditions is necessary. We provide a $50 gear stipend to help offset costs of gear such as mud boots, raingear, and comfortable work clothes and shoes. 

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate and follow directions effectively, including the ability to problem solve.


• Ability to work on projects independently and as part of a group.


• Willingness to step into leadership to move small and big groups through a farm task.  


• Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and tasks.


• Ability to lift, kneel, bend, and do physical work throughout the day.


• Ability to consistently and regularly lift items up to 25 pounds. Heavier lifting occurs at times, but is not required. 


• Ability to work with and be respectful of people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities. This includes but is not limited to: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. 


• Interest in learning about farming and being part of a learning community which includes engaging in conversations about identity and culture and the ways that they intersect with farming. 

Additional Information and Requirements

• Part time, 20-24 hours per week. On days when working at Troy Farm, expect shifts to last a minimum of 4 hours.


• For this position, the preferred schedule is:
  
  
  
  • Monday 8am to 12pm
  
  
  • Tuesday 8am to 12pm
  
  
  • Wednesday 8am to 4pm
  
  
  • Thursday 12pm to 4pm
  
  
  • Thursday Pizza Nights 4pm to 8pm
  
  
  • Saturday Events - 8 hour shifts
  
  
  • Thursday dates for Pizza Nights and Saturday dates for events:
    
    
    
    • Pizza Nights - Every Thursday from July 31st to September 18th
    
    
    • Farm Fundraiser Dinner - September 27th 12pm to 8pm
    
    
    • Fall Harvest Fest - October 4th 11:00am to 7:00pm 
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• At times, crew members may have to work in inclement weather or may be asked to adjust their work hours to accommodate the weather.


• Provide a copy of a valid ID.


• Have reliable transportation to and from Troy Farm, which is located on the B bus line.


• Ability to pass a standard background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Rooted is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from diverse applicants of all ages. Rooted is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. 

Review of applications will begin April 21st, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.