Farm Operation Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Organizational Summary: MA'O Organic Farms (MA'O), located in Lualualei Valley, Waianae, is a social enterprise of the Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation (WCRC), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Established in 2000, MA'O grows organic food and new leaders for a sustainable Hawaii. For the first 18-years in operation MA'O managed 24-acres of certified organic land, now we’ve grown to 280-acres in Lualualei Valley. This new aina presents a huge kuleana – to manage land and water with aloha, and to radically increase the production of nutritious local organic food, while empowering a new generation of leaders to serve Hawaii nei. Position Summary: The Mahi'ai Akahi role is an introductory staff position in organic fruit and vegetable farm operations. This role may be pursued concurrently with college or other educational pathways. Through the training model of ma ka hana ka 'ike (learning through doing), the Mahi'ai Akahi will be immersed in a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment. Working alongside a team of Managers and youth interns, the Mahi'ai Akahi will rotate through three operational tracks as part of MA'O’s cross-training and operational development model: (1) Production; (2) Harvest; and (3) Processing & Quality Control. This position supports broader farm operations, including production, harvest, processing, farmers market support, and general operational tasks, consistent with operational needs, training, safety requirements, and role classification. Work Location(s):This position may require occasional travel between our farm sites for meetings, events, or operational support based on program and operational needs. MA'O Organic Farms, 86-148 Puhawai Rd. Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii 96792 MA'O Organic Farms, Palikea Farm Site, Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii 96792 MA'O Organic Farms, Makaha Farm Site, Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii 96792 Schedule: Production & Harvest Tracks: Primarily Monday to Friday with occasional evening or weekend hours to support youth programming and operational needs. Processing & Quality Control Track: Primarily Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with occasional evening or weekend hours to support youth programming and operational needs. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: General Duties & Core Responsibilities(Applies to all Mahi'ai Akahi work, regardless of track) Uphold organic certification standards, food safety protocols, and food quality expectations in accordance with MA'O Organic Farms’ policies and training. Work both collaboratively with a team and independently, as assigned, to support organic farming operations. Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and safe use of farm vehicles, equipment, tools, and workspaces. Operation of vehicles, machinery, chainsaws, or power tools is performed only as authorized, trained, and licensed (if applicable to assigned duties) and in accordance with safety policies. Maintain the cleanliness of shared and collective spaces, which may include break areas, parking lots, restroom facilities or portable restrooms, tool sheds, and surrounding work areas. Assist with managing trash and recyclables in accordance with farm practices. Support cross-functional farm operations as assigned, including assisting in different work areas based on operational needs and training, consistent with safety requirements and role classification. Support end-of-day security procedures by ensuring farm tools, equipment, vehicles, tractors, facilities, and gates are properly secured. Use digital tools and software, as required and/or provided by the organization, to support communication, coordination, documentation, and operations. This may include email, mobile devices, farm management or scheduling software, point-of-sale tablets, and platforms such as Microsoft products, Google Workspace, Slack, WhatsApp, and the organization’s HRIS. Participate in required food safety and organic certification audits, trainings, and inspections, as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with training, safety requirements, and operational needs. Production Track Support organic farming operations, including field preparation, fertilization applications, planting, crop fertility, and crop care. Assist with the installation, removal, and maintenance of irrigation systems, including overhead and drip irrigation, irrigation timers, and related components, with appropriate training and supervision. This may include assisting with the repair of 1”–2” PVC, polytube, and Netafim irrigation systems, and providing support with larger irrigation systems, as assigned. Support weed management practices, which may include hand weeding, knife weeding, picking, flame-weeding, and weedeating. These tasks may involve sustained physical activity and are performed in accordance with safety training and rest protocols. Support planting activities such as hand transplanting, implement-assisted transplanting, nursery operations, direct seeding, and tree planting, as trained. Maintain agroforestry areas through activities such as weeding, pruning, mulching, harvesting, and maintaining irrigation systems, as assigned. Support processing shed operations, as assigned, including washing and packaging produce and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the processing facility, in compliance with food safety standards. Harvest Track Support the Harvest team in harvesting fresh, high-quality organic produce in a timely manner. Produce may include leafy greens, salad greens, root vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Work both collaboratively with a team and independently, as assigned, to complete daily harvest tasks in alignment with harvest schedules and quality expectations. Use harvest tools and equipment such as harvest knives, harvest bins, scissors, pruners, fruit pickers, conveyors, root pickers, and salad pickers, as trained and authorized, and in accordance with safety and food safety protocols. Monitor harvested produce for quality and food safety concerns and promptly report any concerns to supervisors or managers. Assist with the installation, removal, and maintenance of irrigation systems, including overhead and drip irrigation, irrigation timers, and related components, with appropriate training and supervision. This may include assisting with the repair of 1”–2” PVC, polytube, and Netafim irrigation systems, and providing support with larger irrigation systems, as assigned. Support weed management practices, which may include hand weeding, knife weeding, picking, flame-weeding, and weedeating. These tasks may involve sustained physical activity and are performed in accordance with safety training and rest protocols. Support planting activities such as hand transplanting, implement-assisted transplanting, nursery operations, direct seeding, and tree planting, as trained. Maintain cleanliness and organization of harvesting areas during and after harvest activities. Assist with transporting harvested produce, interns, or supplies using farm vehicles such as box trucks or passenger vans only if authorized, trained, and in possession of a valid driver’s license, as applicable to assigned duties. Support processing shed operations as assigned, including washing and packaging produce and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the processing facility, in compliance with food safety standards. Processing & Quality Control Track Support the processing and packaging of fresh organic produce for co-producers, farmers markets, and the CSA program in accordance with food safety, organic certification, and quality standards. Wash, sort, trim, cut, and prepare produce by hand or with equipment to meet organic, food safety, and co-producer quality standards, with increased responsibility for accuracy and quality control. Accurately bunch, weigh, count, and package produce to order specifications, supporting order accuracy and fulfillment standards. Assist with order fulfillment by ensuring products are accurately picked, properly washed, correctly labeled, loaded into appropriate produce bins, and stacked or staged for delivery, as assigned. Support sales and distribution operations through accurate processing, packing, and staging of products, contributing to efficient order fulfillment and overall business operations. Monitor product quality during processing and promptly report defects, shortages, damage, or food safety concerns to supervisors or managers. Communicate product quality issues, shortages, or approved substitutions to co-producers or internal teams as directed. Monitor and record cooler and product temperatures in accordance with food safety requirements. Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the Processing Shed (PShed), including daily cleaning and scheduled deep cleaning and sanitizing of washing machines, coolers, equipment, tools, and work surfaces, in accordance with the PShed schedule and food safety requirements. Safely operate processing equipment, washing machines, pallet jacks, and other designated processing tools as trained and authorized, and in accordance with safety protocols. Complete required logs, counts, and documentation related to inventory tracking, food safety, and quality assurance, as assigned. Farmers Market Support, coordinate, and progressively manage Farmers Market booth operations, including preparation, setup, customer engagement, and breakdown activities, in alignment with MA'O’s standards and training model. Coordinate and support day-before and day-of Farmers Market preparation, including organizing supplies, equipment, produce, and staffing needs, in collaboration with supervisors and leadership. Check assigned farm vehicles to ensure they are fueled, clean, and in proper working condition prior to Farmers Market use, and report any concerns to supervisors. Operate vehicles only if authorized, trained, and in possession of a valid driver’s license, as applicable to assigned duties. Prepare, check, and load Farmers Market tools, supplies, and equipment, which may include tents, tables, table weights, cash handling materials, point-of-sale equipment, toolboxes, and related items, ensuring readiness for market operations. Ensure tablets, card readers, and other point-of-sale tools are fully charged, functional, and ready for use prior to departure for the Farmers Market. Verify and document cash and change prior to the market; ensure funds are secured during transport, use, and return; and support proper cash-handling procedures in accordance with MA'O’s financial controls and training. Load produce on the day of the Farmers Market to maintain quality control, and assist with unloading produce and equipment at both the farm and Farmers Market site. Set up and break down the Farmers Market booth safely and efficiently, in compliance with food safety standards, workplace safety practices, and market requirements. Provide friendly, professional, and culturally respectful customer service; assist customers with product selection; and process payments accurately using approved payment systems. Engage with community members and represent MA'O’s mission, programs, and produce in a professional and respectful manner in a public-facing environment. Develop and apply working knowledge of produce varieties to answer customer questions and recommend appropriate alternatives when items are unavailable. Ensure safe food handling and appropriate product display at the Farmers Market booth, including temperature control and maintaining clean display surfaces. Uphold MA'O’s standards of food quality, food safety, and community representation at all times during Farmers Market operations. Accurately track, review, and reconcile Farmers Market sales by documenting cash and change, reconciling cash and card transactions, completing end-of-day sales reports, and returning and securing all funds in the safe, with oversight and mentorship as appropriate. Support and progressively develop leadership skills during Farmers Market operations by assisting with coordinating roles, supporting intern training, reinforcing safety and professionalism expectations, and confirming all materials, equipment, funds, and produce are returned and secured at the farm following market close, under the guidance of supervisors and leadership. Mentorship & Values Model professionalism and provide mentorship and positive reinforcement for youth interns learning in the fields, processing shed, and farmers markets. Support the training and evaluation of the farm’s youth interns. Model mutual love, respect, and a willingness to work, thus reinforcing organizational and programmatic policy and values in a positive and formative manner that supports the mission, goals and activities of WCRC and MA'O wherever possible. Required Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework, vocational training, or postsecondary education preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in agriculture, food processing, food service, gardening, conservation, farmers market operations, or a closely related operational setting. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining organization, reliability, and professionalism. Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to follow food safety, sanitation, operational, and quality standards across multiple work areas. Demonstrated ability to safely perform the physical demands of the role, as outlined in the Physical Requirements section, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to use digital tools and software for communication, coordination, documentation, and operational tracking, with training provided as needed. Valid Hawaii Driver License and ability to meet MA'O's driving eligibility requirements for authorized work-related driving responsibilities, including transporting staff, interns, supplies, or materials and completing assigned operational tasks using MA'O-provided, rental, or otherwise authorized vehicles. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Preferred Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have: Three (3) or more years of experience in agriculture, food systems, food processing, conservation, farmers market operations, or related hands-on work environments. College coursework, certifications, or training in agriculture, food systems, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field. Experience taking on lead or coordination responsibilities within a team setting (e.g., training others, supporting workflow planning, or supporting operational task organizatio