Spice Creek Farm is a Black-owned farm located in Brandywine, MD about an hour outside of Washington, DC. We grow vegetables on a two and half  acre market garden and raise poultry on six acres of pasture. In 2025 we will be adding an additional two acres to the vegetable production, establishing an on-site farmstand, setting up a new wash/pack, and engaging in several conservation projects. We work very closely with between three-five area farmers cooperatively. On occasion, our farm offers volunteer and training opportunities to individuals and groups learning about sustainable agriculture. Interested individuals should be able to work effectively alone, but must also be comfortable working in group settings.

The business is owned and managed by a farming couple. We have twenty-five years of farming experience between us. However, with the addition of twenty-three new acres in 2025 this is a great opportunity for someone who can bring some experience to the table and wants to be involved in projects to build the new farm site.

Seasonal Farm Crew (Full-time or Part-time)

Please click here to fill out the application. Ideal candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis. All applicants will be informed no later than March 15, 2025.

Start date between March 1-31, 2025 (must be able to start no later than March 31). End date November 30, 2025. Candidates interested in year-round employment will be given an opportunity to apply internally after a successful 6-month review.

On-site housing is an option.

Job Description

• Seasonal schedule depending on sunrise/ sunset and temperatures. Some weekend hours are required.
• 30 minute unpaid lunch plus two 15-minute paid breaks throughout the day.
• The majority of our workday is outside and we almost always work outside regardless of weather. Each crew member is responsible for dressing appropriately for the days’ forecast. Each crew member is responsible for arriving each workday on time, properly hydrated and nourished in order to carry out the physical labor.
• Daily Seasonal Field Work: greenhouse seeding, planting, weeding, mulching, staking, watering, irrigation, chores, trellising, etc.
• Harvesting: 2 – 4 days weekly, depending on season.
• Physical lifting/ carrying: lifting bins of vegetables up to 50#, lifting and moving farm supplies such as t-posts, row cover, shade cloth, etc.
• Customer Service: crew members engage with customers directly in the farm-stand and may occasionally interact with wholesale customers in the pole barn.
• Public engagement: On occasion the farm receives visitors. Crew members may be required to assist in giving tours and supporting work days with non-staff participants.
• Other: depending on their experience and interest crew members may be asked to assist in any of the following: farm maintenance i.e. weed whacking around fences, clearing brush; chores e.g. greenhouse watering or caring for livestock; bed prep using BCS or Kubota tractor; construction e.g. high tunnels and walk-in coolers; pest and disease management i.e. spraying organically approved pesticides or releasing beneficial insects; and post-harvest handing i.e. washing, packing and storing produce.

Job Requirements

• Experience working at a similar farming operation (minimum one full season, ideally between two-three).
• Maintain steady physical stamina throughout the entire work day.
• Arrive on time and ready to work.
• Work well alone and with others.
• Follow verbal and written commands.
• Ability to learn a new system quickly and be able to carry out those tasks without needing repeated instruction.
• Ability to be flexible and adjust to changing weather conditions and priorities.
• Ability to balance speed with attention to detail and quality control.
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on good listening and speaking to others with care.
• Demonstrate care for the work environment, co-workers, community, and the plants and animals in our eco-system.
• Interact with co-workers, customers and visitors in a professional and courteous manner.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Desired Skills and Qualities 

• Passion for food, farming, and food justice.
• Membership in the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus or other local farming community.
• Commitment to working hard and taking pride in the craft while having a good sense of humor and deep enjoyment and satisfaction in farming to feed our community.

Compensation and Benefits: 

• $2650-$2880 per month salary, March 2025 to November 2025, depending on experience (or $15/ hour part-time)
• Optional on-farm housing available.
• Access to weekly produce.
• Participate in farm community meals or potlucks, and workshops or training opportunities.
• 24-48 hours Flexible PTO (must be scheduled in advance) plus end-of-season bonus.

Spice Creek Job Application 2025 https://forms.gle/FaXCuXHRKwGQ6ejX8 (Application deadline March 15, 2025)