Work Study Direct Placement
Troy Farm participates in the Work Study Direct Placement Program at UW Madison. To apply for the position, you will need to contact the UW Madison Work Study Program to find out if you are eligible. Applications are submitted through the work study program website. Details about the work study program and how to find out if you are eligible can be found at the end of this job description.
About Troy Farm
Troy Farm is a project of Rooted and includes 3+ 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 sells produce to the community at our on-site farm stand on Thursday evenings and at the Northside Farmers’ Market on Sunday mornings. Much of our produce is sold to members through farm memberships–including discounted membership for qualifying members–similar to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Troy Farm produce is also distributed to nearby neighborhood centers where it is available cost-free to community members. Troy Farm also collaborates with local grower organizations on the land, hosts community education events, and partners with local chefs to host Thursday night community meals.
Position Overview
Working side-by-side with farmers and staff, crew members engage in small-scale, sustainable farming practices applicable to direct-to-customer sales and wholesale production systems. 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 Troy Farm Director, Troy Farm Manager, Troy Farm Assistant Manager, 2-3 full season crew members, and 4-6 summer crew members, as well as a large group of volunteers who help with the daily tasks of the farm.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Help with 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.
- Contribute content to cross-program communication tools, including social media and weekly newsletters.
- May be needed for some evening and weekend work opportunities including–but not limited to–on-farm events, Thursday evening farmstands, Sunday morning Northside Farmers’ Markets, and Community Volunteer Days at Troy Gardens and the Goodman Youth Farm.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to communicate and follow direction effectively, including the ability to problem solve.
- Ability to work on projects independently or as part of a group.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and tasks.
- Ability to engage in critical conversations about identity and culture and the ways that they intersect with farming.
- Comfort with physical work which includes regular bending, kneeling, walking, and working with your hands.
- Ability to consistently and regularly lift items up to 25 pounds. Heavier lifting occurs at times, but is not required.
- Interest in learning about farming and being part of a learning community.
Additional Information/Requirements
- Typical work day hours are 7:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.
- We work outside in all weather conditions, so a willingness to work out 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.
- At times, crew members 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 the farm, which is located on the 22 bus line.
- Ability to pass a standard background check.
Position Classification
- This position is FLSA non-exempt.
- Part time (minimum 20 hours per week) and full time (maximum 40 hours per week) positions available. On days when working at Troy Farm, expect shifts to last a minimum of 4 hours.
- May 29 – September 1, 2023.
- The pay rate is $14/hr.
- Crew Members receive a Troy Farm membership credit ($150 for part time crew members and $300 for full time crew members) and a $50 gear stipend.
How to Apply
For general information about the work study program visit https://studentjobs.wisc.edu/fws/.
Rooted is a Work Study Direct Placement Program employer as well as an off-campus employer. Please contact the Student Employment team if you are interested in this position to discuss the details of applying and the additional steps needed to be eligible for this position.
Student Employment Team
333 East Campus Mall #9701
Madison, WI 53715-1382
[email protected]
608-262-3060 (Option 3)
For priority consideration, apply through the UW Work Study system by March 1, 2023. Applicants may apply after this date. If the position is still listed on the Work Study website, we are still accepting applications.