Open Positions
Position Title: 2026 Seasonal Farmer
Location: Zenger Farm – Portland, OR
Position Type: Temporary, part-time, hourly, non-exempt. This position is a member of the bargaining unit with the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 5.
Compensation: $29.34/hr
Close Date: Applicants reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis
Zenger Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit working urban farm in Portland, OR that models, promotes, and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development, and access to good food for all. We are guided by a vision of a healthy, resilient community, where the wellbeing and prosperity of children and adults, regardless of race, geography or socio-economic status, is enhanced through access to affordable, plentiful and nourishing foods. We believe nourishment is a basic human right.
We understand that root causes of inequitable food access – racism, capitalism, colonialism, and oppression – must be addressed in order to create a more just food system for all. We believe that the way we do things matters, and that equitable and inclusive processes are critical for just outcomes.
Land and Facilities: Zenger Farm is located on a 24-acres combined farm and wetland in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of Outer East Portland. The site includes 4-acres of diversified vegetable crops and fruit orchards, a 10-acre wetland, a children’s garden, an international kitchen garden, a first foods hedgerow, pollinator plantings, bioswales, and rain gardens. Buildings include a 6,600 square foot Urban Grange with a classroom, commercial kitchen, and offices; as well as a farmhouse with caretaker quarters; a barn; and several greenhouses. The facility includes green infrastructure and energy efficient systems, including a solar system, a living roof, and rainwater catchment.
We encourage Black, Indigenous and people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, religious minorities, recent migrants/refugees, people with disabilities, and applicants from different generational and economic backgrounds to apply.
About This Position:
The Seasonal Farmer contributes to the Farm Operations Program by performing field work, harvest, wash/pack, deliveries, CSA pickup, maintaining grounds, maintaining facilities, etc. This position is a seasonal position reporting to the Farm Production Program Manager. This position has an expectation of 16 – 24 hours/week determined by the supervisor and depending on the needs of the business. This position will start in April 2026 with an end date of November 15, 2026.
Essential Duties:
Field work: Most field work at Zenger Farm is done with hand tools, and includes seeding, amending, transplanting, weeding, irrigating trellising, pruning, season extension, pest management, harvesting, hauling and washing produce for sale.
- Machinery: Operate and maintain a weed whacker, mower, chainsaw, and 2-wheel tractor (BCS) with various implements.
- Deliver produce to restaurant and CSA customers.
- Leading, volunteers and various staff members in field work and harvest tasks
- Support CSA distribution for the CSA Partnerships for Health program including coordinating and facilitating pickup of deliveries, and transporting shares as needed.
- General maintenance of facilities and grounds.
- Support Farm Production manager in hosting CSA and Fundraising events
- Other tasks or projects as identified by the Executive Director
Qualifications:
- A commitment to and passion for Zenger Farm’s mission and values
- 1 year experience farming at Zenger Farm or two years experience farming at an organic mixed vegetable farm with similar scale and systems.
- Ability to work alone without supervision.
- Lived experience and/or work experience within Black, Indigenous and other communities of color
- Valid driver’s license (we use a 20’ cargo van for deliveries)
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs and work outside in inclement weather on uneven terrain and perform the above responsibilities
Compensation:
- This is a temporary position with an hourly wage of $29.34/hr
To Apply:
Please fill out the application form and EITHER attach a resume and cover letter OR fill out the employment history questions at the end. Applicants reviewed and interviewed as submitted. Position will be open until filled. If you have additional questions please email kristie@zengerfarm.org
Zenger Farm provides equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicap, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in accordance with applicable federal laws.
