Area 2 Farms Farm Hand Arlington, VA · Full time Company website

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Area 2 Farms is a USDA-certified organic, indoor vertical farm that is reimagining the relationship between people and their food. Based in Arlington, VA, we transform underutilized urban spaces into thriving, high-tech farms that provide fresh, organic, nutrient-dense produce to our neighbors. What Makes Us Stand Out? Soil-Based Innovation: We grow in rich, organic soil. This allows us to produce a complete "market basket," including root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that others simply can’t grow. Patented Technology: We use our own patented robotic system that moves plants through naturally occurring microclimates. This mimics a plant’s natural day/night cycle while reducing energy consumption by 25% compared to traditional indoor farms. Hyper-Local Impact: While the average grocery store carrot travels 1,500 miles, ours travels less than 10 miles. Community-First Model: We aren't a closed-door factory. We host weekly tours, work with local schools through our "Feed the Brain" program, and operate a neighborhood CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to ensure our farmers are truly neighbors to our customers. At Area 2 Farms, we aren't just growing greens—we’re growing a more resilient, transparent, and delicious future for urban living.

Area 2 Farms is seeking an energetic, detail-oriented Farm Hand to join our indoor growing team in Arlington, VA. This is an apprenticeship-style role designed for someone who is passionate about local food, eager to learn the science of indoor farming, and ready to roll up their sleeves to get the job done.

Role Overview

As a Farm Hand, you are the heartbeat of our daily operations. You will support our Farmers in every stage of the plant lifecycle—from the precision of seeding to the fast-paced energy of harvest day. You aren't afraid of a little dirt and take immense pride in keeping the farm organized, sterile, and "sparkling clean." Additionally, you serve as a friendly face and point of contact for our Seasonal Friends (volunteers and community members), helping them feel welcome and productive.

Primary Duties

• Crop Support: Assist Farmers with seeding, transplanting, and thinning crops within our patented SILO moving-bed system.
• Harvest & Packaging: Harvest fresh produce with care and package it efficiently to ensure our neighbors receive the highest-quality "market basket."
• Sanitation Excellence: Maintain the farm’s biosecurity by cleaning trays, sanitizing equipment, and ensuring the facility remains a pristine environment for plant growth.
• Community Engagement: Act as a helpful guide for our Seasonal Friends, providing basic instructions and ensuring they have a positive experience on the farm.
• Facility Maintenance: Help with organic soil management, waste composting, and general organization of farm tools and supplies.

Requirements & Desired Skills

• A "Can-Do" Attitude: You delight in physical work and find satisfaction in a job well done, whether it’s planting a thousand seeds or scrubbing a harvest bin.
• Reliability: You understand that plants depend on us 365 days a year and show up ready to support the team.
• Communication: Ability to follow detailed instructions from Farmers and clearly communicate tasks to community volunteers.
• Physical Stamina: Comfort standing for long periods and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Passion for Sustainability: A genuine interest in urban agriculture and the desire to learn the "Area 2" way of soil-based indoor farming.

Compensation & Benefits

• Rate: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
• Weekly Harvests: Enjoy a weekly share of the freshest, organic produce grown right where you work.
• Paid Time Off: Earned leave to support your work-life balance.
• Premium Pay: Includes Weekend Pay and Holiday Pay.
• Career Growth: This role is designed as an apprenticeship, offering a clear path to learn the technical skills required to become a Farmer.