Farm Labor 2 R&D at Costa Battlefield LLC – Rapidan, Virginia

The Farm Labor 2 (Research & Development) at Costa Farms is a dependable and detail-oriented individual passionate about supporting agricultural research and innovation. As part of the Research & Development team, they will be responsible for executing farm labor tasks that directly support experimental trials and data collection. This role is crucial in maintaining research trials, assisting growers, and ensuring accurate field operations to enhance crop performance and growing outcomes. By promoting sustainable practices and precise execution of protocols, the Farm Laborer II contributes to advancing agricultural knowledge and operational success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Prepare, plant, cultivate, and harvest crops in research trials.

· Performing other plant operations as required properly such as pinching plants, spreading plants, re-potting plants, relabeling or re-tagging plants or products, etc.

· Moving products and or plant materials form one area of the farm to another as needed.

· Operate and maintain farm equipment (tractors, irrigation systems, sprayers).

· Assist in setting up experimental trials, including plot layout and labeling.

· Collect samples (soil, plant tissue, seed) and record observations.

· Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and other treatments according to research protocols.

· Monitor crop growth, pest activity, and environmental conditions.

· Maintain tools, machinery, and irrigation systems in good working order.

· Record field data accurately and submit to research staff.

· Follow safety procedures and ensure compliance with research standards.

Additional Responsibilities

· Availability for flexible schedule changes based on business needs (including but not limited to seasonal demand and additional hours outside of the regular work schedule, such as weekends, nights, and holidays).

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather information or help as required.

· Perform additional duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

· 1–2 years of farm labor experience, ideally in a research or experimental setting.

· Ability to operate farm machinery and perform physically demanding tasks.

· Basic understanding of crop production, soil management, and pest control.

· Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.

· Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Physical Demands

· Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects,

Work Environment:

· Outdoor Work Environment: Ability to work outdoors in fluctuating weather conditions, including exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature changes (hot, cold, rainy, windy). Tasks often involve manual labor or physical effort.

SKILLS

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to employees.

· Demonstrated ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

· Effective time management skills to complete tasks within deadlines and maintain productivity.

· Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

· Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently.

COMPETENCIES

· Teamwork and collaboration

· Reliability and consistency

· Adaptability to changing priorities

· Commitment to safety and quality standards