Agriculture Assistant at Valas Pumpkin Patch – GRETNA, Nebraska

Located in Gretna, Nebraska, Vala’s is a family owned and operated fall festival. Open a limited time each year, Vala’s is a treasured fall tradition for many families in the surrounding communities. Vala’s property spans 400+ acres, including over 50 attractions, such as pick-your-own pumpkins, apples, and flowers, and over 25 food locations.

The Agriculture Assistant is a position responsible for supporting all aspects of the agricultural department. Reporting to the Director of Agriculture, the Agriculture Assistant will take an active role in preparing, planting and maintaining a variety of crops, including apples, pumpkins, zinnias, sunflowers and other annual plants and flowers. Additionally, this position will provide support to the landscaping teams as needed. This is a full time, benefits eligible position. Hours for this role will vary by season based on business need.

Responsibilities:

• Provides hands on support to the agriculture team in a variety of manual tasks, including but not limited to planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigation and equipment management and general farm upkeep
• Operates large farm equipment as needed to complete assigned tasks, including tractors, mowers and sprayers.
• Assists with scheduling and application of required pesticides
• Installs and manages irrigation systems
• Maintains appropriate records of agricultural activities
• Assist in other farm duties, as assigned

• Must be 24 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license
• Able to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends during peak season
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able to obtain a private pesticide applicator’s license
• Experience operating a variety of farm equipment
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Detail oriented
• Basic computer skills, including capability to use standard office systems and software
• Agriculture related educational experience or degree is a plus
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• PTO after 90 days
• Paid sick time
• Amusement Perk
• Simple IRA eligible after 1 year
• Phone reimbursement
• Staff apparel allowance