Farm Maintenance Technician

East Fork Cultivars is a farm-focused cannabis and hemp company, with headquarters in the picturesque Illinois River Valley in Takilma, Oregon, and a satellite office in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2015, East Fork strives to develop and preserve sustainable, sun-grown farming methods in order to produce high-quality, genetically diverse, CBD-rich cultivars while maintaining a resolute commitment to environmental responsibility, science-based education, and social justice. East Fork is seeking a talented, passionate and self-directed Farm Maintenance Technician to join our team. This position is located in Takilma, Oregon.

Position Summary

The Farm Maintenance Technician’s primary role is to maintain and improve the East Fork Ranch, including its structures, farm systems and other infrastructure. The Farm Maintenance Technician will oversee the continued maintenance and refinement of the facility to help improve operational efficiency, protect employee wellness and minimize environmental impacts. Secondarily, this position includes responsibilities focused on flower, preroll,  and cultivation team tasks at the request of team leads.

We especially encourage application by candidates who have been personally impacted by cannabis prohibition:

  • Legally - eg, through arrest and/or incarceration of the candidate or close family member - and/or

  • As part of the communities that have been disproportionately targeted by cannabis prohibition enforcement.

Legal Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age

  • Must be legally able to work in the U.S.

  • Must possess or be able to obtain an OLCC Marijuana Worker Permit

Outcomes (in order of priority):

  1. Monitor proper function of major facility systems, including security, irrigation, HVAC, gates, doors, vehicles, and tools in a timely and efficient manner.

  2. Ensure the facility is safe for employees.

  3. Keep maintenance records using a digital checklist, and make improvements to the checklist as necessary.

  4. Maintain organization in storage areas in concert with other teams.

  5. Maintain grounds, including landscaping and roadways.

  6. Procure materials for farm maintenance and special projects.

  7. Identify and execute improvements for operational efficiency, employee safety and environmental sustainability through better facility design.

  8. Participate in cultivation, flower, and preroll team tasks and meetings as needed. This position requires a high degree of flexibility.

Role Competencies (in order of priority):

  • Adaptable: Works efficiently both individually or with a team. Switches tasks and roles easily.

  • Attentive: Listens carefully and asks questions when necessary.

  • Accountable: Takes responsibility for all work activities and personal actions. Follows through on commitments. Implements decisions that have been agreed upon. Maintains confidentiality with sensitive information. Acknowledges and learns from mistakes without blaming others; recognizes the impact of one’s behavior on others.

  • Team Player: Encourages and facilitates cooperation and trust. Fosters team spirit, commitment, and group identity. Works with others to achieve shared goals.

  • Judgment and Decision Making: Able to balance the need for making a thoughtful and calculated decision with the realities of a fast-paced environment. Intuitive, decisive, and confident.

  • Organization / Planning: Exhibits strong personal organization, communication, attention to detail, and planning skills.

  • Energy: Perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time with a keen attention to detail and quality while maintaining a good pace. Brings a positive can-do energy to the workplace. 

  • Stress-Management: Able to manage stress in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

  • Professionalism: Can maintain a respectful demeanor under stress.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Preferred 3+ years relevant professional experience

  • Proficient in basic carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical skills

  • Must be 21 years of age and have a valid OLCC Marijuana Handlers Permit

  • Strong communication skills and a healthy sense of humor

  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to perform physical farm labor

  • This position requires the use of the following software: G Suite, Slack, and Trello

Compensation and Benefits

  • Starting pay: $20-$25/hour depending on experience

  • Health insurance: Partially subsidized employer-sponsored plan

  • Paid time off: 80 hrs/yr accrued PTO; 40 hrs/year sick time

  • Retirement Savings: East Fork administers a retirement savings plan through OregonSaves

Work schedule, relationships, and culture

  • Work schedule: 40 hours per week. Schedule is somewhat negotiable if farm needs are met.

  • Relationships: The Farm Maintenance Technician will work closely with the Farm Director, CCO, and other farm team members.

  • Culture: East Fork is a young, nimble social enterprise with a relatively flat decision-making structure. All team members are expected to participate in East Fork’s culture of self management, continual improvement, and flexibility to the constant changes of a dynamic business and industry.