At 590 State Route 14, Penn Yan, NY, Black Squirrel Farms collects and processes the black walnuts that grow on our land as well as those from other local growers in partnership with our affiliates. We operate an onsite Airbnb and will re-open our site for tours starting in May 2023, inviting the public to come learn about the history and promise of the black walnut tree. We’re developing and implementing black walnut processing capability in our new building. Black Squirrel Farms will consider hosting academic projects on a case-by-case basis. Black Squirrel Farms seeks to develop a long-term solution for the black walnuts that grow in central New York every year, and which are mostly wasted.

OPEN:  Summer 2023 Black Walnut Product Developer

• Black Squirrel Farms is developing a suite of black walnut related products including but not limited to ready to eat black walnuts, candied black walnuts, a black walnut tour, and various household and cleaning products that include black walnut shells or shell powder. Each product requires further development in terms of production methodology and market testing, an effort being led by Emily Reynolds, Product Manager. The purpose of the Product Developer role is to assist with product development and testing effort and for this reason, the role reports into Emily. While no previous knowledge of black walnuts or food processing is required, an ideal applicant would also enjoy learning about and eventually leading our onsite outdoors black walnut tour. This is a seasonal, hourly role. At Black Squirrel Farms, we believe that the way to keep mature, native nut trees standing is by realizing the value of what those trees produce. If you are interested in spending the summer on our farm in the Finger Lakes helping to figure out what New York’s native black walnut trees are really worth, apply for this open position. Hourly wage is $15.00/hr with the possibility of a monthly cost of living stipend proportional to the cost of housing in addition to the hourly wage for a candidate who is an exceptionally good fit. We anticipate 30-40 hrs/week of scheduled work and offer consider schedule flexibility. Please direct questions on this role to [email protected]. 

While Tyler Seneca Land and Cattle, LLC (doing business in Yates County, NY as Black Squirrel Farms) is non-discriminatory based on age, race or gender, successful applicants must be occupationally qualified to perform the duties of the job.  Applicants unable to produce the legally required information listed below before starting work will not be considered.

• Driver’s license
• Name (first, middle initial, last)
• Address (street, city, state, and ZIP code)
• Social Security Number
• Completed Federal form I-9

Applicants are requested to be supportive of a pre-hire background check, provide one or more references and provide verification of past or current employment if requested. These roles are seasonal and come with no guarantee of long-term continuity but may be voluntarily continued based on future business opportunities and conditions and the ongoing interest of both parties. Violation of safety policy is not tolerated and grounds for dismissal.

To be notified directly when a role which may be a fit for you is opened, complete our indication of interest and preemployment screening survey.  Questions about any open role can be routed through our contact page.