Written by Jade Hanas, Creative Operations Assistant
As a member of the Port Farms team for the past six years, I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand what makes this workplace so special. My name is Jade Hanas, and I began my journey at Port Farms as a seasonal employee, organizing the pumpkin corral and working at the Giant Slides attraction. Now, six years later, I work year-round as the Creative Operations Assistant, helping create social media content, photo opportunities, blogs, and more. I started working at Port Farms at just 15 years old while still in high school, and now, as I prepare to turn 21 and begin my third year of college, I can truly appreciate how much this experience has shaped me. Over the years, I have worked in nearly every role on the farm, making my time at Port Farms one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Community
One of the things that makes working at Port Farms so special is the strong sense of community among the team. Whether during busy festival days or slower weekdays, there are always opportunities for employees to bond and support one another. The connections formed between each generation of employees are truly unique—from those in their very first season to those who have returned for many years—which helps create a workplace that feels like family. I have found that many employees come back season after season because of the relationships they build and the experiences, they share while working at Port Farms. This also makes Port Farms a great place for retirees to work, as there is room for employees of all ages.
Environment
Beyond the strong sense of community, one of the biggest perks of working at Port Farms is the outdoor environment. As someone who enjoys staying active and working hands-on, I have especially enjoyed spending the festival season outdoors rather than sitting behind a desk all day. Whether helping guests navigate attractions, organizing activities, decorating events, or assisting with daily farm operations, every day brings something different. During the fall season especially, the farm is full of energy—from families enjoying the attractions to coworkers working together during busy weekends—which creates a fun and fast-paced atmosphere. Because every position on the farm is outdoors, employees can enjoy fresh air, stay active, and interact with guests throughout the day. I have found this environment to be especially appealing for teachers, retirees looking for a social and active job, students seeking seasonal work, and stay-at-home parents looking for flexible opportunities in a welcoming setting.
Positions
Port Farms offers a variety of exciting seasonal positions that fit a wide range of interests and skillsets. We offer many positions in our food service and concession stands, cashier and guest service positions, attraction attendant positions, prep crew, and maintenance team.
Each position plays an important role in creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests across the festival grounds. Whether someone enjoys working directly with people, staying active outdoors, or supporting behind the scenes, there is a role that allows them to contribute in a meaningful way.
Rewarding Experience
Working at Port Farms has been one of the most rewarding long-term experiences I’ve had. Being surrounded by families from across the region who enjoy everything Port Farms has to offer is incredibly rewarding and makes it easy to share their joy. There is something magical about the season from August through October and getting to celebrate it while serving others in the community makes the job incredibly special. The skills I’ve gained while working at Port Farms have also been incredibly rewarding, from learning to run concessions to working in guest service and management positions.
Benefits
Working at Port Farms comes with more than just the natural benefits of being outdoors and part of a fun, family-friendly environment. We are proud to offer a variety of benefits to our seasonal employees to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication they bring each season. Port Farms offers competitive pay, along with employee incentive and referral programs that reward outstanding performance and teamwork. Employees also receive discounts on admission, making it easy to enjoy everything the farm has to offer throughout the season. Additional perks include a year-end employee party, one free pumpkin, and employee discounts on merchandise and concessions. At Port Farms, we strive to create a rewarding experience both on and off the farm.
Whether you’re looking for a fun seasonal job, a chance to meet new people, or a workplace that feels like family, Port Farms offers an experience unlike any other. Located just 20 minutes from Erie, Port Farms provides employment opportunities for individuals across Erie and northern Crawford County. From working outdoors during the beautiful fall season to building lifelong friendships and gaining valuable experience, working at Port Farms is much more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of something truly special.
If you’re interested in joining our team and creating unforgettable experiences alongside us, we encourage you to read more about our open positions and to apply! Visit our employment page to learn more about available positions and become part of the Port Farms family.