Hiring: Farm Crew – Powisset Farm
About The Organization:
The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.
The Trustees Farms:
The Trustees farms have rich history in New England agricultural communities, from the oldest dairy farm to Amelia Peabody’s legendary farm, there are deep roots. Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of our pastoral landscape. Today, our farms still retain their bucolic quality and have also become well known for their CSA (community supported agriculture) operations. By purchasing a CSA share, members help to create community around our farms and their commitment to locally grown produce. They receive vegetables each week throughout the growing season, and participate in our pick-your-own crops as well, like fruits, flowers, and herbs. In addition, our farms donate produce to local hunger relief partners each week in order to make sure that our produce reaches as many people as possible. At The Trustees we are committed to growing our community by connecting people to food and the land on which it grows. We host farm events, volunteer opportunities, grassroots workshops, farm tours, and work-for-share opportunities.
Position Summary:
There are two positions available. Position one is Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM starting in July and expected to end in late-October. Position two is Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM starting in August and expected to end in late-October. An extended season may be available for either of these positions.
As a part time farm worker, the majority of your time will be spent weeding and harvesting, with occasional work on other projects such as planting, tomato twining or various field tasks. Most of these activities require working on your hands and knees for hours, or in crouched positions that are sometimes uncomfortable. The job requires strength to carry bins of harvested vegetables down long rows. You will be required to work in rain or shine, and in the humid, hot days of summer. You must also be able to be content doing repetitive tasks for several hours or days at a time.
This is not an educational position; this is a manual labor position. We will, of course, teach you the basics of the work that you will be doing, whether it is weeding, thinning, harvesting, planting or any other project that comes up. However, we will not formally teach you about crop planning or farm management and you will not be instructed on any of our tractors. We will also be directing you with very specific tasks that will most likely not have too much room for interpretation. In summary, it is a challenging job but also a very rewarding one, and can be an excellent fit for the right person!
Essential Functions:
- Hand Weeding
- Transplant seedlings to field
- Harvest crops
- Trellis tomatoes
- Helping with special projects at the farm
- Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
Qualifications:
This position is great for someone who is a hard worker, excited to work outside for the summer, and who enjoys being in a community of people who are passionate about farming, food and the local organic movement. We hope that you are a kind, fun, easy-going person. We enjoy conversations in the fields, sudden bursts of song, high fives and coworkers with positive attitudes. We are excited to expand our crew this season to include someone who thinks that they might be a great candidate for this farm and position.
The Trustees offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.
Click here to see all job opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations
In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.
