Hiring: CSA Farm Apprentice – Powisett 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:
The Powisset Farm CSA was established in 2007, and has grown to include an on-site farm stand, chicken and pig livestock operations, and 350 engaged shareholders. We are seeking CSA Apprentices who are excited about sustainable farming and eager to take on the wide-range of responsibilities associated with running a physically demanding, fast-paced, public and busy production farm. This includes: assisting with all aspects of crop production, greenhouse work, field preparations and tillage, hand and tractor cultivation, harvest and distribution and working with groups and volunteers. You may also be expected to participate in and help facilitate small and large farm events throughout the season.
Qualifications:
Ideally you are responsible, flexible and personable, have at least one season of experience working on a production farm, (or are familiar with physically demanding work) and can be happy working as an integral part of a small farm crew. We are looking for people who can take on the physically demanding schedule, tasks, pace and inevitable challenges of the farm season with consistency and good humor. We need people who are ready each day to learn, take and give direction, be patient with themselves and others and are excited about working intensely with all types of people. You must have the ability and interest to work long hours outside in any type of weather – wind, rain, heat, cold. We ask that you can comfortably and safely lift and carry 40 lbs. and have a valid driver’s license.
Benefits and Salary:
Apprentices are paid hourly: $11/hr and should expect to work 45-55 hrs/week for the 20-30 week season (depending on start date). Position expected to start on April 5, 2016, and end by December. Apprentices also receive:
- CSA vegetables plus some winter storage crops
- Optional participation in Eastern MA CRAFT workshops
- Training on mechanized tillage and cultivation practices, farm planning and record-keeping, tractor and farm safety practices and basic equipment maintenance
- Membership to The Trustees, which allows free/discounted access to all 114 Trustees properties around Massachusetts
We also offer 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.
APPLY NOW – CSA Farm Apprentice
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No phone calls please.
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.
