Hiring: Farm Apprentice – Chestnut Hill 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 26,000+ acres on 116 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 50,000 members.
Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.
Position Summary:
Chestnut Hill Farm is in its 2nd year as a CSA farm on a myriad of crop fields, pastures, rolling hills and woods on 130 acres. Located in Southborough, MA the farm is only a few minutes from the commuter rail which gets you to Boston in under an hour; Hopkinton State Park with is glorious lake; and all the hustle and bustle of the growing towns of Westborough, Northborough and Marlborough.
Farming 12 acres of vegetables this year, we are continuing to grow- breaking new ground and building systems from the ground up to create a new community farm with an active CSA and farm store. Under the leadership of a dynamic and experienced grower, this season will provide a unique learning experience for apprentices, as you will be able to be a part of a growing farm operation still in its infancy. We have a small tree fruit orchard, a small flock of chickens and our farmer also has a small herd of charismatic dairy goats that rotationally graze around the farm. Our apprenticeship is a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in diverse farming opportunities.
Our summer season apprenticeship offers the unique opportunity for someone to jump into the farm world during the height of the season, and work for a few months until the end of the season. We are seeking people who are excited or interested in sustainable farming and eager to take on the physically demanding, fast-paced, public and busy production part of farming. This includes: assisting with all aspects of crop production, greenhouse work, field preparations and tillage, hand and tractor cultivation, transplanting, harvest and distribution and working with groups and volunteers. You will also be expected to participate in and help facilitate small and large farm events throughout the season that are an exciting opportunity to learn about adding educational and engagement opportunities to a working farm.
Qualifications:
Ideally, you are responsible, flexible and personable, 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.
In addition to the above you must also:
- Have at least one season of experience working on a production farm, (or other physically demanding work).
- Be able to comfortably and safely lift and carry 40 lbs.
- Have the ability and interest to work long hours outside in any type of weather – wind, rain, heat, cold.
- Have seasonal availability for the rest of the Summer Season – from now until Thanksgiving.
- Have a satisfactory driving record and pass a driving check in order to operate Trustees vehicles (must be 18+ years old).
Benefits and Salary:
Apprentices are paid hourly: $10/hr and should expect to work 50-55 hrs/week for the remainder of the summer season, working less hours as the season winds down. Apprentices also receive:
- CSA vegetables
- Optional participation in Eastern MA CRAFT workshops
- Trainings on mechanized tillage and cultivation practices, farm planning and record-keeping, tractor and farm safety practices and basic equipment maintenance, food safety guidelines, and more.
- 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.
We have a limited amount of on farm housing that is available for rent.
APPLY NOW – Chestnut Hill Farm Apprenticeship
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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.
