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This job expired on December 19, 2014

Farmhand(s) Extraordinaire Free Union Grass Farm

  • Date Posted October 20, 2014
  • Location Free Union / Charlottesville, VA
  • Category Agriculture / Business
  • Job Type Internship/Apprentice
Job Description Free Union Grass Farm is seeking 2 farmhands to be our 2015 power pair. We prefer the title “farmhands” to interns, as you will be an integral part of all operations on our small-scale, diversified livestock farm just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. We raise pastured chicken and duck for meat, heritage breed grass-fed beef, forest-fed pork, and free-range chicken eggs. We do two weekly farmer's markets and deliver once a week the Charlottesville area. We process all of our poultry by hand on the farm. This will be our 6th season running the Grass Farm.

We are: Joel (30) and Erica (29) and our two dogs, Jackson and Mr. Fox. Erica is a Polyface Farm graduate, and that experience has influenced our management style considerably. Joel grew up on this land and spent his childhood milking Jerseys and raising chickens. We love hot weather, cold drinks, good music/trashy music, immature humor, trips to the beach, getting dirty, getting clean, stimulating conversation, and dinner parties with friends. We work hard and play hard.

You are:
  • ideally (but not necessarily) a couple as you will occupy a charming/cozy apartment on our farm. 
  • willing to make a 6.5-month commitment and are not the type of person who bails on things. 
  • a conscious omnivore. 
  • thorough, but can get the job done quickly when needed.
  • able to learn through observation. 
  • interested in starting your own farm or business in the future (although not entirely necessary). 
  • capable phsyically and mentally, and can lift reasonably heavy things or stand for long periods of time. 

You have:
  • health insurance. 
  • a decent memory. 
  • good verbal communication skills. 
  • the ability to improvise, but know when to ask for help.
  • rudimentary carpentry skills. 
  • at least some experience with farming (we realize there is a broad spectrum).
 
Time Frame: April 15th – November 1st + 1 week paid vacation

Weekly requirement:
Tuesday – Friday: all day, with us. 5-7am start, 4-6pm finish Wednesday: all day with us + farmer's market 3-7pm Saturday and Sunday: morning and afternoon chores on your own, Saturday farmer's market on a rotational basis Monday: full day off 

Compensation:
  • We pay your rent to the landlord ($525/month) 
  • Free wifi, laundry, and utilities 
  • Stipend of $400/month per couple or $200/month per person. 
  • Meat, eggs, and veggies from the garden 
  • Occasional meals 
If you need additional income, we have plenty of other paid work to offer (farm-sitting, mowing, catering, cider/wine-bottling, etc.)

Housing:
The apartment is all one room with a small kitchenette and gas stove. Bathroom with shower. Partially furnished. We have one queen bed and one full-size futon, so you can sleep separately if you're not a couple. Out your window is one of our gardens, and out your door is a greenhouse you may use as much of as you like.

Duties/Required Tasks: Twice daily animal chores (moving, feeding, watering, gathering eggs), occasional building projects, egg-washing/boxing, poultry processing, load-up and deliveries, farmer's market on Wednesdays, interfacing with customers, occasional tractor work, brush clearing, small landscaping projects, gardening and weeding, wood cutting and splitting, etc.

Are you our power pair? If so, please email us to request an application. Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation How to apply
This job expired on December 19, 2014
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