Job Description We are a young, diversified livestock and vegetable farm about 1.5 hours from central DC. We raise chickens, turkeys, pigs, and steers on pasture, as well as a market garden. We market our food directly through farmers market, CSA, restaurants, and local buying clubs. As farmers, our focus is on soil health, livestock well-being, and direct-to-consumer sales.

We are looking for 2-3 apprentices for 2016--one person from April-November, two May-October.  2016 marks our first year at our own farm (we had previously been leasing land), so apprentices will be able to participate in setting up farming systems at the new farm: irrigation and waterline, outbuilding retrofitting, fencing, etc.  In addition, apprentices will be expected to take part in: morning and afternoon chores 5 days per week with pigs, chickens, steers, and turkeys; assist with processing chickens and turkeys 1 day per week; represent the farm at farmers market and CSA; make deliveries to local wholesale accounts; help in the garden, greenhouse, and high tunnel; contribute to general farm up-keep (weed-eating, putting up and taking down temporary fencing, weeding, etc) Work week is 5.5 days per week with Sundays always off (minimal Sunday chores on rotation) and other half day flexible. Work is roughly 40% animals, 60% vegetables, though it fluctuates by the season.

No farming experience required, though experience doing physically demanding work outside is expected (Knowledge of chicken processing a huge plus). Ability to lift 50 pounds required. The right candidate will have a clean driving record, a positive attitude, good customer service skills, and an interest in all aspects of running a small farm and direct-marketing meat and vegetables. Attention to detail and a willingness to accept (respectful!) constructive criticism a must.

Compensation is $1000/ month with a $1000 bonus for completion of the season.  Worker's comp included.  Housing provided on farm in either a tiny house or loft apartment in the milkhouse.  All housing has electricity, running hot water, and composting toilets.   Lunch provided on workdays; we will share a cooking rotation with apprentices.

Educationally, apprentices are invited to participate in Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) through monthly farm tours and potlucks.  Farm work will cover all aspects of a small, relatively new farming operation: sustainable animal husbandry and small scale veggies, financial planning and record keeping, direct-marketing, and farmstead carpentry. We welcome all questions.

Recreationally, we are 20 minutes from Frederick, Maryland and 1.5 hours from central DC. Commuter trains run into DC's Union Station from Frederick Monday through Friday. The Appalachian Trail, Catoctin Mountain State Park, and the C & O Canal are all within a short drive. The local young farmer scene is vibrant and supportive. We encourage our employee to participate in potlucks, farm visits, parties, and the annual Food Barter Fair. Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation How to apply Deadlineno deadline