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This job expired on February 13, 2018

Farm Apprentice Many Forks Farm

  • Date Posted December 15, 2017
  • Location Clarksburg, MA
  • Category Agriculture
  • Job type Internship/Apprentice
Company description Many Forks Farm is a small, diverse vegetable farm using innovative, bio-intensive methods, working predominantly with hand tools, and building soil fertility through sustainable, organic practices. 2018 will be the farm's seventh season, located on 20 acres (7.5 owned, 12.5 leased) along the North Branch of the Hoosic River in Clarksburg, MA, Northern Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The farm is committed to direct, hyper-local relationships and marketing of its produce through a 45 member CSA, local farmers markets, and individuals. The farm works with community organizations that assist with subsidizing the cost of CSA shares for those who otherwise could not afford to be CSA members. 20 percent of the farm's shares are reduced in price. Many Forks Farm’s reputation in the community is for consistently flavorful, and intensely beautiful produce, as well as unusual and heirloom varieties. The farm has 2 acres in vegetable production, a propagation greenhouse, two moveable high tunnels, two caterpillar tunnels and also produces shiitake mushrooms and raspberries. This is an ideal situation for someone who knows they want to farm intensively on a small land base with little mechanization in a small community setting. Internship description Apprentices participate in all aspects of sustainable vegetable production. Areas include:  Crop planning, seeding using soil blocks and cell flats, greenhouse monitoring & maintenance, direct seeding & transplanting, cultivating & weeding, harvesting & prepping produce for market and CSA distribution,weed control approaches, pest and disease ID and management, cover cropping, soil-building & fertility, composting management, operating a walk-behind tractor, installing, maintaining & monitoring irrigation system & electric fencing, working with low-till & no-till techniques, season extension techniques, distribution to CSA members, shiitake mushroom growing, microgreens production, selling at farmers' markets, promotion and PR aspects, and community outreach & education.

Some vegetable growing experience is preferred but those with related experience or demonstrable interest in agriculture are also invited to apply. Desired qualifications: Flexibility in the context of the many factors that affect farming, enthusiasm for working with the general public at farmers' markets in other settings, a valid drivers license and own transportation, the ability to lift 50 pounds, and a work ethic of consistency, efficiency, attention to detail, and good humor. The willingness to work in all kinds of conditions and weather. The ability to respond to challenges that arise with urgent attention and energy for the benefit of the farm and as a crucial member of a small team who solves problems and gets it done.

Time Frame & Schedule: The apprenticeship runs from April/May 2018 - October 2018. The apprentice work week is a demanding 45 - 55 hours per week with 1.5 days off.

Compensation is $850/month plus housing in a fully equipped farmhouse with private bedroom, and shared kitchen, bathroom, and other living spaces. Other amenities include wireless internet, laundry facilities, workers compensation insurance, paid personal days, and farm vegetables for personal use.

Educational opportunities: The farm is a member of the CRAFT network and the workshops offered at the participating farms through that program will be available to the apprentices as a part of their regular work time. See the CRAFT website for more details about the program and the participating farms: craftfarmapprentice. com. Each week, the staff takes a farm walk together to discuss their observations of the crops and their needs. Apprentices may request additional on-farm sessions targeted to specific interests and scheduled outside of usual work time. There is a small farm library and the farm subscribes to several publications. There will be dedicated time for feedback on the ongoing farm work and living situation as needed. Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation
Application instructions
This job expired on February 13, 2018
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