Company description

We’re hiring new and experienced Farm Apprentices for the 2026 summer season. This position will contribute to all aspects of Sylvester Manor’s existing fruit, vegetable and livestock production. Ideal candidates have experience in sustainable agriculture and are available to work March through October of 2026.

Our farm operation currently consists of 7+ acres of vegetables, small fruit and livestock. The produce from our farm feeds over 100 CSA families, stocks our farmstand, and is donated to local food pantries. We raise pastured laying hens and pigs in marginal woodlands and rotate them through our growing fields. We also have a unique on-farm, composting system(s), including a townwide food scraps diversion collection system.

Internship description

We’re hiring Farm Apprentices for the 2026 season. We are seeking hardworking, high-energy, positive individuals who are motivated by a career in agriculture. This is a great position for someone who likes to challenge themselves and keep a fast pace, all while having fun growing vegetables and small fruit, and raising livestock.

We encourage both seasoned farmers and first time farmers to apply. The farm's diverse makeup allows for both experienced and new farmers alike to thrive, and offers many different hands-on learning opportunities.

This role will take part in all aspects of our small scale farming program. As a Sylvester Manor Farmer you’ll learn and/or advance your skills in seeding, transplanting, harvest techniques, wash & pack, weed management techniques, our CSA, irrigation set up, compost production, understanding the flow of field prep and planting, and so much more!

Strong teamwork and communication skills, patience, flexibility, and positivity are required. Farm work is extremely physically demanding, and a willingness and ability to work outdoors in all types of weather — heat, rain, sun, wind, and cold — is also a requirement.

Shelter Island is a beautiful place accessible only by ferry via both Sag Harbor and Greenport on the East End of Long Island. Living on Shelter Island you’ll have access to bay and ocean beaches, nature preserves, fishing, sailing/boating, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and so much more amongst a vibrant community.

Job Duration & Hours

Ideal candidates will start by late March and work at least through October (exact dates to be determined by the needs of the farm). We are an ever-evolving Farm and if the fit is right, there are opportunities to grow into year round positions and/or part-time winter work.

This position is about 40-48 hours, 5-6 days/week, depending on the changing needs of the farm and time of year. Weekend responsibilities are shared among the farm crew.

What We Offer:

• Starting $17/hour; more based on experience
• Housing provided if currently not residing on or near Shelter Island
• On farm, hands-on education with occasional themes and guest speakers
• 5 Paid Days Off (to be approved in advance by Farm Manager)
• Professional development/education stipend of $200
• Professional workwear stipend of $200
• Free vegetables, fruit and eggs from the farm and 20% off all Farmstand products
• Working in an environment where farmers take joy and pride in their work, look out for their fellow crew members, and learn together

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $17.00 - $17.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

March 31, 2026