Company description

Boston Area Gleaners is committed to increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables across our communities while supporting our region’s family farms and reducing systemic food waste. We focus on meeting the immediate needs of families who lack access to affordable, healthy food while also addressing the systemic causes of food insecurity. We also own and operate Stonefield Farm in Acton, Massachusetts.

Internship description

Boston Area Gleaners is looking for qualified applicants for four apprentice positions for the 2026 season. There are two different apprentice categories, Farm Apprentices and Gleaning Apprentices, with a shared educational component.

Farm Apprentices will work at Boston Area Gleaners’ Stonefield Farm, alongside the Farm Manager and Farm Production Team, helping to produce high-quality, fresh vegetables for our food access partners.

Gleaning Apprentices will assist the Gleaning Manager with volunteer trips at regional vegetable farms and orchards throughout the season and will contribute to Boston Area Gleaners’ work through a wide variety of hands-on activities as part of the Operations Team.

The educational component of the Apprentice positions consists of weekly activities, such as field trips to local farms and organizations, readings, and discussions with staff on a wide range of topics related to crop production and food systems.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds repetitively and be on your feet for most of the day
• Able to work in a variety of weather conditions from hot, humid summer days to cold, wet fall days
• Ability to commit to the entire season Preferred Qualifications and Experience
• Experience working with volunteers
• Ability to follow instructions and to clearly express ideas in a concise and professional manner
• A fun, energetic, team-oriented attitude
• Experience working with food, produce, or in agricultural production
• Knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties, produce quality, and proper storage conditions
• Valid driver’s license and driver history approved by the Gleaners auto-insurer

Primary Responsibilities

Assist the Farm Production Manager and Farm Production Leader with all aspects of commercial-scale production at Stonefield Farm

• Assisting Greenhouse Manager with seedlings and transplant production
• Field and bed preparation, stone removal, and plastic laying
• Transplanting seedlings
• Weeding and cultivation
• Irrigation and fertilization
• Pest and disease scouting

Assisting with Harvesting and Gleaning (on and off site)

• Harvest preparation including bin and tote washing, organizing supplies, communicating clearly with teammates, setting up for the trip, truck loading, and record keeping
• Harvesting / gleaning, with an emphasis on efficiency
• Maximizing produce quality by employing proper technique and attention to detail
• Assisting with post-harvest handling and transportation to packing station
• Assisting with post trip tasks including unloading product, organizing, and sorting and cleaning supplies/ tools, and truck clean-up

Assisting with Produce Washing, Packing and Grading

• Assist with the grading and repacking of produce
• Maximize quality by adhering to Gleaners’ quality standards
• Ensure consistent pack sizes and quality grading
• Ensure handling, packing, and quality standards comply with the Gleaners’ food safety plan
• Assist with de-packaging, recycling and composting of produce that does not meet the Gleaner’s quality standards

Assisting with Volunteer Management

• Assist Trip Leader with instructing volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards during harvests
• Assist Trip Leader with managing and directing volunteers with varying levels of experience to ensure safety, proper technique and encourage efficient work
• Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve harvest goals while maintaining a positive volunteer experience
• Lead by example

Apprentice Education

• Approach each task as a learning opportunity. The apprentice positions are 95% learn-by-doing
• Engage in weekly formal educational opportunities, including field trips, readings, discussions, and meetings with members of Staff
• Design and present an end-of-season project as a reflection of your apprentice experience

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline