Company description
Mary Dirty Face Farm is a certified organic, mixed-fruit orchard, located 8 miles from Menomonie, Wi. We started planting in 2009, and have since expanded to 10 acres. Our biggest product is apples, of which we grow over 50 varieties, specializing in disease-resistant, heirloom, and other unique cultivars. We also grow pears, plums, blueberries, and currants. Over the years, we have experimented with many other unusual fruits and other perennials. We emphasize biodiversity in all we do, and have beneficial insect and wildlife habitat, as well as an understory that's inclusive of many species of groundcover, flowers, and plants to help us build soil.
We market through a CSA-style fruitshare in our local community, as well as in the Twin Cities area (about 80 miles distant). We also do a farmers market in Minneapolis, a farmstand during apple season, and small wholesale accounts.
We can offer straightforward seasonal work, but would also love to train an apprentice!
Internship description
Mary Dirty Face Farm seeks an orchard apprentice for summer and fall of 2026. Our family farm is located just 8 miles from downtown Menomonie. We grow certified organic mixed fruit, with a heavy focus on apples and other tree fruits. We market locally and in the Twin Cities through a CSA-style fruit share, farmers markets, food co-ops, and other small wholesale accounts. This position is mostly seasonal, with possible limited hours through the winter, and the opportunity to return in future years.
Hours are somewhat flexible, and we can accommodate less than full time hours if desired. Willing to work around classes or another job. On-farm housing available.
Must be able to work with a small team, and also be comfortable working independently at times, with instruction. Must be able to work in hot, cool, or rainy weather, and come prepared for weather conditions. Excellent position for someone interested in farming, horticulture, natural resources, environmental studies. Most work hours will be spent on plant care, harvesting, sorting, and packing fruit, but we can offer opportunities to learn and be involved in other aspects of orchard and farm management.
Tasks include
Harvesting — raspberries, blueberries, and currants in July; plums and apples in
August; apples, pears, and raspberries September-October
Sorting, packing, and preparing fruit for farmers market, CSA share, wholesale
Irrigation and care of newly planted trees and shrubs, including weeding and mulching
Pruning, training, and other tree care
Pest monitoring — placing and monitoring traps, scouting for disease, recording notes
Orchard/Fruit or farm/ag experience not required, but some experience working outdoors preferred. Training will be provided for all tasks. Candidates must be able to work outside for up to 8 hours/day in various weather conditions, lift and carry 20-30 pounds frequently, and lift 40-50 pounds occasionally. Harvesting berries involves kneeling/squatting/bending for long stretches. Harvesting tree fruit may include ladder use. Packing fruit requires attention to food safety (training provided). Prefer availability from June-October, but candidates who are only available for the summer are welcome to apply. Earlier start dates also welcome.
Compensation
this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline