Job description

Flipside Farm CSA is located on a 93 acre farm in Bedminster, NJ one hour due west of NYC. We grow vegetables and raise pigs using ecological, organic methodologies for our customer base in Bedminster, Hoboken and NYC. 2016 will be the farm’s first year of production as we break ground on 6 acres.

We are committed to training the next generation of farmers and leaders in sustainable agriculture. We believe that the only way to really learn how to manage a farm is by actually getting your hands dirty. The apprenticeship program is designed to give a very hands-on experience working all aspects of the farm, from seeding, feeding, weeding, harvest and everything in between. And, as this is our first year of full production, apprentices will have the extra bonus of experiencing first-hand how a new farm gets up and running.

What does the Apprenticeship entail? The farm apprenticeship is designed to give you immersive experience in all aspects of production at the farm. You’ll get your hands dirty with a wide variety of jobs spanning from: seeding onions in the greenhouse, spreading cover crop seed, transplanting kale, hoeing sweet peppers, working on tractors, trellising tomatoes, stuffing envelopes, hand-weeding carrots, and harvesting winter squash. Though most days will be contain an array of different jobs, some days will be spent pushing through one or two big tasks (e.g. planting potatoes, building a high tunnel).

We provide a working education on the farm plus additional off-farm educational events throughout the growing season. Apprentices will have the opportunity to visit other farms in the central NJ region, participate in NOFA NJ events, and attend various workshops given by other farmers and agricultural experts (approximately one or two events per month). Apprentices will receive copies of the farm’s written materials and records, including crop plans, budgets, maps, and harvest data. In the fall, the farm manager will provide contacts and guidance for apprentices seeking future farm plans. Additionally, the apprentice and farm manager will set goals together in the spring to be evaluated at mid-season and at the end of the year.

Apprentices will also be given a special project during the season to augment their agricultural training per the applicant’s interests. Expectations will be set with the farm manager at the beginning of the season. Examples of special projects include: taking care of bee hives, building a chicken coop, developing a season extension plan, constructing specialized outbuildings.

Work Schedule: Our work schedule will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Occasionally an apprentice may be asked to stay past the normal ending hour when weather or other situations may call for it. Apprentices will be asked to do chores one full weekend per month in exchange for one full weekend off per month. Additionally, each apprentice will receive one full week of paid vacation in the middle of the summer to be scheduled with the farm manager. Specific times are likely to change throughout the season.

The apprenticeship begins March 28 and lasts until November 4. Some additional work in late fall may be available.

Compensation: Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of $800 per month paid in the middle of the month. A withholding tax will be taken out of the stipend. Apprentices will receive worker’s compensation. Additionally, apprentices have access to whatever produce they desire from the farm, and some pork in the fall.

Housing (if needed) will be provided nearby Bedminster, apprx 10-15 miles from the farm. The house is rented by the farm and shared by its employees. Gas and utilities (but not internet) will be provided by the farm.

Expectations: While prior farm experience is helpful for the apprenticeship, it’s certainly not a requirement. Apprentices will be expected to:

• Bring a spirit of dedication and enthusiasm to the job!
• Be in good physical shape and be able to work 50+ hours per week
• Work outside in all kinds of weather
• Be flexible, resilient, and open-minded
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Commit to a full season of farm work
• Prepare and eat lots of delicious vegetables
• Enjoy the experience of working on a beautiful farm!

Compensation

this position is: stipend / non-monetary compensation

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline