Company description Black Kettle Farm is a 4.5 acre diverse, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) certified organic vegetable farm in Southern Maine.  The farm has a strong focus on it's 80-100 member and also supplies produce for a busy Saturday farmers’ market, as well as restaurant accounts. The farm practices season extension in 2 high tunnels, participates in a Low Income Senior CSA Share, donates food to a local food pantry program, grows ginger and has a large perennial medical and culinary herb garden.  Black Kettle strives to produce beautiful vegetables, give back to our soil, feed friends, share food and create a space rich with gratitude and appreciation for the abundance that the farm provides.  The atmosphere at Black Kettle is one of hard work, communication, and positivity. Job description The Assistant Grower position at Black Kettle Farm is step up from an apprenticeship, and is an  opportunity to delve deeper into agriculture as career path.  Assistant Growers will hone key practical skills, gain experience and confidence in organic production and animal husbandry, and actively contribute to a successful and vibrant farm community.  

The position is full time, from mid-April through October, with a monthly stipend and on-farm housing provided, including all the veggies that you can eat and some basic food staples.

Check out the farm website: www.blackkettlefarm.com

JOB OVERVIEW
Assistant Growers will work closely with the Farm Manager in all aspects of production for over 30 different vegetables from seed to harvest to sale, and will also have opportunities to manage certain essential elements of the farm, such as the seedling greenhouse, record keeping and produce packing.  

Assistant Growers will develop expertise through practical experience in the field, with additional exposure to crop planning, nutrient management, tractor skills and CSA management.  
Assistant Growers will be a part of all tasks on the farm, such as:
Greenhouse seeding
Frield Transplanting
Drip Irrigation
Direct marketing though CSA and Farmers' Market
Field Cultivation
Pest and Disease ID and management
Season extension in High Tunnels
Harvesting for CSA, market and wholesale accounts

We also grown Ginger and collaborate with a local, organic mushroom farm.

This  is a learn by doing environment, but questions are welcomed and encouraged  The farm is a busy place, but there is always time for clarification, extended explanations and group discussions. 

EXPECTATIONS
The Assistant Grower positions are mid-April-October 2018, with potential to extend later into the fall and into subsequent seasons.  Start and end dates are flexible, but applicants must commit to the full season.  We work Monday-Friday, from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM (6:30 AM on harvest days) with an hour for lunch.  Saturday chores are shared amongst the crew on a rotational basis.

COMPENSATION
Compensation includes monthly stipend ranging from $1400-$1800 according to experience,  and on-farm housing in rustic, yet charming off-the-grid accommodations, as well as all you veggies you can eat and staple dry goods like eggs, rice, beans, oil etc.  

HOUSING
The full-time farm crew lives in the back meadow of the farm, which is quiet and private.  Each crew member has their own camper for living and cooking and there is also a yurt, which serves as a community space in the meadow, with a sofa, wood burning stove, solar panel and additional cooking space.  There is also a fire pit, hammocks, a super clean outhouse and an outdoor deck overlooking the veggie fields.  There is no electricity or running water in the meadow.  Crew members shower in the farm house and use the staff fridge in the barn. The crew shares 2 lunches a week in the farm house, other wise, folks are on their own for meals.

Please NO pets of any kind or kids.  
It is highly recommended to have a reliable vehicle for the season.

DESIRED SKILLS
One season prior experience on a vegetable farm, or equivalent work experience doing manual labor outside, working with plants or animals is required, along with a commitment to organic practices.
Strong applicants for the Assistant Grower positions should be motivated problem-solvers, who are able to work well independently and in a groups and execute tasks with attention to detail. These positions are a good fit for strong, able-bodied, hard-workers, who are organized, and are able to focus and learn quickly and ask questions to clarify.
Communication, flexibility and an out-going, community spirit are greatly valued in the Black Kettle Farm crew.
This is a dedicated, positive, and proactive environment.   
Applicants must:
Be 21 years or older
Have a valid drivers license
Be able to commit to the entire season
Be able to consistently lift 50 pounds
Be ready to work in all kinds of crazy East Coast weather
Be responsible, reliable, flexible and communicative Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation Application instructions Deadlineno deadline