The Farm at Our House Farm seeks one motivated self-starter to assist in the production, marketing and sales of organic vegetables, berries, eggs and shiitake mushrooms on and off the farm. Apprentices typically works at least 40 hours per week. The position ends December 1st, 2014, with potential to extend the contract.
The Farm at Our House is located in Brookeville, Maryland, 23 miles north of Washington, DC. We grow certified organic fruits and vegetables on 4.5 acres owned by Our House, a residential job training center for young men ages 16-21. The Farm at Our House offers a 26-week CSA, sells at three local farmers markets and to local restaurants and grocers. While The Farm at Our House and Our House Job Training Center are distinct entities, we work in partnership to achieve mutually supportive goals. We also collaborate with other farmers who have recently started to make use of the 140-acre Our House property. 2014 will be an exciting year as we continue to expand our operation, invest in labor-saving equipment and infrastructure, and expand our winter production.
Responsibilities:
· Production: perform and eventually lead other farm staff in field work, including cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, packing of crops, and care of laying hens; assist with mushroom production, equipment maintenance/repair, building projects.
· Marketing: represent farm at one or more weekly farmers markets or CSA pick-up site; deliver produce to wholesale customers; possibly contribute to newsletter, website, and marketing materials.
· The Apprentices’ responsibilities are matched with their interests and strengths to the extent possible.
Qualifications: Preferred but not required: some farming or gardening experience; experience working with at-risk young people; some administrative/supervisory experience; very good communication and organizational skills. Experience operating tractors, walk-behind tillers, and other machinery a plus. Experience with construction, welding, and animals also helpful. Must be in good health, able to work in the heat and the cold, and able to lift 50+ lbs.
Compensation: Weekly salary: between $150-$240 based on experience; free produce from the farm; $15/month towards professional development; free meals with Our House trainees; access to CRAFT workshops, farm library and on line resources, $1100 bonus (pro-rated depending on start date) for completing the season. No housing is currently available.
Please forward resume, cover letter, and three references to Marc Grossman, at marcgrossman2001@yahoo.com. Position open until filled. Flexible start date March-May 2014.
Summer Interns:
Summer interns work around 40 hours per week and are provided a weekly stipend of $160. Most of our summer interns are college students who begin in the spring and finish the season by mid to late August. We will work with your university to ensure that you receive credit for the internship if possible. No previous farming experience is required, but a strong desire to learn is obligatory. We cannot provide housing for our summer interns.
Please forward resume, cover letter, and three references to Marc at marcgrossman2001@yahoo.comor call 202 412 5698 for more information.
High School Interns:
As a high school intern you will experience all aspects of market farming including planting, weeding, harvesting, and possibly marketing and sales. You can expect to do demanding physical activity on a regular basis in the heat of summer and in the rain. You will receive a 45 minute lunch and at least two ten minute breaks (more depending on the heat). High school interns are not expected to work if the temperatures go above 100 degrees. You will be expected to learn the names of the different crops we sell, and gain familiarity with our methods of growing, washing, and packing produce, as well as the tools we use.
As an intern you are expected to commit at least 120 hours to the farm during the season and in return you will receive student service learning hours. You can expect to work 4 days/ week at the farm during the weeks you choose to work. It is important that schedule the weeks you plan to work and show up on those dates. No more than 5 high school interns can work on any one day. If you cannot work on a scheduled day it is important to contact us quickly.
There is public bus service within 3 miles of the farm. We typically schedule carpools from the bus stop to the farm or rely on parents to drive groups of students to the farm. We will accept up to 10 interns this summer.
Volunteers: We love volunteers and can accommodate many schedules. Email us at thefarmatourhouse@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering with us.
