Seasonal Farm Crew; Part Time

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do.

We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17 – $20/hour

Housing:
Housing may be available

Hours per week:
Variable: 25 hours/week in the Spring & Fall;
Up to 55 hours/week in the Summer

Job Classification:
Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration:
May - October

Location:

Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

As part of the Appleton Farms crew, you’ll work the land at one of the oldest continually operating farms in the country and contribute to growing vegetables using organic practices on 35 acres for a 650-member summer CSA and 200-member winter CSA. You’ll be part of a team-oriented farm focused on soil health, efficient systems, and high-quality production on a 1000-acre property featuring a grass-fed beef operation, education and public programs, and beautiful grassland and forest trails.

The Farm Crew position is a seasonal position with a variable work schedule. This individual works in aspects of organic vegetable production for summer and winter CSAs and wholesale accounts. These responsibilities include greenhouse and high tunnel production, field operations, vegetable harvest, and wash and pack. The farm crew is trained in farm systems and has an opportunity to learn organic and regenerative practices for vegetable production.

There are full-time and part-time positions available.

• Work directly with the farm manager, assistant manager, and other farm crew
• Implement the crop plan and aspects of production: greenhouse and high tunnel work, field transplanting, weed control, harvest, CSA distribution, and general farm maintenance projects. Please note that the CSA farm crew does not work in livestock operations.
• Learn farm systems and strive for efficiency
• There is an opportunity to take on additional responsibility over the season for full‑time staff, such as leading harvests or managing a production arena
• Interested crew members may have an opportunity to be trained in the safe operation and maintenance of one of our tractors and its implements
• Farming experience is not required. Applicants with farm experience must be open‑minded and interested in relearning skills to fit our systems

Part-time:

• May/June through September/Oct
• Schedule is somewhat flexible, working 25-30 hours/week. Must be able to start at 7am at least two mornings/week.

This is a variable hour, limited term position reporting directly to the Field Crop Manager.

• Passionate and motivated to work on a production-oriented farm. Eager to learn and receive constructive feedback
• Works well in a team-oriented environment and possesses strong communication skills
• Detail oriented, punctual, and organized

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and crouch or bend for long periods of time
• Must be able to work in all types of weather
• Must be able to accommodate seasonal work schedule
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows…