Drumlin Farm Crops Apprenticeships

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Lincoln, Ma, is Mass Audubon’s only working educational farm. In the field, apprentices work closely with the crops manager and learn sustainable methods of soil health maintenance, weed and pest control, and the production of a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers.

Our apprenticeship is distinct in that all apprentices, in addition to learning organic farming methods, learn a wide variety of marketing techniques. With produce grown on 17 acres, we operate a summer and winter CSA, attend the Watertown and Union Square farmers’ markets, harvest weekly for chefs in the greater Boston area, and maintain a daily on-site farmstand. Apprentices participate in all methods of selling the food they help grow, and there is the opportunity for those who show a particular aptitude to assume a position of increased responsibility within any one of these marketing areas. 

Apprentices also gain management experience as they help organize volunteer, school, and summer camp groups. Apprentices enhance their on-farm education by attending meetings of the Collaborative Regional Alliance of Farmer Training (CRAFT) of Eastern Massachusetts. These farm visits allow apprentices to compare the growing practices and techniques of different local farms.

Hours vary with the progression of the season, but average about 54 per week. The work week runs Tuesday-Saturday with rotating Sunday coverage. A typical work day is 6 or 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., though we may work later if necessary. Our crops apprenticeships begin between April and early May and run through mid-November.

Compensation is commensurate with experience, with limited on-farm housing available for $35/week. Apprentices receive a discount on Drumlin Farm-raised meat and eggs, and fruit, and vegetables produced on the farm are part of apprentice compensation. Apprentices are eligible for health benefits.

Qualifications: Previous farming experience is a plus, but not required. Applicants should be willing to share their knowledge with the public, willing to work with groups of adults and children, have experience cooking with local food, able to lift fifty pounds repeatedly, and able to perform physical labor in all weather conditions for extended periods of time. Punctual, precise, energetic, resilient, attentive, and team-oriented people who are eager to learn while working on a fast-paced production farm are encouraged to apply.

To Apply: Please send a resume and letter of intent to Matthew Celona, Crops Manager at mcelona@massaudubon.org.