Field Crew, Powisset Farm, Dover MA

About The Organization:

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

About the Farm:
Powisset Farm has a long history of agricultural enterprises, from a dairy farm many years ago, to Amelia Peabody’s legendary farm, famous for its breed stock of Hereford cattle and Yorkshire pigs. Many visitors remember fondly the glowing green pastures dotted with cattle and framed by beautiful barns.
Today, our farm is better known for its CSA (community supported agriculture) operation. In 2007, we began a CSA operation with 100 shares, and are currently growing for 350 Summer CSA members and 100 Winter CSA members. By purchasing a share at Powisset Farm, CSA members help to create community around our farm and their commitment to locally grown produce. They receive vegetables each week throughout the growing season, and participate in our pick-your-own crops as well, like fruits, flowers, and herbs. We also host an on-site Farm Stand three days per week during the summer and fall, so that members of the public have access to Powisset produce. In addition to these outlets, our farm donates produce to local hunger relief partners and serves our Mobile Market program in Boston, in order to make sure that our produce reaches as many people as possible.
At Powisset Farm we are committed to growing our community by connecting people to food and the land on which it grows. We host farm events, volunteer opportunities, grassroots workshops, farm tours, and work-for-share opportunities.

Responsibilities:
General farm work: planting, seeding, weeding, hoeing, harvesting, post-harvest vegetable handling, cleanup, building and grounds projects, special farm projects. Please note that the CSA farm crew does not work in livestock operations.
There is an opportunity to take on additional responsibility over the course of the season including managing volunteer groups and leading harvest days.
Tractor work: each crew member will be trained in the safe operation and maintenance of the CSA’s tractors and implements.
Returning workers have the option to take on more responsibility, such as managing the greenhouse, pick-your-own fields, tractor cultivation, or managing harvest days.  

Work Schedule:
Full-time seasonal, April to November 2018.
Weekly hours will be between 35 hours/week at the start of the season and 55 hours per week in the height of the season. Mondays – Fridays 7am to 5pm are regular hours June through September. There is a one hour paid lunch.
Optional hours working share distribution.

Compensation: 
Compensation is per hour based on experience.
Farm crew have the option to participate in employer sponsored health insurance.
Housing is not available for this position.
Farm produce: farm grown produce for individual use.
Training: access to planning documents and records, farmer’s library; farm safety training; tractor operation and maintenance training; option to participate in Eastern Mass CRAFT program (emasscraft.org); option to attend NOFA summer conference, and other events as they arise; consulting and assistance in future endeavors
Free admission to Trustees of Reservations properties.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

If interested, please email a resume & cover letter to Andrew Kelly, Powisset CSA Manager: akelly@thetrustees.org.