Powisset Farm Assistant Grower

Powisset Farm, located in Dover, Massachusetts and a property of the Trustees of Reservations, is seeking Assistant Growers for the 2016 growing season. We are looking for responsible, hard-working and enthusiastic people with whom to share the challenges and rewards of growing healthy food and a sustainable community while we learn from one another.

Who We Are:

Using organic methods, we manage a diverse vegetable operation on seventeen acres that produces food for a 350-share summer CSA, winter CSA, an on-site farm stand, mobile market, wholesale and our food donation partners.  We are a farm within a larger, state-wide non-profit organization.  Our farm is open to the public seven days a week.  It is an active, busy environment, where we interact every day with people of all ages through farm programs, community events and self-guided visits. We have a small livestock operation, wherein we raise pigs and care for a flock of laying hens.

We are seeking people who are excited about sustainable farming and eager to take on the wide-range of responsibilities associated with running a physically demanding, fast-paced, public and busy production farm. This includes: assisting with all aspects of crop production, greenhouse work, field preparations and tillage, hand and tractor cultivation, harvest and distribution, care for our flock of chickens, and working with groups and volunteers. You will also be expected to participate in and help facilitate small and large farm events throughout the season.

Who You Are:

Ideally you are responsible, flexible and personable, have at least one season of experience working on a production farm, (or are familiar with physically demanding work) and can be happy working as an integral part of a small farm crew. We are looking for people who can take on the physically demanding schedule, tasks, pace and inevitable challenges of the farm season with consistency and good humor. We need people who are ready each day to learn, take and give direction, be patient with themselves and others and are excited about working intensely with all types of people. You must have the ability and interest to work long hours outside in any type of weather – wind, rain, heat, cold. We ask that you can comfortably and safely lift and carry 40 lbs. and have a valid driver’s license.

There is also a farmer-in-training aspect to this position, which will require that you participate in group and individual check-ins and goal setting throughout the season.   So, we hope you are able and interested in sharing your goals and participating in feedback sessions with your fellow crew members.

Compensation:

This is a 34-week position starting April 5, 2016. Hours range from 40-55/week throughout the season and compensation is $11/hour, access to lots of farm veggies, a small educational stipend, and optional participation in Eastern Mass CRAFT workshops. There is no housing available at this time.

If you think you may be a good fit for an Assistant Grower position at Powisset farm, please send your resume and cover letter to Farm Manager, Zannah Porter to zporter@thetrustees.org.