Appleton Farms Ipswich, MA Apprenticeship

Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continually operating farms in the country and is managed by the Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit land conservation organization.  Vegetables are grown on 25 plus acres of land for the 650 member CSA. We also aim to donate 2-3 tons of produce per year to local hunger relief organizations.

Other farm operations include haying, dairy and livestock, and educational and community events. The farm is convenient to several towns, to beautiful beaches, and to the commuter rail to Boston.

The apprenticeship at Appleton Farms is a working and learning position. Its purpose is to train participants in aspects of managing an organic vegetable operation.

Responsibilities:

•       General farm work: planting, seeding, weeding, hoeing, harvesting,
post harvest vegetable handling, cleanup, building and grounds projects, special farm projects. Please note that CSA apprentices do not work in livestock operations.
•       Apprentices have the opportunity to take on additional responsibility
over the course of the season including managing volunteer groups, part time workers and managing harvest days.
•       Tractor work: each apprentice will be trained in the safe operation
and maintenance of one of the CSA’s tractors and its implements, and will also gain familiarity with much of the equipment used by the CSA crew.
•       Returning apprentices have the option to take on more responsibility,
such as managing the greenhouse, pick-you-own fields, tractor cultivation, or managing harvest days

Work Schedule:

•       April to November 2017
•       Weekly hours will be between 35 hours/week at the start of the season
and 50-55 hours per week in the height of the season. Mondays – Fridays 6am to 5pm are the regular hours. During this schedule there is 15 minute morning break and one hour paid lunch.
•       One Saturdays per month (8am-12 pm) during the height of the growing
season (June-September).
•       Optional evening hours working share distribution

Compensation:

•       Compensation for first year apprentices is per hour based on
experience.
•       Apprentices have the option to participate in employer sponsored
health insurance.
•       Housing is available
•       Farm produce: as much farm grown produce as the apprentice can 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; continued consulting and assistance with post apprenticeship job placement if desired.
•       Free admission to Trustees of Reservations properties including nearby
Crane Beach
please contact Leah Jurman at ljurman@thetrustees.org

Ipswich, MA