2012 Farm Worker & Apprentice Positions, Florida

2012 Farm Worker & Apprentice Positions at Frog Song Organics in Florida

Location: Hawthorne, FL

Type: 1) Farm Worker (Full Time) 2) Farm Apprentice

Frogs Song Organics is a small, diversified farm & homestead near Hawthorne, FL, about 20 minutes east of Gainesville. We grow about 3 acres of mixed organic vegetables for our CSA, farmers markets and restaurants, and have 2 acres of a newly planted fruit orchard. Our goal is to produce healthy food and jobs for our community.

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We are seeking to fill two types of positions:

1) Farm Worker (Full Time)

The Farm Worker position is for a skilled, experienced farm worker who knows how to use tools, has experience with fertility, weed and pest management, harvesting and general farm tasks. Pay is negotiable depending on experience and skills (mechanic skills, irrigation, tractor, etc). Full time work is available for the right person. Shared on-farm housing and food from the farm may also be included.

Required Qualifications: Five years of agriculture experience, valid drivers license, good work ethic, good communication skills. Experience on an organic farm a plus. Willingness to train and work with Farm Apprentices.

2) Farm Apprentice

The Farm Apprentice position is for someone who already has some education and/or experience in farming and wants to learn more. The ideal candidate would be an aspiring farmer who has a passion for learning about all parts of the business and is ready to work hard. This position includes part-time to full time paid farm work with weekly and seasonal variations, and optional unpaid time for self-directed learning. We can provide lots of guidance, projects, and resources for you to learn from (including lots of farm manuals and textbooks from Horticulture and Agronomy coursework). This position is ideal for an aspiring farmer who is looking to deepen their knowledge by participating in all aspects of maintaining the farm, including but not limited to: greenhouse propagation, planting, pest and weed management, seed saving, harvest, irrigation, composting, CSA, farmers markets, animal husbandry and producing value added goods. We are looking for someone with basic farming skills who has openness and enthusiasm to help our new farm grow as well as bring ideas of their own. This position is paid at $7.25 per hour. Shared housing and food from the farm may also be included. We will consider individuals as well as couples and families. The length of time for the apprenticeship is negotiable, but we would need someone who is able to make a minimum of a 6 month commitment.

Required Qualifications for BOTH positions:

Prior agricultural experience or education in an ag-related field
Ability to work weekends
Excellent communication skills
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Valid drivers license
Reliable transportation
Hardworking, flexible, open minded & sense of humor
Ability to document your work (make a list of the work done each day, for example)
Ability to work independently and as a team
Willingness to use a shovel
Excellent work ethic
Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather
Non-smoker/tobacco user

On farm living arrangements include a shared 2 bedroom trailer with kitchen and bath and deck shaded by oak trees. Water is included, residents share electric and gas costs. Food from the farm (vegetables, fruit, eggs) are included as they become available. Housing will be available around March 1st.

To apply for either position, please email your work history or resume with three references (at least two of them professional/work related). Please email or call (352) 468-3816 for more information. To learn more about our farm please visit www.frogsongorganics.com