Whole Farm Apprentices Wanted in Vermont

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Luna Bleu Farm is seeking 2 full-time Whole Farm Apprentices for the 2017 season.

(See also our listing for Assistant Manager if you have 2+ seasons of farm production experience.)

Luna Bleu Farm is a well-established diversified certified organic farm in central Vermont, growing for our community for over 25 years. On our 42 acre farm, we grow 5 acres of vegetables, raise cattle, pigs, and chickens for egg and meat production, and have a small orchard with blueberries, apples, and plums. We grow and market year round through our CSA, Saturday farmers market, and a few local businesses. Season extension and winter growing in high tunnels is an expanding part of our operation. We work hands on with our employees to share the knowledge we have gained over our years of farming and encourage employees to take advantage of the rich agricultural opportunities in the Upper Valley of Vermont. We are relatively small in size but our diversity with crops and animals means we have lots of fun every day!

The Whole Farm Apprentices are exposed to all aspects of our farming operation, rotating through the various animal chores, working with many aspects of growing, harvesting, and marketing the field vegetables and fruits and helping with the CSA distribution and farmers market. They get a broad experience of the rhythms of the farming season and the many elements of our farming systems.

Much of the learning is hands-on during the day-to-day tasks required on our farm.  Rather than sitting down to teach skills in a classroom type setting we prefer to work with our employees in the field, giving instructions before starting work and then working with them to help them complete tasks properly, work efficiently, and have fun. We also eat meals with our employees and encourage conversations about anything farm related. Apprentices participate in the Upper Valley CRAFT program to enhance their education on the farm. Apprentices play an integral role in running our farm. We hope to give them skills, experiences and even connections to further their work in this field.

Whole Farm Apprentices will be involved with:

Seeding, transplanting, weeding, and harvesting vegetable crops

Post-harvest washing and prepping for market

Animal chores and grazing rotations

Chicken processing

CSA and farmers market

Greenhouse watering and field irrigation

Record keeping

Mowing, BCS rototilling

Food safety

Season extension

Qualifications:

Because of the nature of the work, an apprentice should have some familiarity with the physical demands of farming, have spent some time working or volunteering on a farm (at least part of a season), be able to lift 50 pounds, work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and enjoy repetitive, even tedious, tasks. They must have a valid driver’s license. We look for people who have great attention to detail, are organized, and conscientious in their work and who work well in a team.

Please visit our website and read “Qualities for a successful job at Luna Bleu Farm” if you think you are interested in applying.

Whole Farm Apprentices Time frame and Compensation:

Flexible start date: mid February- early May preferred. Preference is given to applicants who can stay through main growing season into November. Successful apprentices are given the option to work through winter season and/or return the following season as an Assistant Manager.

We offer apprentices room, board and a stipend.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and request an application by email:  suzanne@lunableufarm.org