Holly Hill Farm Internship – Massachusetts

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Holly Hill Farm is Hiring an Intern for 2017 in Massachusetts

Holly Hill Farm of Cohasset, MA is currently seeking a farm intern for the 2017 growing season. The length of this internship is 28 weeks, April 4th through October 17th. Compensation includes a salary of $300.00/biweekly, farm produce and housing on-site in our historic farmhouse.

Holly Hill Farm is a certified organic, no till farm located in beautiful Cohasset, MA, approximately 25 miles south of Boston. Our property consists of 140 acres of land (10 acres of open fields of which three acres are in production), historic buildings, greenhouses and diversified natural areas for educational purposes. We grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers that are sold at our farm stand, at the Cohasset Farmer’s Market, and to select restaurants. Seedlings are sold during our annual April and  May plant sales and throughout the summer. As an educational non-profit, we host dozens of kids on a daily basis through summer camps and school visits. While we do not lead these programs, we are constantly interacting with young people and teachers, and they work with us on the farm. We also work with volunteers on a weekly basis.

In order for Holly Hill Farm to succeed, a high level of production is necessary and expected. Our Internship is best suited to someone with some farming experience who wants to broaden his or her skills and knowledge. One year of organic farming or gardening experience is ideal, but not required. A candidate will be expected to follow instructions, complete tasks to the best of his or her ability, remain focused, and work independently as well as part of a team. He or she will be expected to work on their feet for 10-hour days, Tuesday through Saturday, plus a half day Sunday. Occasionally longer hours may be required on market days, during high harvest periods, periods of drought, etc.

From Tuesday April 5th through the end of May primary responsibilities will be assisting one of the managers in the greenhouse.

Responsibilities will include:

• seeding, watering and moving trays

• careful and focused attention to greenhouse sowing schedule, seedling varieties and appropriate labeling of trays.

• monitoring and maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity in the greenhouses with woodstoves and windows.

Summer and fall responsibilities will include:

• transplanting seedlings

• weeding and general field work

• harvesting

• washing of crops

• record keeping

• handling cash and credit transactions

• setting up and taking down tents and tables at farmer’s markets

• interacting with our farm customers, and working in our weekly farm stand.

Every morning the farm managers will review which tasks need to be accomplished that day and set target times for each job’s completion. Interns are expected to work regardless of weather conditions. Small-scale organic farming requires a great deal of manual labor. Candidates should be physically fit,  able to lift 50 lbs, and be expected to work on their feet for 10-hours a day, Tuesday through Saturday, plus a half day Sunday. Occasionally longer hours may be required on market days, during high harvest periods, periods of drought, etc. An ability to work with people of all ages is a must. A valid driver’s licence is required. An ability to drive a manual transmission is appreciated, although not required. Past communal living experience is a plus. Be prepared to communicate your goals and participate in feedback sessions with your fellow crew members.