Pond Hill Farm Apprenticeship

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Pond Hill Farm Apprenticeship In Michigan – 2019

Pond Hill Farm is a 197 acre family owned farm located on the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees in Harbor Springs, Michigan. We are a working farm in the agritourism business. Farming is our way of life and while it has its challenges, it is rewarding to bring nutritious food and a gratifying experience to so many people in the community.

• 20 acres of irrigated fenced vegetables/fruit
• 5 acres dedicated to vineyard
• 2 unheated greenhouses
• 2 heated greenhouses
• Participate in 3 farmers markets
• Raise pigs, lambs and goats

Agritourism highlights:

• Open year round
• Market onsite sells our products – wine, beer, canned goods, fresh produce and Pond Hill Farm merchandise
• The Garden Café’ – serves farm grown lunches and our wine/beer
• Pond Hill Farm Vineyards & Winery
• Pond Hill Brewery – (beer brewed onsite)
• Tasting Room – serves our beer and wine
• Canned goods (value added products)- 40 + products canned onsite in licensed canning kitchen
• 6 miles of groomed trails
• Playground
• Wood Mill- wood milled for farm use
• Squash rocket and other activities for all ages
• Farm to Table Dinners

Pond Hill Farm Apprenticeship Description

This Pond Hill Farm Apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity to learn under the direction of a farmer with 24 years of experience (Jimmy Spencer). The apprentice will acquire many hours of hands on experience. There will be open sharing of all plans, processes and decision making. Below are activities an apprentice can expect:

• Crop mapping/planning/rotation
• Soil preparation
• Seeding
• Transplanting
• Weeding
• Harvesting
• Vegetable washing/packing
• Farmers Market business plan/management
• Cover crop
• Pest management
• Livestock care
• Profit/Loss reporting
• Record keeping
• Operate/maintain farm machinery
• Supervision of interns
• Compost management
• Vineyard maintenance- canopy management, weed/pest control, trellis maintenance, harvesting
• Farm Education Tours
• Other duties as assigned
• 5 day work week (weekends and evenings will be part of work week).

Career Advancement/Potential Job Possibility: We are looking for someone who wishes to become our vegetable production manager, manage a farm or start their own agricultural business.  You will be part of our family and team. We expect to work hard and play hard.  This experience is for those wishing to develop their skills, build their resume and test the waters for future employment.  

Apprenticeship Dates: April 15, 2019 – November 15, 2019

Pond Hill Farm Apprentice Position Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, enjoys working outside with a team to achieve needed goals.  1-3 seasons of farming or related experience preferred. A willingness to take on any farm task with a smile and positive attitude is a must. A good candidate is one that is eager to learn, pays attention to detail, carries a positive attitude, is curious and enjoys problem solving. Must be able to lead a team. You must be physically fit (able to perform physical work all day and lift at least 50 pounds), energetic, and willing to work in all types of weather. Preferred 21 years or older. Preferred degree in Horticulture.  No tobacco or drug use.

Compensation

• Paid bi-monthly stipend
• Shared housing on farm (private bedroom, shared kitchen, bathroom, living room, laundry and internet)
• Access to produce
• Staple foods provided: dried beans, rice, sugar, flour, eggs, oatmeal, plus trout/salmon depending on Jimmy’s haul from the morning fishing trip

Apply with resume to pondhilljobs@gmail.com

Please check out our website and on Facebook to get a feel of who we are!

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/