Educational Farm Apprenticeships in NY

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Taylor in Apprenticeship, Education, Farming // 0 Comments

Sylvester Manor Educational Farm Apprenticeships – Shelter Island, NY – 2020

Sylvester Manor Educational Farm is now accepting applications for their educational farm apprenticeships for the 2020 farm season. Apprentices will gain experience in all aspects of vegetable production and a laying hen operation. Other livestock opportunities may be arranged based on interest and experience level. Our farm operation currently consists of 3 acres of vegetables, 100+ laying hens and 5-10 pigs. The produce from our farm feeds 120 CSA families, stocks our farmstand and is wholesaled to local restaurants. Our eggs and pork are also sold at the farmstand alongside other locally-sourced products. Each year, we sign the NOFA Farmer’s Pledge to produce healthy food using environmentally responsible and humane practices while providing fair working conditions and wages.

Educational Farm Apprenticeships run from April 1st through November 1st. A full-season commitment is required. Preference is given to folks with 1-2 seasons of hands-on farm experience.

Farm tasks include, but are not limited to:

Greenhouse seeding
Field seeding/transplanting
Helping with the CSA distribution and farmstand sales
Setting up and running irrigation
Weeding and cultivation
Harvesting produce
Washing and packing produce
Farmstand sales and operations
Leading WWOOFers and other farm volunteers in field tasks
Animal chores
Helping with various activities of the non-profit, including concerts and fundraising events

Applicants for Educational Farm Apprenticeships must be self-motivated with strong communication skills and demonstrated leadership abilities. A positive attitude and willingness to work and live well with others is a must. Must be able to lift 50lbs.

In the beginning of the season, the 40-hour work week is Monday-Friday, shifting to Tuesday-Saturday in June through the end of the season. Additional weekend duties will rotate among all full-season crew.

Pay is hourly. Housing is provided as well as access to vegetables plus a weekly food stipend.

Most of the learning will be hands-on and/or self-directed. There will also be some organized educational opportunities both on-farm and in conjunction with other local/regional farms, including a grass-fed beef operation that is currently leasing a portion of our property.

Apprentices and WWOOFers (up to a total of 7) are housed in the historic Manor House with options available for tenting. Bedrooms are shared (2 or 3 per room). Toilets, electric and wifi are available at the house while a modern kitchen, laundry and shower facility is a short walk away. Meals are eaten together, and cooking and cleaning responsibilities are shared. A comfort level with a communal living environment is essential.

Active participation in community events as well as Manor-sponsored cultural events is strongly encouraged. Concerts, worksongs, contradance, youth educational programs and fundraiser benefits are a few of the activities apprentices will be involved with.

All interested applicants for the Educational Farm Apprenticeships should send resume and cover letter to jcraig@sylvestermanor.org