Farm Apprenticeship on Long Island

 Apprenticeship at Amber Waves Farm on Long Island, 2013 Amber Waves Farm is entering its fifth season as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational farm located about a mile from the beach in the village of Amagansett on Eastern Long Island. Amber Waves consists of five acres of vegetable production and two greenhouses to serve a 100 member CSA, farmers markets, and several restaurant wholesale accounts. In addition to intensive vegetable production Amber Waves Farm has a flock of 100 laying hens and produces 10 acres of wheat for sale to local bakers and restaurants. The farm is also involved in educational work with nearby schools, which includes frequent farmer-led field trips, tasting tours, and group work projects at the farm. The farm subscribes to NOFA’s “Farmer's Pledge” program of growing fruits, vegetables, and grains organically. Much of the farm’s field cultivation is completed by hand with the regular use of tractors. In the coming 2013 season the farm looks forward to cultivation 10 newly acquired acres, growing the CSA, and offering frequent on-farm workshops to the community. For more information about the farm please visit the website: www.amberwavesfarm.org Apprenticeship Details: 

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Amber Waves Farm apprentices will spend a season at the farm in order to learn how to grow food organically and sustainably by working hands-on in all areas of the farm’s activities. Apprentices will coordinate with head farmers about day-to-day farm operations, from field work to farmers market preparations. In the field, apprentices will master technical skills associated with plant propagation, greenhouse production, crop rotations and soil health, harvesting, and tractor work. Additionally, after the harvest, apprentices are will be actively involved in community outreach and education by organizing weekly on-farm CSA pick up, assisting with school field trips and community workshops, representing the farm at the local farmers market, and distributing food in our community to local restaurants and food pantries. By participating in the wide variety of daily activities and responsibilities at the farm apprentices will not only gain hands-on experience in the field, but will also develop an in-depth understanding of the daily management of the business side of the farm: marketing, bookkeeping, setting budgets, etc. The field work will be very physically demanding, and will require that apprentices are able to lift at least 50-lbs at a time.

Work days are shorter in the spring and fall and longer in the summer, but average 7:30am-6pm with an hour lunch break Monday-Friday, a shorter work day on Saturday, and rotating chore responsibilities one Sunday each month.

Housing and Compensation:

Apprentices will be compensated through a weekly stipend. Each apprentice will be provided with his/her own room in an on-farm cottage (with full kitchen) that is shared by the apprentices, unlimited access to farm food, and access to transportation. No smoking or illegal drugs permitted.

In addition to daily one-on-one instruction and mentorship by head farmers (including weekly crew meetings, discussions and explanations in the field and greenhouses), the farm is located within a few miles of many other small organic farming operations, so there is ample opportunity for apprentices to visit, explore, and network with other varied farming operations. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to participate in regional farming workshops, conferences, and field days.

How to Apply:

There is no application deadline, but applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The farm intends to fill all available spots by March 1. The 2013 Apprenticeship begins April 1st and ends November 1st. To apply for the apprenticeship please send resume, cover letter, and three references to:AmberWavesFarm@gmail.com .