Farm Apprenticeship on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

The Grey Barn and Farm is offering an opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to fill a full time apprentice role on our farm. The apprenticeship is for one year starting mid-August 2014. There is a possibility for a permanent position for the right person. This person would assist the Farm Manager in all tasks including daily milking, livestock and poultry management and general farm maintenance. The ideal candidate is someone committed to environmentally responsible, organic agricultural production. The candidate will have had a minimum of one year farm experience preferably working with animals in grass/pasture based systems. You must have an eye for detail, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn about pasture based animal husbandry. Applicants must be willing to work 40 – 60 hours a week in all types of weather.

The Farm is located in Chilmark, Massachusetts on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Healthy soils are the foundation upon which everything on the farm is built. As a certified organic farm, we strive to take the best possible care of our land and animals. We do this by bringing the principles of sustainability, organics and permaculture together. Our herd of grass-fed dairy cows is moved twice a day through the farm’s pastures in an intensive rotational grazing program. Our heritage breed pigs live freely in the oak woods, foraging around doing what pigs do best. The laying hens live a life of chicken luxury and are moved every morning to fresh spot on the farm.

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Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

One year of work experience on a production farm

A strong work ethic

Work well with all types of people

Comfortable around large animals

Lift and carry a minimum 80lbs unassisted many times during a day

Stand on feet for long periods of time, work outside in very hot and very cold conditions

Work efficiently both supervised and unsupervised for extended periods of time

Valid driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired:

Animal husbandry

A commitment to Organic agricultural production.

Experience working in a grass/pasture based operation.

Knowledge of Dairy cows, pigs and chickens

Building, facilities, and equipment construction and maintenance

Ability to operate a tractor and/or skid steer and implements

Stipend and hours:

40-60 hours per week. The days and hours worked in a particular week may change

$250.00 per week less taxes

Housing is a nice camper comfortable for one person electricity and propane provided. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are located in an adjacent building.

½ gallon of raw milk, 1 dozen eggs and $30.00 of other product per week. Must be used weekly.

Please e–mail Michael Barnes with a cover letter and resume.

Email: Michael@thegreybarnandfarm.com 

Website: https://www.thegreybarnandfarm.com/farming