Harvest and Market Apprentice Position – SC

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Taylor in Apprenticeship, Education, Farming, Local Food, Marketing // 0 Comments

Harvest and Market Apprentice Wanted at Wild Hope Farm in South Carolina – 2020 Season

Wild Hope Farm is a sustainable farm in Chester, SC, using organic practices and permaculture design to grow fresh produce, flowers, and pasture raised laying hens. We are currently growing on 6+ acres of certified organic production and 6 acres of cover crop for production in spring of 2020. The 220 acre property consists of greenhouses, walking trails, a 10-acre pond, and diversified natural areas. Our produce is sold through a 150-300 person farm share, to local chefs, and at the Matthews Farmers Market. We host complementary on-farm events including retreats, weddings, farm-to-table dinners, and educational workshops to cultivate community and encourage people to learn about our farming practices.

We are seeking strong, efficiency-focused people with experience and passion who aspire to run their own farm some day. The apprentices are integral members of our small team at Wild Hope Farm. During the 8 month program you will get exposed to all aspects of organic farming and deepen your knowledge of our organic farming methods, produce and operations, beekeeping, season extension, cover cropping, no-till methods, compost heat extraction, pasture raised chickens, soil quality, harvesting and packing, customer delivery, and selling. You will become familiar with our modern equipment (see list on job description below) and be trained on usage. We will assess your development and coach you towards operating independently over the time with us.

During your time at Wild Hope Farm, you will work directly under Rachel Klein, our harvest manager with 7+ years experience in sustainable agriculture through work as an organic farmer.

HARVEST AND MARKET APPRENTICE – HARVEST RESPONSIBILITIES

Wild Hope’s CSA farm share will be expanding from 150 to ~340 members on for the 2020 season. The Harvest and Market Apprentice will work with our CSA Manager to learn the ins and outs of planning, running and expanding a farm share program. The apprentice will have the opportunity to join Rachel on field walks, learning the skills necessary to assess crop maturity and accurately gauge yields. They will be closely involved in strategizing the contents of the farm share from week to week. In addition to CSA management, the apprentice will learn how to run harvest and optimize storage for all of our vegetable crops. While our main sales outlet is the CSA program, the apprentice will also assist in managing a small wholesale program selling to local food hubs and chefs. Our goal is to have the apprentice move towards management for the following year. The harvest apprentice will also assist the field manager with planting and weeding operations.

Assist with leading harvest and washing on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Creating weekly estimates of harvest totals based on field supply
Recording harvest records in a manner that matches sales records
Creating weekly product lists for the CSA and keep weekly content records
Sorting and grading produce
Assist with packing CSA shares on Tuesdays and Market on Fridays
Keeping the wash & pack areas clean and organized
Restocking packing materials
Managing cooler inventory
Proactive about spotting any crop supply and harvest issues

HARVEST AND MARKET APPRENTICE – MARKET RESPONSIBILITIES

With an expanding CSA program and busy market booth, the Matthews Farmers Market is a significant sales channel for the farm. The Harvest and Market Apprentice is responsible for all aspects of running our Saturday booth at the farmers market (8 am – noon) and CSA drop-off at the market from late April through November.

Lead the planning, preparing and packing for the Farmers Market on Fridays
Set-up and break-down of the market booth on Saturday
Record keeping of market sales using the Square App
Monday morning recap to team of market sales

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to efficiently manage and motivate people during harvest and packing operations
Ability to sort/grade produce for quality
Excellent organizational skills
Knowledge of harvest methods for all types of vegetables is a plus
Knowledge of vegetable storage methods and requirements is a plus
Knowledge of food safety standards is a plus
Experience with physical labor or intense outdoor activity – able to lift 50 lbs
Ability to harvest efficiently and maintain the fast pace of a production farm with a positive attitude
Ability to work in all types of weather (hot, rainy, and cold)
Experience with tractor equipment and attachments
Must have reliable transportation
Curiosity
Sense of humor
Flexibility
Comfort in interacting with farm share members or farm visitors

THE WORK SCHEDULE – early April through the end of November 2019

The work at Wild Hope Farm is seasonal and the length of the workday varies within the busy season. Apprentices work 45-50 hrs over a 5 day work week. The pay for agricultural work at Wild Hope Farm is exempt from overtime pay.

Monday, Tues, Wed,Friday 6:00 AM – 2:45 PM during peak summer and 7:00 AM – 3:45 in the early spring/fall (periodic break 15 minute breaks & 45 min lunch break)

Saturdays 5:45 AM – 1:00 PM (taking off Thursdays)

HARVEST AND MARKET APPRENTICE BENEFITS

Apprentices are paid $1,100/month
Provided housing on the farm in our farm huts,with a communal kitchen and hangout space with attached bathrooms and showers
Provided fresh produce from the farm
Unparalleled learning opportunity of working under our experienced and innovative harvest manager, Rachel Klein
Opportunity to plan and host your own community event (e.g., workshop or farm-to-table event)

EDUCATIONAL VALUE

Our apprentice program is a hands-on working/learning experience designed to move dedicated candidates towards farm management. We accept people from all backgrounds who want to explore agriculture as a career option.

Apprenticeship Goals/Evaluation: As part of our program orientation, apprentices are encouraged to identify in writing what they hope to accomplish from their apprenticeship. After three to four weeks we will meet with each apprentice to help with the development of realistic goals and to confirm our mutual (farmer and apprentice) expectations for learning. This document will be revisited for periodic evaluation and reviewed in detail in early summer. We will make every effort to tailor each experience to the expressed needs of each participant.

Daily Meeting: The farm crew convenes every morning to clarify the day’s program and make alterations due to the weather and other events.

Orientation: During the first week we will conduct an orientation to go over safety policies, farm policies, and the location and names of buildings and equipment. We will review the farm calendar, begin to set vacation times, go over job responsibilities (household, animals, greenhouse, distribution, etc.) and start figuring out how to live in community together.

Study Materials: All apprentices have access to written learning materials to increase their understanding of Wild Hope Farm in particular and farming in general. These materials include crop plans, seed orders, planting schedules, maps, overall farm plans, and supporting information. In addition there is a small farm library from which apprentices are welcome to borrow books.

EQUIPMENT EXPOSURE

During your time at Wild Hope Farm, you will have an opportunity to learn how to drive the tractor and get experience using some of the following equipment/attachments:

John Deere 4720 and 2720 hydrostatic tractors, automated CSA delivery trailer, flail mower, disc harrow, bed shaper, drip tape applicator, roller crimper, PTO driven manure spreader, rotary mower, potato digger, chisel plow, and a three point hitch cultivation toolbar with sweeps, crescent hoes, spider wheels and S tines.

HARVEST AND MARKET APPRENTICE – TIME OFF

The following guidelines on vacation and personal time assume an apprenticeship running from early April through the end of November.

Vacations: Each apprentice is given one week paid vacation (5 days), which ideally will be taken at one time between late July and September 15. Vacation times will be scheduled at the beginning of the season, trying to take all needs into account.

Personal Time: It is expected that there will be some need during the season for every apprentice to take some personal time, whether for car repairs, doctor’s appointments, or other personal needs. Each apprentice may take up to 2 personal days each season. These personal days do not need to be taken as “full days.” It is expected that except for emergencies, a week’s notice will be given about the need for personal time.

Sick Time: When you’re sick, please don’t work. If health circumstances arise that cause you to miss more than 7 days of work during the season due to illness, there will need to be some discussion as to whether the apprenticeship is the right situation for you at this time. You do not need to make up work for sick days.

PERSONNEL & GENERAL POLICIES

Safety Policies: We will review safety policies during the first week of orientation. All apprentices are required to follow safety policies at all times. Failure to do so may result in immediate dismissal.

Drugs and Alcohol: Illegal drugs are not permitted on the farm property at any time (this includes the apprentice cabins). Alcohol is permitted in moderation. It is unacceptable to work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One infraction may be cause for immediate dismissal.

Visitors: Visitors are welcome for up to 1 week. Family and friends are expected to work at least ½ days along with the farm crew, following our normal schedule. Visits longer than a week are subject to the wishes of other apprentices and the farm family.

Pets: Apprentices must leave their pets at home.

General Demeanor: It is expected that all apprentices be prompt, dressed appropriately for work, and professional in their attitude at work.

Tools and Work Clothes: The farm provides harvest knives and daily hand tools. They must be returned to the shed at the end of the day. Apprentices must provide any other desired tools or work clothes (pocket knives, rain boots, rain gear, hats, gloves).

Apply for the Harvest and Market Apprentice Position Today!

After you have read this description in its entirety, please send us one email only to katherine@wildhopefarm.com with:

Subject line: Apprentice Application, (Your Name)
Cover letter detailing your interest in our program
Responses to the questionnaire below
Resume
Three references, work- or farm-related, with current phone numbers

If your qualifications meet our standards we will contact you to schedule an interview. Unfortunately we cannot reply to all applicants.

Questionnaire:

Why are you interested in Wild Hope Farm?
What previous experience are you bringing to this position and what do you feel you have to offer?
What practical skills do you hope to acquire?
What are your personal goals related to farming?
Do you have any prior injuries to back, knees, etc. that might limit your ability to do farm work?
The Apprentices all live and work together on the farm. Do you have any experiences living and working in this type of environment?
Do you have any allergies, food restrictions, or other physical limitations that might affect your ability to live in a rural setting and do farm work?
Please tell us something interesting about yourself (hobbies, obsessions, talents, etc.)

If you are considered for the position, we require a 1-2 day working interview on the farm.

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/