July 23, 2018

Maine – Maine Audubon hiring Properties Management Assistant

Maine Audubon

Position Description

Position Title:

Properties Management Assistant

Location:

Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME

Department:

Properties

Immediate Supervisor:

Director of Properties

Description

Maine Audubon is a widely respected conservation organization with headquarters located in Falmouth, Maine, with state-wide influence. Our mission is to conserve Maine’s wildlife and habitat through conservation, education, and citizen action. We are seeking a 30 hour per week Properties Management Assistant at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, Maine. This is a hands-on skilled position that assists with a variety of property maintenance needs.

The Properties Management Assistant is responsible to assist the Director of Properties with day to day maintenance of Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm property, buildings and associated structures and facilities, in a manner consistent with Maine Audubon’s mission, in order to provide a welcoming, friendly, safe and clean environment for visitors and employees. Occasional property maintenance work also takes place off site at other Maine Audubon wildlife sanctuary properties.

Essential and Specific Functions

Responsible for lawn mowing and weed whacking
Perform daily building cleaning, maintenance, and trash and recycling disposal.
Perform landscape plantings and landscape bed maintenance
Work with a range of volunteers on an as needed basis
Perform general building maintenance and repair projects and seasonal tasks
Perform routine maintenance and repair on various mowers, power tools, and other landscape equipment
Ability to work independently and take initiative to follow through on job responsibilities
Assist with winter snow clearing operations, including snow blower operation, hand shoveling, and tractor operation
Perform and document monthly building and site inspections
Assist with set-up of events and programs
Other property care related functions as needed

Qualifications

Knowledge and work experience in use of hand tools, lawn mowers, power hand tools, and basic knowledge of maintenance of these tools
Landscape/horticulture/nursery education or work experience strongly preferred
Experience working with power equipment such as tractors, riding mowers, chain saws, and a variety of power tools
Experience in general building maintenance functions
Ability to operate basic computer programs
Valid driver’s license with good driving record
Must be able to pass a background check

Physical Requirements

This position has substantial physical demands including the ability to safely handle heavy equipment and materials
Able to lift objects up to 50 lbs.
Able to frequently hike natural woodland trails, including all trails on Gilsland Farm
Able to work outside in all seasons and weather conditions
Able to climb stairs
Able to drive passenger vehicles and pickup trucks

Timing and Benefits

This is a permanent 30 hours per week position, M-F, 7:30 am – 2:00 pm, year-round. Occasional weekend work for special events

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to bpauls@maineaudubon.org with Properties Management Assistant in the subject title. Position open until filled. EOE.

Posted in New England, Non-profit
Tagged Maine, maintenance, property caretaker

June 20, 2018

Maine – Singing Prairie Farms hiring Livestock Manager

Newcastle, Maine

Job Title: Holistic Grazing Livestock Manager

Singing Prairie Farms

20 Holstein Lane

Newcastle, ME 04553

Employment type: Full-Time

Job Description:

Singing Prairie Farms primary focus is pasture-based, organic pork production dedicated to advancing the research and practice of holistic grazing for monogastric animals. In addition to pigs, organic dairy replacement heifers are custom grazed. Singing Prairie is an established farm that is moving summer 2018 from Missouri to coastal Maine in order to expand production. Farm in Maine is 160+ acres, located in the watershed of a wild salmon run. The Livestock Manager will have an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a rapidly growing company that utilizes holistic grazing and cover crops in order to promote economic and ecological sustainability.

This is a three-month position, followed by a review, with the opportunity to continue as a full-time year round position. This is a paid position and includes housing, utilities and a partial food stipend. Opportunity for further education and training in holistic management for a year-round committed individual.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Livestock Manager will work closely with John Arbuckle, co-owner and founding farmer, on a daily basis performing a variety of tasks including: daily livestock care; creating and implementing restorative grazing systems that integrate permanent pasture and annual forage crop mixtures; building and maintaining infrastructure and equipment (perimeter fencing, water pipelines, buildings); assisting with on-farm vet responsibilities (vaccinating piglets, application of humane-certified nose rings); learning about financial analysis and decision making; overseeing farm interns; assisting with research studies as necessary; leading farm tours. Opportunities in marketing or office systems available for the right person.

Education and Experience:

At least 1 year experience with farming or farm-related coursework
Prior experience working with livestock
Self-motivated, able to work independently, problem solver
Strong communication skills
Passion for regenerative agriculture with a deep desire to continue to learn about soil health and land management
Open to learning new skills and land management techniques
Ability to work in all types of weather
Organized, on time, and reliable
Valid driver’s license

Application Instructions:

Candidates should send a cover letter outlining their livestock experience, resume, available start date, contact information. References will be requested from applicants who are invited to interview. Please send information to John@roamsticks.com. Start date is between July 5 and July 15.

Posted in New England, Ranch
Tagged livestock, Maine

May 4, 2018

Maine – Spear Spring Farm hiring Field Manager

Warren, Maine

Spear Spring Farm, LLC May 2018

Field Manager Job Description

Spear Spring Farm is an historic 150-acre diversified farm dating back to 1736, located in Warren, Maine. The farm has been vacant for a few years and we are seeking an experienced field manager for 2018 to help us bring the farm back into production. A small bunkhouse (brand new!) may be available for the right person if housing is needed.

Spear Spring Farm is committed to “organic practices”. We are not a certified organic farm at this time, but we farm in harmony with the land and using organic methods. We will be planting a wide diversity of vegetables, flowers, perennials, and herbs, which we expect to sell primarily through our on site farm store, CSA, and wholesale accounts. We may also choose to add livestock and other farm activities down the road. We place a special emphasis on building soil health and sustainable ecosystems that are efficient and in harmony with the land and would love for someone with a passion for sustainable agriculture and out of the box thinking to join our team. Since we are rebuilding, this is a great opportunity to see and participate in the shaping of a sustainable and profitable farm. If you want to work hard, eat well, love your job, and have fun doing it, then join us at Spear Spring Farm!

Timeframe: We are seeking to a field manager and two full time employees from early March through late November 2018. There may be the potential for continuing part-time work through the winter months.

Work description: Spear Spring Farm is a new endeavor to restore an historic farm and bring it back to beauty and full production. The field manager will work closely with the President of the farm business to implement and manage the production schedule and complete weekly goals, managing the farm staff and activities in an efficient and professional manner. The primary job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Overseeing all farm labor – training and scheduling, ensuring safety protocols are met, working alongside your team to ensure efficient use of time and resources, teaching wherever possible and creating a happy, hardworking farm environment that values our employees’ input and unique experience
Planting seeds, seedlings and vegetables/shrubs/trees
Managing the greenhouse
Weeding, fertilizing, maintaining fields and growing areas
Helping to restore the farm (Store, Fields, Workshop, Roads, Etc.)
Harvesting vegetables by hand
Washing and packing vegetables for sale
Possible delivery of vegetables
Manning the farm store
Tractor work
Possible maintenance work, such as painting, building stone walls, landscaping, cleaning grounds (buildings, fields)
Possible care of livestock
Pruning trees and orchard care

Hours: We are hiring for up to 40 hours per week. Additional hours may be available in May/June and September/October should you desire to increase your hours. Work hours are between 7am and 7pm (somewhat flexible depending on what needs to get done) with a one-hour lunch (bring your own) taken around midday.

Compensation: The Field Manager will receive $15/hour. If housing is required then wages will be negotiated depending on the housing agreement. Surplus and/or second quality produce may be available to farm employees free of charge, depending on the harvest. Other perks and incentives for hard work and a great attitude are offered throughout the season.

Location: Warren is only 15 minutes from the ocean and the neighboring towns of Rockland and Damariscotta (great food, theaters, museums, and a vibrant local community), and only 25 minutes to Camden/Rockport. The farm boasts sweeping views of fields and the Camden Hills in the distance, 3 ponds, frontage on the St. George River and ample woods. We have a nesting pair of Barred Owls in the back fields and a nearby lake with beach that’s accessible by a short walk. There is a vibrant local food community, along with many area activities and festivals that make the MidCoast of Maine a great place to live and work!

Housing: On site housing may be available in the form of a small 12’ x 24’ bunkhouse with private bathroom and electricity. Housing is provided as part of employee compensation.

Pets: Well-trained, friendly pets are welcome with prior approval and at the owner’s discretion. There are already two dogs on site at the farm. Well-behaved dogs must be under owner’s voice control, get along with all people (including children) and our dogs. Spear Spring Farm is located on Rt. 1 in Warren – a busy road, where the speed limit is 55 and visitors to the farm pull through to visit the farm store. The road hazard is real and the safety of your pet is entirely your responsibility.

Qualifications:

Farming and manual labor experience preferred
Tractor experience a plus
Punctuality, honesty, reliability are required!
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Attention to detail
Stamina to maintain fast and accurate working pace all day
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Valid driver’s license
Reliable transportation
Positive outlook and good sense of humor

How to apply:

No phone calls, please. We are accepting applications until the positions are filled and will only consider complete applications. If you are interested in working at Spear Spring Farm, please e-mail the following items to: jamien.richardson@gmail.com

A one-page letter introducing yourself, describing your farm related experience, your availability (which days of the week you are able to work) and why you want to work at Spear Spring Farm…
A list of recent/relevant work history (or a resume) including names of previous employers, duration worked, and primary job responsibilities
Three work-related references with job title and contact information

We will respond to all completed applications that are received.

Posted in Farm, New England
Tagged farm job, Farm Manager, Maine

April 30, 2018

Maine – Springdale Farm hiring Assistant Herdsman

Waldo, Maine

Springdale Farm

207-272-5492

sprindalejerseys@gmail.com

Assistant Herdsman/Assistant Grazing Manager

Springdale Farm is a fourth generation family dairy farm in Waldo, Maine. We milk 125 registered Jersey and Guernsey cows, raise beef, veal and pork for local markets and have a small creamery. We have been rotationally grazing our dairy herd since the early 1970’s and it is the cornerstone of our farm. We are looking for a motivated individual to help continue to improve and expand our grazing system and perform some general herdsman duties.

Responsibilities include:

Aid in all aspects of rotational grazing on 125 cow dairy herd, 40 dry cows and 30 breeding age heifers. Tasks may include:

All aspects of planning and implementation of permanent, semi-permanent and temporary fencing including barbed wire, steel wire and polywire
- Upkeep of old fences
- Maintaining and monitoring electricity
- Moving polywire
- Aiding in daily rotation of two milking herds
- Aiding appropriate rotation of dry cow herd
- Developing rotational system for breeding age heifers
Monitoring grazing conditions on a daily and sometimes hourly basis
Clipping pastures
Maintaining stationary and mobile water supplies
Re-seeding pastures

Herdsman duties:

Herd vaccination program
Calf and heifer management
Milk quality management
- Monitor for and treat mastitis
- Monitor general herd health
- Monitor milking parlor and milk house maintenance

Position would ideally evolve into a management role based on the needs of the farm and strengths of the individual. Pay depends on experience. Housing available.

Posted in Farm, New England
Tagged dairy, livestock, Maine

April 25, 2018

Maine – Pietree Orchard hiring Orchardist

Sweden, Maine

Orchardist, Assistant (Full Time)

Pietree Orchard, Western Maine – Oxford County, Sweden, ME.

Hourly Wage: $15-18/hour, commensurate with formal education & experience. Health insurance, 2 weeks vacation and independent housing is supplied.

Description:

Full-time, 40-55 hours per week, according to season. Monday – Friday work schedule is expected, with additional evening and/or weekend work required at times. The Assistant Orchardist will be responsible for, with the guidance of the Orchardist, maintaining and expanding our farm’s 15 acres of tree fruit production. We bring 60 varieties of apples (some heritage) and other tree fruit to our market to sell. The orchard uses IPM production for our trees which range from standard sized to high density fruiting walls. The Orchardist is eager to share his extensive knowledge of over 30 years of apple growing throughout the North East and will provide on-the-job training for this position. We are seeking a person who is interested in joining us to learn the art and science of apple growing and then to take on the Head Orchardist role as he retires in 8-10 years.

Pietree Orchard is a 400 acre vibrant, diverse farm, whose primary location is in Sweden, ME – on a ridge in the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The McSherry family established this orchard in the mid 1930s and we purchased it in 2008. Our focus is to continue to grow great local food and help strengthen our local community. Today, across three farm locations, we focus on tree fruit, vegetables, maple syrup, hay and baked goods and are expanding into new crops and farm fresh products each year. This position will be based at the main farm located in Sweden, Maine.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position, with the guidance and direction of the Orchardist, will be involved in:

pruning
planting and orchard layout
tree training
fruit thinning
fruit harvest, recordkeeping and storing
various orchard management tasks
assisting in supervision of seasonal help
working with field crew when needed
assisting in set up and maintenance of equipment, including sprayers.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

This position requires:

Associate’s degree in horticulture, agriculture or a closely related field
Internship or one year of work experience in horticulture or a related field.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in an autonomous work environment as well as work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to travel both in and out-of-state, requiring a valid driver’s license.
Participation in state and regional conferences and continuing education events.
Ability to routinely lift 30 to 50 pounds.
Completion of Agricultural Basic Pesticide Applicator license within a year after hire.
Comply with food safety requirements.
To develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect.
Ability to communicate effectively using oral, written and electronic methods.

This position prefers:

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture or a closely related field and three years of work experience in horticulture or a related field.
Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in tree fruit production.

Schedule for Evaluation: With Orchardist, in the initial six months of employment then annually thereafter.

Please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references by May 18, 2018 to Cathryn Kloetzli at cathrynkloetzli@pietree-orchard.com. We will continue to accept applications until an exceptional candidate is found. We hope to have the successful candidate start their career with us by July 2018.

Posted in Farm, New England
Tagged apples, Maine, orchard

April 18, 2018

Maine – MOFGA hiring Low Impact Forestry Coordinator

Maine

MOFGA LOW IMPACT FORESTRY COORDINATOR

Download a PDF of this job announcement

Primary Responsibilities: supporting MOFGA’s Low Impact Forestry Program (LIF) activities and its network; helping to expand the scope and capacity of MOFGA’s LIF Program.

Supervisor: Educational Programs Director

Work Week: This is a year round position, requiring 20 hours of work per week (1040 hours per year). Exact schedule will be determined by LIF program needs and work plan, in consultation with the Educational Programs Director. Great flexibility is necessary as more time will be needed surrounding workshops and events and will frequently require evening and weekend hours.

Position: The position is non-exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The employee in this position is eligible for overtime pay, however work hours are limited on a weekly basis, and it is unlikely that the employee will ever work overtime hours.

Required Abilities and Knowledge:

Ability to work well independently as well as with staff, volunteers and the public
Effective management and organizational skills including experience managing volunteers and participants of various ages and abilities
Strong oral and written communication skills including understanding of and ability to work with various forms of communication media
Ability to work effectively within a non-profit structure
Understanding and commitment to the mission and vision of MOFGA and the LIF program
Ability to manage many short- and long-term projects simultaneously
Demonstrable leadership experience
Understanding of current and historical practices in forestry, the commercial forest industry and the extraction of forest products
Ability to think critically and creatively around current forestry practices, the forest products industry and their relationship to ecosystems and human communities
Physical ability to traverse a forest in all seasons and all weather conditions
Access to a personal vehicle and ability to travel long distances for meetings and program activities

Responsibilities:

Coordinate between LIF Committee initiatives and MOFGA staff, including:
- Facilitate event planning and implementation with Events Coordinator
- Coordinate LIF press releases, announcements, mailings, new media and website activities with MOFGA Communications Director
- Engage with other MOFGA program areas to develop collaborative programs, coordinate activities and represent LIF
- Facilitate relationships and partnerships with other organizations
Perform outreach with other private and public organizations to support LIF offerings
Communicate with MOFGA membership regarding LIF activities and practices, including:
- Serve as primary contact for MOFGA membership with forestry concerns
- Manage content for LIF column in quarterly MOF&G
- Serve as primary staff liaison to the LIF Program Steering Committee
- Report regular program updates to Educational Programs Director as needed for reporting, program development and updating the Board of Directors
Work with MOFGA Education and Development Departments to secure funding for LIF activities
Assist in the planning of capital improvements, maintenance, and special projects on the MOFGA grounds relevant to LIF
Carry out the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission, vision and values of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

Candidates for the position should submit applications, including a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to: lifhiringcommittee@mofga.org. The committee is currently reviewing applications and will begin interviews May 2, 2018.

Posted in New England, Non-profit
Tagged forestry, Maine, MOFGA

April 5, 2018

Maine – Maine Coast Waldorf School hiring Kitchen Manager/Chef

Freeport, Maine

Seeking a Kitchen Manager/Chef

Maine Coast Waldorf School seeks a Kitchen Manager/Chef. This position will independently manage and operate MCWS’s new commercial kitchen at 57 Desert Road, Freeport. The Kitchen Manager/Chef will provide food services for the MCWS community, including but not exclusive to lunch and snacks, before and during school days. In exchange, they may use the licensed, commercial kitchen space any time it isn’t reserved for a class culinary activity or scheduled event. They are free to develop take-home or other food service options for our school community and, if desired, create food products for their business’s off-site sales. A modest monthly fee will be charged to cover a portion of the overhead directly related to the Kitchen.

The Kitchen Manager/Chef will provide delicious, healthy, reasonably priced food options, using fresh, local, organic ingredients whenever possible, for an estimated 40-60 students and faculty.
The Kitchen Manager/Chef will foster an environment that is welcoming, inspiring, and fully integrated into the life of the school.

Requirements for this Position:

ServSafe Manager certified
Proof of liability insurance
Adequate culinary and food handling training, acquired on the job or through a certified culinary school
Experience managing the finances of a food business

Founded in 1984, Maine Coast Waldorf School serves over 260 children from parent/toddler through high school. We are an accredited Waldorf program with more than 35 full-time faculty members, 6 classroom buildings, and permaculture-designed gardens on a 75-acre campus. The new 284 sq. ft. commercial kitchen and adjacent 751 sq. ft. sunny café were recently completed to accommodate the school’s vision for incorporating more food programming and services. The kitchen is equipped with new stainless appliances, including secure storage areas.

To Apply: Please send a letter of introduction, your resume, a brief biography, and three letters of recommendation to jobs@mainecoastwaldorf.org.

Posted in New England, Schools
Tagged chef, Maine, school kitchen

April 2, 2018

Maine – Ripley Farm hiring Assistant Farmer

Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

Assistant Farmer at Ripley Farm

Immediate Availability

Located in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine (40 miles west of Bangor, Maine)

http://www.ripleyorganicfarm.com

http://www.facebook.com/RipleyFarm

Make an impact. Get an education. Get paid.

A year round job where you are truly valuable to the success of the farm.

We know what it feels like to be sent to harvest more bunches of chard from the same hopeless patch – again. We’ve been there. We were apprentices, too. We’re here to offer you a different road to take.

Imagine a farming job where…

You can make an impact every day
Your input is valued and listened to every time
You get your questions answered about “why?”
And you get paid.

We need someone like you, someone who cares about their role on the farm, to help us grow and meet our goals.

We started out as a very small farm run by a young couple with a dream and a little land. From our humble beginning of 16 CSA members, ten years later we have now grown to 5 acres of vegetables feeding a 150 member Summer CSA and 50 member Winter CSA thanks to the support of our rural community.

Entering our second decade of farming, we find ourselves in an exciting stage of the business. We are upgrading our farm systems and making infrastructure, marketing, and production changes that promise to improve the sustainability of our family farm.

You could be a big part in making this happen.

“Working for and with Ripley Farm owners, Gene and Mary Margaret, was by far my best farming experience to date. Their attention to detail, fun loving sense of humor, work ethic, and ability to both teach and to listen is something that really inspired me as a person and a farmer. While I was there, they included me in everything, and made me feel like an extremely valuable member of Ripley Farm. Other farms I worked on never quite included me on all the little details that really pull a farm together, but the Ripley’s really made an effort to do just that. I can confidently say they are some of the best farmers, teachers, and friends I know.” Carmen Allen, Assistant Farmer 2015-17

What the Assistant Farmer job looks like:

Year round work – so you can see the backend of farming like you’ve always wanted.
Involvement and input into all parts of production from planting to harvesting – so you can make real impact while building your skills.
Training in specialized equipment and techniques – so you can increase your proficiency in small scale market farming.
Small farm environment – so you won’t be stuck picking beans by yourself all day.
Collaboration with a small team of enthusiastic farmers – so you don’t feel like you are the only one who cares.
High quality standards and Certified Organic – so you can be proud of what you produce.
Insight into decision making process and recordkeeping system – so you can learn more and take on more responsibility.
Participation in infrastructure and efficiency projects – so you can meaningfully contribute to the growth and improvement of the farm.
Hourly pay rate commensurate with experience – so you can pursue your passion without going broke.
Regular check-ins – so you can get and give feedback on your experience.
Annual performance review – so you can get a raise based on your hard work.

Free bonuses that come with the job:

Training in Holistic Management and Holistic Financial Planning – so you can get real life experience with this important farm management tool.
Free access to our Farmer Training Library – so you can fuel your interest with knowledge on your time off.
Unlimited free organic veggies from the farm – so you can eat like royalty.

“I’ve already learned more about the business side of farming in my first three weeks here than I did in two years of farming at my previous job.” Robert Segerson, current Assistant Farm Manager

You’ve fallen in love with farming. You can get another seasonal farmhand job where they don’t care about you. Or you can take your passion seriously. Make it into something real.

You’re standing at the crossroads. To the left is the same rough rocky road you’ve been traveling. To the right is the road fewer people will choose. This road is not harder. It’s different. Choosing the right road makes all the difference. We’re hoping you’ll choose the right road and apply today.

To apply:

Write a cover letter that explains what spoke to you about this job, why it is the right road for you, and when you could start.
Put together a list of your three best references, tell us who they are, and how to get a hold of them.
Attach the two above items PLUS your resume and send it to Gene at ripleyfarm@gmail.com.

Posted in Farm, New England
Tagged farm job, Farm Manager, Maine

March 9, 2018

Maine – Ripley Farm hiring Farm Crew Member

Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

Farm Crew Member
Ripley Farm – Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Location: Dover-Foxcroft, Maine (40 miles west of Bangor, Maine)
Website: http://www.ripleyorganicfarm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RipleyFarm
For questions regarding this position please contact Gene Ripley at ripleyfarm@gmail.com.

Job Summary:

The Ripley Farm crew is efficiently growing five-acres of MOFGA Certified Organic vegetables using hand tools and tractors. The crew understands how important quality vegetables are to customer satisfaction and is passionate about our CSA program’s ability to help.

When growing, crew members are focused on producing healthy crops efficiently and competently. When ready to harvest, they use the discerning eye of the customer to bring in beautiful vegetables. Members of our crew must be able to pack a CSA box with confidence.

Ripley Farm Core Values:

At Ripley Farm we are passionate about growing great vegetables and believe the CSA model is the best way to connect people to more and better vegetables. We believe beautiful produce tastes better. We love our soil. We think working fast is fun. We understand good communication to be the key to team success. We are always learning and expanding our contribution. We compete against our best efforts and believe the sky is the limit.

Caught the farming bug and want a year-round position with potential for growth and impact? Read on.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepare ground, plant and cultivate crops
Propagate seedlings for transplanting to fields
Harvest, wash and pack crops for sale
Deliver products to customers
Record field and harvest activities
Maintain equipment and facilities
Build new infrastructure

Compensation and Hours: $11.00-$12.00 per hour starting rate, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The job runs full-time 40 hours per week during spring, summer, and fall from late-April until Thanksgiving. Half-time hours during the winter months of December through April.

We offer Workers Compensation.
Free organic vegetables from our farm.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to continually develop their knowledge, skills and abilities in small-scale organic farming. We will hold an annual performance review with an opportunity for pay raise and increased responsibility based on the results.

Note: Thanks to farming here for nearly 10 years, we have a strong network of friends and customers in the Dover-Foxcroft area. We are happy to use our contacts to help you find affordable housing within 15 miles of the farm.

Experience:

No prior farming experience is required
one year of small-scale vegetable farming experience strongly preferred

Experience with any of the following relevant skills is a plus: machinery/tractor operation and maintenance, basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, etc.

The Successful Candidate will…

Have the ability to use and maintain small-scale agricultural tools, equipment and machinery;
Exercise good judgment and demonstrate initiative and active engagement in the work;
Work well independently and in team environment;
Demonstrate excellent reliability and punctuality;
Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and organize details;
Possess excellent written and oral communication skills and mathematical skills.

Position Special Requirements

Must possess a valid class C driver’s license, a clean driving record, and have reliable transportation.
Must be able to competently operate a vehicle with standard transmission.

Physical Demands

Farming is physically rewarding and challenging work. We care about our employees’ safety and well being and have developed the following information to reflect the reality of the job’s expectations. With or without reasonable accommodation, the successful candidate must be able to work in all weather conditions including extreme heat, sun, cold, rain, snow, wind, and with many biting insects around to:

Maintain a fast and accurate working pace all day;
Move objects up to 50 pounds repeatedly;
Spend long hours squatting or kneeling;
Perform repetitive and monotonous tasks.

How to Apply:

We are accepting applications until the position is filled. Applicants must be able to appear for a working interview on the farm. Please send completed applications to Gene at ripleyfarm@gmail.com with the following items:

A cover letter addressing why you are a good fit for the job
A resume that must include the names of previous employers, duration worked, previous job titles, and primary responsibilities
Three work-related references with job title and contact information
For questions regarding this position please contact Gene Ripley at ripleyfarm@gmail.com.
No phone calls, please. We will not consider incomplete applications.

Posted in Farm, New England
Tagged farm job, Maine, vegetable farm

February 5, 2018

Maine – Spear Spring Farm hiring Farm Labor

Warren, Maine

Spear Spring Farm, LLC 1.31.18

Job Description – Farm Labor

Spear Spring Farm is an historic 150-acre “organic practice” diversified farm dating back to 1736, located in Warren, Maine. The farm has been vacant for a few years and we are seeking a at least two individuals to help us bring the farm back into production. We will be planting a wide diversity of vegetables, flowers, perennials, and herbs, which we expect to sell primarily through our on site farm store, our buyer’s club, and wholesale accounts. We may also choose to add livestock and other farm activities down the road. We place a special emphasis on growing practices that are efficient and in harmony with the land and would love for people with a passion for sustainable agriculture and out of the box thinking to join our team. Since we are rebuilding, this is a great opportunity to see and participate in the shaping of a sustainable and profitable farm. If you want to work hard, eat well, love your job, and have fun doing it, then join us at Spear Spring Farm!

Timeframe: We are seeking to hire two full time employees: One position starts in late March and will help to get our greenhouse production up and running and one begins in mid-May through November 2018. There may be potential for continuing part-time work through the winter months.

Work description: Spear Spring Farm is a new endeavor to restore an historic farm and bring it back to beauty and full production. The primary job responsibilities of our farm workers are:

Planting: seeds, seedlings, vegetables/shrubs/trees
Weeding, fertilizing, maintaining fields and growing areas
Helping to restore the farm (Store, Fields, Workshop, Roads, Etc.)
Harvesting vegetables by hand
Washing and packing vegetables for sale
Possible delivery of vegetables
Manning the farm store
Tractor work
Possible maintenance work, such as painting, building stone walls, landscaping, cleaning grounds (buildings, fields), some carpentry
Possible care of livestock
Pruning trees and orchard care
Whatever else needs doing

Hours: The expectation is an average of 40 hours per week, with more work being required during peak season and less in the shoulder seasons. Additional hours may be available in May/June and September/October should you desire to increase your hours. Work hours are typically a 9-10 hour day at peak season between 6am and 6pm (somewhat flexible depending on what needs to get done) with a one-hour lunch break (bring your own) taken around midday.

Compensation: Between $10-$15/hr depending on skills and experience, with incentives and bonuses available for hard work and a great attitude. Housing in the form of a small “off-grid” bunkhouse (brand new!) will soon be available for the right person/people: with private bathroom (composting toilet and indoor shower) and solar electricity. The bunkhouse sleeps two people so consider that if you want to stay on farm, you may end up with a roommate. We are also open to the possibility of someone bringing a camper or tiny house to park on the land during the season.

Location: Warren is only 15 minutes from the ocean and the neighboring towns of Rockland and Damariscotta (great food, theaters, museums, and a vibrant local community), and only 25 minutes to Camden/Rockport. The farm boasts sweeping views of fields and the Camden Hills in the distance, 3 ponds, frontage on the St. George River and ample woods. There is a vibrant local food community, along with many area activities and festivals that make the MidCoast of Maine a great place to live and work!

Housing: Some on site housing may be available for the right person/people. We can discuss your housing needs. Reasonable rentals are also available in the area year round.

Pets: Well-trained, friendly pets are welcome with prior approval and at the owner’s discretion. There are two dogs on site at the farm (the manager’s all the time and the owners’ dog visits frequently). Spear Spring Farm is located on Rt. 1 in Warren – a busy road, where the speed limit is 55 and visitors to the farm pull through to visit the farm store. The road hazard is real and the safety of your pet must be your responsibility.