Maitri Farm has a job opening for the 2024 growing season. We are seeking people who want to learn and engage with the ins and outs of running a small scale organic vegetable and cut flower farm and work alongside us for the 2024 season and hopefully beyond. While the farm property is large, we practice small-scale, high production farming, which means that we rely on our bodies a lot, and the work that we do is often repetitive and strenuous. All aspects of our farming operation are available for anyone interested in an “apprentice” style experience. If you’re looking to learn the ins and outs of farming on someone else’s dollar, this could be a great opportunity for you. Previous experience working on a farm for a full season is strongly preferred. Because our space is small, we hope to work closely with folks who want to collaborate, communicate and have fun growing food and flowers for the community.
Primary tasks:
Planting, seeding, spreading compost, harvesting crops, packing CSA boxes, preparing bouquets, fulfilling orders, weeding, trellising, washing bins, weed whacking, brush clearing, habitat restoration, washing produce, assisting in building farm infrastructure/equipment, making local deliveries and more with some opportunity to specialize in particular areas depending on applicant experience
Experience:
At least one year farming experience strongly preferred but not required - extra credit for working on a vegetable/flower farm
Experience in restaurant kitchen, construction, landscaping, carpentry or other fast-paced, physically rigorous work environment also considered
While experience working a vegetable/flower farm is helpful, a willingness to work hard, try new things, and improvise is most important! We encourage candidates with limited experience to still apply.
Qualities we are looking for:
-Ability to simultaneously work quickly while maintaining attention to detail
-High personal standard of work
-Comfortable accepting and receiving feedback
-Ability to take initiative and work alone on tasks but also can take direction and work in a group
-Enjoys repetitive tasks and hard work
-Openness to working in variable and sometimes unpleasant weather conditions
-Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and bend over and crouch throughout the day
-Valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation
-Seek a career in farming, and has an interest in flowers, vegetable and food production
-Enjoys starting work on the farm early in the morning to beat the heat.
Other Requirements:
Because our farm is located in an area without access to reliable public transportation, we recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply. In addition, a valid driver’s license is required to fulfill job duties as is a clean driving record, for insurance purposes.
Background check required for final applicants
Along with all other members of the team, you will occasionally be required to work weekend hours
Work Schedule
This is a seasonal, full-time position for the 2024 season, and work days and hours fluctuate depending on the time of year. Flexible start date in the spring - November, 40 hours a week. We ask for a full-season commitment. First four weeks will be a trial period to see if you’re a good fit for the farm and the farm is a good fit for you.
Compensation
Wages start at $18-$20/hr depending on experience, with subsequent raise if continuing into the 2025 season
Veggies and flowers to take home each week after we finish harvest
Paid holidays and PTO
How to apply:
Please email the following:
-A resume of work experience, including two professional references
-Cover letter explaining your motivation for the position, insights into who you are and you short and long term farming goals
Please note that Maitri Farm operates in accordance with New York State and Federal employment requirements including authentic documentation.