Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continually operating farms in the country and is managed by the Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit land conservation organization. We grow vegetables using organic practices on 35 acres for a 650-member summer CSA and 200-member winter CSA. We are a team-oriented farm focused on soil health, efficient systems, and high-quality production. The property totals 1000 acres and features a grass-fed beef operation, education and public programs, and beautiful grassland and forest trails.

The Opportunity.

The Farm Crew position is a seasonal position with a variable work schedule. This individual works in aspects of organic vegetable production for summer and winter CSAs and wholesale accounts. These responsibilities include greenhouse and high tunnel production, field operations, vegetable harvest, and wash and pack. The farm crew is trained in farm systems and has an opportunity to learn organic and regenerative practices for vegetable production.

In this role you will:

• Work directly with the farm manager, assistant manager, and other farm crew

• Implement the crop plan and aspects of production: greenhouse and high tunnel work, field transplanting, weed control, harvest, CSA distribution, and general farm maintenance projects. Please note that the CSA farm crew does not work in livestock operations.

• Learn farm systems and strive for efficiency

• There is an opportunity to take on additional responsibility over the season such as leading harvests or managing a production arena

• Interested crew members may have an opportunity to be trained in the safe operation and maintenance of one of our tractors and its implements

• Farming experience is not required. Applicants with farm experience must be open-minded and interested in relearning skills to fit our systems

Qualifications:

• Passionate and motivated to work on a production-oriented farm. Eager to learn and receive constructive feedback

• Works well in a team-oriented environment and possess strong communication skills

• Detail oriented, punctual, and organized

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs, and crouch or bend for long periods of time

• Must be able to work in all types of weather

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

• Must be able to accommodate seasonal work schedule, including one Saturday shift per month

Work Schedule:

• March/April to October. Part-time November work possible.

• Weekly hours vary from 30 hours/week in spring to 55 hours per week in the summer. Regular hours for June through September are Monday – Friday 7am to 5pm. There is a one hour paid lunch.

• Work one Saturday per month (8am-12 pm) during the height of the growing season

• Five days unpaid vacation time

Compensation:

• Compensation is per hour based on experience

• Farm crew have the option to participate in employer sponsored health insurance

• Housing is available

• Vegetables for individual use

• Training: access to planning documents and records, farmer’s library, farm safety training, tractor operation and maintenance, option to participate in Eastern Mass CRAFT program, and assistance in future endeavors

• Free admission to Trustees of Reservations properties.

About The Trustees

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 70,000 member households.

The Trustees’ commitment to Diversity, Belonging Inclusion and Equity is to create inclusive spaces of belonging for Trustees staff, members, volunteers, and communities across our organization and 120 plus properties. Read more here

As part of our dedication to an inclusive and diverse workforce, The Trustees are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Trustees of Reservations aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, The Trustees of Reservations requires that all successful applicants show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted. Applicants who believe they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.