About the Role
Schedule:
Full-time at an average of 40 hours per week, in addition to classroom hours. The apprenticeship begins April 5th and ends November 19th. Daily start and end times vary by season and include occasional longer workdays, and weekend chores roughly every 4 weeks.
Compensation:
Farm Apprentices will be paid $16/hour and provided with shared on-site housing. Each apprentice has a private room in a three-bedroom unit. Apprentices earn up to 5 days of paid sick time, accrued according to New York State guidelines, as well as 5 unpaid vacation days during the season. Apprentices are also entitled to free farm vegetables throughout the season.
Over the course of the season, apprentices will learn the following practices and skills through a combination of training, working, and formal lessons:
●Crop planning
●Seed starting and greenhouse management
●Bed preparation
●Transplanting and direct seeding
●Crop maintenance
●Organic pest and weed management
●Irrigation systems
●High Tunnel management
●Harvesting and post-harvest handling of produce
●Tracking production/record keeping
●CSA distribution
●Engaging farm volunteers
●Tractor and equipment operation, safety, and maintenance
In addition, apprentices participate in Glynwood’s Hudson Valley Apprenticeship (HVA)
Program, joining apprentices working at several other area mentor farms for classroom
workshops and farm visits. Apprentices receive significant education through a combination
of a 60 hr classroom-based curriculum with expert instructors and an additional 30-50 hrs of
education delivered by farm managers as learning modules. These modules last 1-3 hours and
cover 18 different key farming topics including:
● Composting
● Cover cropping
● Crop planning
● Crop rotation
● CSA sales model
● Direct seeding
● Fertility management
● Field and bed preparation
● Greenhouse & propagation
● Irrigation
● Pest & disease IPM and spraying
● Prioritization and decision-making
● Record keeping
● Task efficiency
● Vehicle and equipment
maintenance
● Weed control
● Winter production & storage
Requirements
Minimum of 1 full-time season of experience in farming
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Ability to comfortably lift at least 50 pounds and to stand, crouch, kneel, and bend for extended periods doing repetitive tasks
Basic competency with the Google Suite, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and calendar
Ability to communicate clearly in English, verbally and in writing
Professional, collegial, direct and non-aggressive communication skills
Capable of both working independently and on a team
Valid US Driver's License in good standing
We seek responsible, good-natured, hard working individuals who thrive in a fast-paced working environment. The ideal candidate will have a desire to learn and an active interest in local food systems and farming. Applicants should have good communication skills and be receptive to feedback. They should have the discipline to work efficiently, both independently and as a team.
Phillies Bridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage BIPOC and LGBT+ individuals to apply, and are committed to making an inclusive workplace for all employees.
To apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to farm@philliesbridge.org
Prospective apprentices should submit an HVA Interest Form to be evaluated for participation in the program. The Glynwood program team will notify you if you are approved.
About the Company
Phillies Bridge Farm Project offers practical apprenticeships in small-scale vegetable production using organic methods. We produce mixed vegetables on about 6 acres for a ~200 member CSA, and for partnerships with local food access organizations. PBFP provides Farm Apprentices with the foundational knowledge to pursue a career in small-scale vegetable production.
Phillies Bridge Farm Project began in 1995 and is a non-profit educational working farm on 65 acres in New Paltz, NY. Mixed vegetables are produced from 6 acres for a ~200-member CSA, food access organizations, and low-income families through our food justice programs. The educational programs at PBFP offer school children, local youth, CSA members, and the general public opportunities to learn about and participate in sustainable and local food production. PBFP is committed to agriculture that is ecologically sound, community-oriented, and economically viable. While not certified organic, PBFP uses organic methods to grow high-quality produce.