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 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.

Essential Function:

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  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

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  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/December 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 places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. Every season brings an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

Our commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity