Farm Crew (Full Time)

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Hourly Rate: Starting at $16.50

Housing: Housing may be available

Hours per week: Variable: 25 hours/week spring/fall, up to 55 hours/week summer

Job Classification: Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: March-December

Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact

As part of the Appleton Farms crew, you’ll work the land at one of the oldest continually operating farms in the country and contribute to growing vegetables using organic practices on 35 acres for a 650-member summer CSA and 200-member winter CSA. You’ll be part of a team-oriented farm focused on soil health, efficient systems, and high-quality production on a 1000-acre property featuring a grass-fed beef operation, education and public programs, and beautiful grassland and forest trails.    

The Role

As a member of the Farm Crew you’ll contribute to various aspects of organic vegetable production for summer and winter CSAs and wholesale accounts. You’ll assist with greenhouse and high tunnel production, field operations, vegetable harvest, and wash and pack, and be trained in farm systems, with the opportunity to learn organic and regenerative practices for vegetable production.

Specifically, you’ll:

• 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 for full-time staff, 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
• All other duties as assigned by management

This is a variable-hour, limited-term position reporting directly to the Field Crop Manager.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• 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

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and crouch or bend for long periods of time
• Must be able to work in all types of weather
• Must be able to accommodate seasonal work schedule
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Work Schedule

• March to December
• Weekly hours vary from 25 hours per week in spring to 55 hours per week in the summer.  Regular hours from June through September are Monday – Friday, 7am to 5pm, with a one-hour paid lunch.
• Occasional weekend hours available during the summer

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org.

Your Benefits:

• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated) 
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, 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.

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

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.