Job Opportunities

Position: Apprentice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position Description: Amber Waves Farm apprentices will spend a season at the farm in order to learn how to grow food organically and sustainably by working hands-on in all areas of the farm’s activities. Apprentices will coordinate with head farmers about day-to-day farm operations, from field work to farmers market preparations. In the field, apprentices will master technical skills associated with plant propagation, greenhouse production, crop rotations and soil health, harvesting, and tractor work. Additionally, after the harvest, apprentices are will be actively involved in community outreach and education by organizing weekly on-farm CSA pick up, assisting with school field trips and community workshops, representing the farm at the local farmers market, and distributing food in our community to local restaurants and food pantries. By participating in the wide variety of daily activities and responsibilities at the farm apprentices will not only gain hands-on experience in the field, but will also develop an in-depth understanding of the daily management of the business side of the farm: marketing, bookkeeping, setting budgets, etc. The field work will be very physically demanding, and will require that apprentices are able to lift at least 50-lbs at a time.

 

Positions Available: 3 (hiring on a rolling basis)

 

Start and End Dates: Approximately 04/01/2013 – 11/01/2013

 

Compensation: On-farm housing and stipend provided

 

About the Farm: Amber Waves Farm is entering its fifth season as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational farm located about a mile from the beach in the village of Amagansett on Eastern Long Island. Amber Waves consists of five acres of vegetable production and two greenhouses to serve a 100 member CSA, farmers markets, and several restaurant wholesale accounts. In addition to intensive vegetable production Amber Waves Farm has a flock of 100 laying hens and produces 10 acres of wheat for sale to local bakers and restaurants. The farm is also involved in intensive educational work with nearby schools, which includes frequent farmer-led field trips, tasting tours, and group work projects at the farm. The farm subscribes to NOFA’s “Farmer’s Pledge” program of growing fruits, vegetables, and grains organically. Much of the farm’s field cultivation is completed by hand with the regular use of tractors. In the coming 2013 season the farm looks forward to cultivation 10 newly acquired acres, growing the CSA, and offering frequent on-farm workshops to the community.

Amanda Merrow and Katie Baldwin started Amber Waves Farm in the spring of 2009 after completing an apprenticeship program at nearby Quail Hill Farm in 2008. Neither Amanda nor Katie came from farming backgrounds before completing their apprenticeships at Quail Hill. After five years of farming they have developed experience in annual fruit and vegetable production for a CSA, farmers markets, and wholesale restaurant accounts. They have an intense commitment to maintaining biodiversity and the sustainability of farmland through organic growing practices and community involvement on the farm. They are working to recreate the presence of wheat and other small grains in the Long Island foodshed by collaborating with other growers to focus on growing, processing, and marketing whole grains, whole wheat flour, and other value-added products to the public. Amanda and Katie are also actively involved with local schools and frequently host field trips and tasting tours for students and families that visit the farm.

 

To apply: Pleas send resume, cover letter, and three references to AmberWavesFarm@gmail.com