Company description Black Kettle Farm is a 4.5 acre diverse, MOFGA certified organic vegetable farm in Southern Maine.  2019 will be it's 11th growing season.  The farm has a strong emphasis on it’s 80-100 member CSA, and also supplies produce for a busy weekly farmers’ market and to restaurant accounts.  The farm practices season extension in 2 high tunnels, has a large perennial culinary and medicinal herb garden and donates food to a local food pantry. Black Kettle strives to produce beautiful vegetables, give back to our soil, feed friends, share food and create a space rich with gratitude and appreciation for the abundance that the farm provides.  The farm generates an atmosphere of hard work, communication, connection and positivity. Job description Members of the Field Crew will have the opportunity to develop key practical skills and gain significant experience in organic vegetable production from seed to harvest and distribution of 30 different crops.  A season at Black Kettle will provide a solid skills set in all aspects of running a small farm.  

On-farm housing is provided, which is an  opportunity to sink in to the daily rhythm of the operations.  We have a small crew, so the contributions of every member are will be greatly valued.

Field Crew members will develop expertise through hands-on work experience, with additional exposure to crop planning, nutrient management, tractor skills and CSA management.  This  is a learn by doing environment, but questions are welcomed and encouraged  The farm is a busy place, but there is always time for clarification, extended explanations and group discussions. 
 
Daily tasks will include:

• Greenhouse seeding
• Field Transplanting
• Drip Irrigation
• Direct marketing though CSA and Farmers' Market
• Field Cultivation
• Pest and Disease ID and management
• Season extension in High Tunnels
• Harvesting for CSA, market and wholesale accounts

Field Crew members will also have the opportunity to get to know our customers and community and will be a part of weekly farmers' market and CSA distribution.  

In addition to CSA, farmers' market and restaurant accounts, we also grow Ginger, have a perennial garden with medical and culinary herbs, and small flower gardens.  We also collaborate with a local, organic mushroom farm.

The position is full time, from May through Early October, with a monthly stipend, ranging from $1200-$1400 depending on experience,  and rustic, on-farm housing provided, including all the veggies that you can eat and some basic food staples.

EXPECTATIONS
We work Monday-Friday, from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM (6:30 AM on harvest days) with an hour for lunch.  Saturday chores are shared amongst the crew on a rotational basis.
The position starts in early May and runs though the fall, at least until the end of September, but with a possibility to extend through October.  End dates are flexible, as long as it is clear what the commitment will be.

COMPENSATION
Compensation includes monthly stipend ranging from $1200-$1400 according to experience,  and on-farm housing in rustic, yet charming off-the-grid accommodations, as well as all you veggies you can eat and staple dry goods like  rice, beans, oil etc.  

HOUSING
The full-time farm crew lives in the back meadow of the farm, which is quiet and private.  Each crew member has their own camper for living and cooking and there is also a yurt, which serves as a community space in the meadow, with a sofa, wood burning stove, solar panel and additional cooking space.  There is also a fire pit, hammocks, a super clean outhouse and an outdoor deck overlooking the veggie fields.  There is no electricity or running water in the meadow.  Crew members shower in the farm house and use the staff fridge in the barn. The crew shares 2 lunches a week in the farm house, other wise, folks are on their own for meals.

Please NO pets of any kind or kids.  
It is highly recommended to have a reliable car for the season.

DESIRED SKILLS

• One season prior experience on a vegetable farm, or equivalent work experience doing manual labor outside, working with plants or animals, working in food service, WWOOFing, working in a community garden etc.
• Strong applicants for position should be motivated problem-solvers, who are able to work well independently and in a groups and execute tasks with attention to detail. We are in search of strong, able-bodied, hard-workers, who are organized, and are able to focus and learn quickly and ask questions to clarify.
• Communication, flexibility and an out-going, community spirit are greatly valued in the Black Kettle Farm crew.
• This is a dedicated, positive, and proactive environment.   

Applicants must:

• Be 21 years or older
• Have a valid drivers license
• Be able to commit to the entire season
• Be able to consistently lift 50 pounds
• Be ready to work in all kinds of crazy East Coast weather
• Be responsible, reliable, flexible and communicative

The farm is located in a rural community, but close to amenities, like a grocery store, hardware store, brewery etc.  There is a gorgeous lake a mile away, we are about 20 minutes from the coast and an hour to the White Mountains.  The farm is 40 minutes from Portland, Maine and 45 minutes from Portsmouth, NH.  It is great to have a car from days off and exploring. Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation Application instructions Deadlineno deadline