The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. The organization was founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers to protect special places across the state of Massachusetts and to preserve properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value for public use and enjoyment. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

Trustees farms have a rich history in New England agricultural communities, from the oldest dairy farm to Amelia Peabody’s legendary Powisset Farm, there are deep roots. Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of our pastoral landscape. Today, our farms still retain their bucolic quality and have also become well known for their CSA (community supported agriculture) operations.  By purchasing a CSA share, members help to create community around our farms and their commitment to locally grown produce. They receive vegetables each week throughout the growing season, and participate in our pick-your-own crops as well, like fruits, flowers, and herbs. At The Trustees we are committed to growing our community by connecting people to food and the land on which it grows. We host farm events, volunteer opportunities, grassroots workshops, farm tours, and work-for-share opportunities.

CSA vegetable full time crew members at Powisset Farm are active in all aspects of the farm operation: farm stand operation, public engagement, volunteer programs, vegetable production including; weeding, harvesting, greenhouse operation, farm upkeep, and other farm tasks as needed. Farm Crew members have the opportunity to take on additional responsibility over the course of the season including working with volunteer groups, part time workers and helping manage harvest days.  

Essential Functions:

• Assist with all aspects of crop production including but not limited to: seeding, transplanting, irrigating, fertilizing, weeding, thinning, and harvesting all crops on the farm;
• Assisting in greenhouse propagation, including but not limited to seeding, watering, weeding, thinning, fertilizing;
• Assisting, when appropriate as determined by the Farm Manager, with mechanized field prep and cultivation;
• Assisting with facilitation of volunteers, both individuals and groups;
• Assisting with public engagement of farm activities and farm events;
• Assisting with both mechanized and hand cultivation;
• Assisting with all functions of the wash and pack house including but not limited to efficiently washing and packing all produce. Maintaining an organized and sanitary work area, and assisting with record keeping;
• Assisting with all aspects of CSA distribution including but not limited to set up, display, record keeping, restocking, customer service, and breakdown;
• Supporting the Mobile Market as needed;
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Qualifications:           

• Minimum one year experience working on a CSA production farm;
• Experience working with hand tools such as hoes, shovels, harvest tools, carpentry tools, etc.;
• Good communication skills, with fellow crew members, managers, CSA members, and farm visitors;
• Ability to follow directions and work with a team;
• Comfortably and safely lift 40 pounds regularly;
• Ability and enthusiasm for working long hours outside in all weather conditions;
• Ability to work quickly and safely in a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements:

• Satisfactory background check and driving records check required;
• Valid driver license required;
• Seasonal availability – must be able to work entire season (36 weeks from mid-March through mid-December) 

Benefits and Salary:

This position starts April 2nd, 2019 and ends in mid-December. Hours range from 30-55/week throughout the season and compensation is based on experience, access to lots of veggies, a small educational stipend, and participation in Eastern Mass CRAFT workshops. Crew members have the option to participate in employer sponsored health care. There is no housing available at this time.

We also offer the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.