Company description

Sound Pine Farm is located in Brunswick, Maine. We grow on two acres of land nestled at the mouth of Middle Bay Cove. We rely on cultivating a healthy farm ecosystem without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides by applying organic compost, providing natural habitat for beneficial organisms, cover cropping, and crop rotation. While we love farming, we aim for a healthy work/life balance and strive to have time and energy for pursuits outside of farming.

Our farm is CSA-focused. This means that we are committed to providing our CSA members with the highest quality produce and the greatest abundance possible. With our “beyond” Free-Choice CSA, we aim to create a CSA experience that gives you what you want at a great value. We also grow herb, flower, and vegetable seedlings.

Internship description

An apprentice will be asked to do much of what the owner/operator does, with the goal of learning enough to manage or even start your own operation in the future!

Tasks apprentice will learn and be expected to perform include:

-managing seedling greenhouse, including: filling trays; seeding; watering

-bed prep and transplanting, including: mulching; broadforking; soil testing and amending, and planting

-crop management, including: weeding, trellising/pruning, irrigating

-harvest and processing, including: planning; harvest and washing/ sorting/ bagging and storage of all crops

-CSA tasks, including: running CSA distribution; setting up and breakdown; washing bins

 

Important qualities we are looking for:

-Desire to learn, work hard, and take on a sense of responsibility for the farm.

-Ability to follow directions and to ask for direction when more input is needed.

-Attention to detail.

-An awareness of what is going on around you, and the ability to recognize what might be needed next.

-The capacity to do repetitive tasks, sometimes alone.

-A capacity for nonviolent communication and respect for others.

-A desire to interact with CSA members.

-The ability to enjoy a long day outside in hot/cold/rainy conditions.

-Prior experience on a commercial vegetable farm preferred, but not necessary.

-The ability to drive farm truck for transporting materials on farm property. Truck has manual transmission, but as long as there is a willingness to learn, prior ability to drive manual is not required.

In addition, you will need to have:
-Ability to lift 50 pounds.

-At least 2 references: at least 1 previous employer and 1 personal.

-Farm is located a 7-10 minute drive from stores/downtown, but public transportation is limited, and having a car is recommended.

 

This is an apprenticeship running from April 1st through October or November, with a stipend of $1400/month, a $200 workwear bonus, end-of-season bonus, and all the veggies you want. On-farm housing (10'x30' tiny house with electricity and running water), is included).

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

March 25, 2025