WORK WITH US

GROWER

Come farm with us! We have opportunities for people excited about growing organic produce.

Fort Hill Farm is a 36-acre farm operating on land leased from The Nature Conservancy/Sunny Valley Preserve in northwestern Connecticut. Paul Bucciaglia and Rebecca Batchie operate Fort Hill Farm, which has been certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers since 2003.  The farm produces about 45 types of certified organic vegetables, small fruits, and flowers on about 14 acres for a farmstand, 250 CSA members, and two farmers’ markets.  The balance of our land is in long term, soil building cover crops and hay.

We extend the growing season with six greenhouses and a large high tunnel for production of transplants and in-soil tomato production and specialty crops. The farm uses machinery for most tillage and many planting, cultivating, and harvesting operations, and we train year-round crew members in the use of this equipment. The farm focuses heavily on soil health through the growth of cover crops, and the production and application of farm-produced compost, rock dusts, and biochar. The farm is located near town, with quick access to many great hiking and canoeing opportunities.  

POSITION DETAILS:

·      Full-time position, 40 hours per week April through mid-January, 30 hours per week in shoulder seasons, more work available if wanted

·      5 days per week, including Saturdays

·      Rotating greenhouse/chores duty one Sunday every other month (scheduled in advance)

·      Start date: April/early May for first year, subsequent years March 1

·      Winter break: 6 weeks mid-January through February (unemployment insurance available)

·      Opportunity for future growth and compensation by taking on farm management tasks, such as managing work crews, irrigation, pack shed, sales, and more skilled farm operations such as seeding and spraying.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·      Crop production: participate in all aspects of field work, including field prep, planting, weeding, and greenhouse work

·      Harvest: join in most harvest activities, paying close attention to quality and efficiency

·      Post-harvest: take part in all aspects of wash/pack activities, maintain a clean and organized wash station and walk-in coolers

·      Tractor work: if interested, Growers will be provided with tractor training in their first season

·      Sales: occasionally or regularly attend one of our farmers’ markets or farmstand days, depending on availability and interest of the crew member

·      Customer Service: help create a welcoming environment at the farm and farmers’ markets

·      Communication: Actively participate in daily meetings and periodic check-ins; You will receive a schedule of feedback sessions upon the start of your work with us.

·      Farm organization! Share in a whole-systems approach to caring for tools and common workspaces, including all vehicles and gathering spaces.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

·      Motivated to work on a fast-paced commercial farm

·      Excited about growing food

·      Ready to receive (and give) feedback

·      Able to follow instructions and seek guidance when needed

·      Able to arrive on time for each workday

·      Able to lift about 35 lbs; willingness to ask for help when needed

·      Able to work outside in all weather conditions, including snow, rain, heat and cold

·      2 seasons experience on a vegetable, cut flower, or small fruit farm (never worked on a farm before? Check out our Field Crew Position, no experience necessary!)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

·      $16.50 to $18 per hour DOE; opportunity for up to a 5% raise after 3- month review

·      Overtime pay above 40 hours/week

·      5 days paid vacation (accrues 1 day per month in first year)

·      Sick time (accrues at 1 hour per 40 hours worked)

·      $100 gear stipend

·      Weekly share of farm produce and flowers

·      20% Discount for non-farm goods sold at our Farmstand

·      Select paid holidays

·      Opportunity to participate in the farm’s Simple IRA plan after 8 months of service, with up to 3% match

··      Farmer knowledge sharing

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a resume, three references, and a brief statement of why you want to work on a vegetable farm and how you can contribute to our farm’s success to forthillfarm@gmail.com.   Please feel free to email us with any questions.  Paul Bucciaglia and Rebecca Batchie