Apprenticeship Opportunities

 

Basic Description

Canticle Farm, Inc. currently has an ongoing need for farm apprentices. Apprenticeships are generally focused on farm operations & management, crop & field management, and building, infrastructure, & equipment maintenance. Apprenticeships are seasonal, full-time or part-time positions (April or May – October) and are best suited for those who intend to pursue a career in agriculture.

 

About Canticle Farm

Canticle Farm is a Certified Naturally Grown, not-for-profit, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in Allegany, NY. Located along the Allegheny River, in the northern foothills of the Appalachian Mountain chain, our beautiful 10-acre farm grows over 40 types of regional vegetables (100s of varieties). The farm was established in 2001 and has witnessed continued and steady growth for more than 10 years. Canticle Farm is dedicated to community service and education regarding the benefits of safe, ecologically sustainable, locally grown produce. Our Apprenticeship Program offers the opportunity for a rich and fulfilling experience for those interested in an agriculture career.

 

Apprenticeship Job Description

Canticle Farm apprentices will work alongside farm staff and management, and participate in the day-to-day operations of the farm. This includes all aspects of seed and plant care, field and bed care, harvesting, preparation, and distribution of produce. Apprentices learn what is necessary to sustain a CSA farm. They learn the basic “mechanics” of the CSA as well as our farm’s retail operations through active work in preparation for shareholder distributions and farmers’ market operations. They also learn seeding, transplanting, cultivating, and harvesting techniques, as well as disease and pest identification & organic control methods.
 

The Apprenticeship Program is designed to be a two-year, seasonal commitment. Year one includes the basics of farm operations and would primarily entail labor similar to that of our field workers. Informal, periodic meetings with farm management would be conducted to ensure that both the farm’s expectations and the apprentice’s learning goals are being met. At the end of season one the apprentice meets with farm management and a decision is made regarding continuation for a second season. Year two includes much of the same work as year one but less, with a focus on more responsibility, decision-making opportunities, and interaction/work with farm equipment. The apprentice meets with farm management at the beginning of season two to establish a work and responsibility plan based on the apprentice’s future agricultural career expectations and goals, and the farm’s needs.
 

Successful completion of the two-year commitment may result in an opportunity for a long-term relationship with Canticle Farm.

 

Apprenticeship Compensations, Hours, Etc.

This is a seasonal, full-time or part-time position starting in spring (no later than May), continuing through the fall (no later than November). Apprentices would be compensated in accord with Federal and New York State labor laws. Apprentices work no more than 40 hours per week, though the days may vary from week to week depending on weather and farm needs. Pay amount and structure is negotiable and may include an hourly-based bi-weekly pay, or a monthly stipend with housing and farm produce provided.

 
If interested please contact the Canticle Farm Office.