Apprenticeships

Join the 2010 Brix Bounty Farm Team

Summer Apprenticeships Opportunities now available!

Brix Bounty 2010 Apprenticeships and Other Opportunities

Building Agricultural Skills for the Southcoast

Founded in 2008, Brix Bounty Farm works to promote and produce nutrient dense foods.  This year we’ll actively crop 3 ½ acres, with an additional 2 acres in cover crop, marketing our vegetables through our new Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, farm stand, and local farmers’ markets .  We invest in our natural capital (soils) and human capital (community), building renewable sources of wealth.  Efforts include improving food security through community projects which increase knowledge and awareness of sustainable production techniques on farms and in backyard and community gardens.  Working with local non-profits and community groups we bridge the connection between soil, diet, and health. Join us as we strive to renew the prosperity of the commons; Brix Bounty Farm:  Fresh Vegetables & Community Education.

Apprenticeships

Our apprenticeship program is at the heart of our on farm educational programs.  In 2009, we initiated a formal apprenticeship program through collaboration with 2 New Bedford community organizations to provide a summertime urban agricultural apprenticeship.  This season we are expanding our training programs to offer a full-season agricultural production apprenticeship, as well as continuing our urban agriculture apprenticeship. Come learn the craft of organic agriculture on a small scale diversified vegetable farm.

Our Agricultural Production Apprenticeshipsbegan in Early April and will continue until October.  Training focuses on all aspects of vegetable production and includes:  crop cultivation, fertility, harvesting, greenhouse work, marketing, seeding, and transplanting.  While covering core elements, we also strive to develop personalized learning plans for each apprenticeship to match your individual skills and interests.  Agricultural Production Apprentices are seasonal full-time positions; apprentices receive educational materials and stipend (Brix Bounty Apprentice Binder, Books, and NOFA Summer Conference Registration Fees), living stipend, mentorship, and plenty of fresh vegetables.  We do not currently have housing available on the farm.

Our urban agriculture apprenticeships will involve production work, but will also include a special emphasis on assisting with urban agricultural projects on the Southcoast, including work with community and school gardens and youth development.  All of our apprentices have the opportunity to participate in Brix Bounty Farm educational programs (Roots Down New Bedford and Know Your Vegetables).

Internships and Research Opportunities

If you are seeking academic credit while working at Brix Bounty Farm, we are able to coordinate internships with your college or university.  Contact the farm for more details.  Research efforts on the farm are primarily focused in three areas:  soil fertility, crop nutritional quality, and foodsystems analysis focusing on Southeastern Massachusetts.  We welcome you to join one of our existing projects or to develop a new research project.

“Work Shares” and “mini-apprenticeships”

Although not a formal apprenticeship – we also offer a limited number of harvest shares for our Community Supported Agriculture Program.  Harvest Share members trade work on the farm in exchange for a share. We also offer mini-apprenticeships that require either a 6-8 week full-time commitment or 12 week part-time commitment.  These mini-apprenticeships are offered on a rolling basis year round and are geared toward folks who aren’t ready to commit to a full season apprenticeship, are in transition and seeking a short-term learning opportunity, and/or aren’t able to take on a full-time apprenticeship due to work or family obligations.

Beyond Brix Bounty – Other Opportunities in SE Massachusetts

There are many terrific opportunities to contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture in Southeastern Massachusetts.  The following farms or organizations may have apprentice and volunteer positions available:

  • Kettle Pond Farm – Berkeley, MA -508-822-6919                

Interested in Joining the Brix Bounty Team?

Please send a letter of interest to derekchristianson@gmail.com or call 508-992-1868.

Southcoast residents actively seeking to engage in agricultural and food systems careers are especially encouraged to apply.