Apprenticeships

Join the 2013 Brix Bounty Team

Our Paid Positions for 2013 are Closed.  Unpaid Appreticeships & Training Still Available.

Building Agricultural Skills for the Southcoast

(November 6, 2012)

Located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Brix Bounty Farm works as a community catalyst producing nutrient rich vegetables, providing educational opportunities, and undertaking crop & soil research.  This coming season we’ll actively crop approx. 4 acres, with an additional couple of acres in cover.  Our production methods are grounded in realizing the wealth of productivity resulting from biologically managed soils.  We market all of our vegetables within 5 miles of our farm:  through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program (90 summertime shares, 40 wintertime shares), a self-serve farm stand, and at the downtown New Bedford Farmers Market.  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 along the Southcoast of Massachusetts.

Production Manager -

We are seeking a production manager for the 2013 season to complete our “core” farm team.  This position will start between February and April and will continue through Thanksgiving.  Year-round work and housing may be available for an individual considering a multi-year commitment.

Duties include all aspects of commercial vegetable production, propagation house management, transplanting & seeding, cultivation, irrigation & fertility management, harvest, post-harvest & marketing work, and include some oversight of the farm crew.  Our operation involves low-mechanization of planting, cultivating, & harvesting tasks and applicants must be capable of labor intensive work weeks through the season.

Average 50-60 hours per week; with a Monday-Friday work schedule and occasional weekend duties (watering greenhouse, harvesting & tending our farmstand).

Remuneration includes monthly salary, vegetables, paid vacation time, a health & wellness stipend, mentorship, and an educational stipend

This position is ideally suited for individuals with at least two-seasons of vegetable growing experience and is committed to a career in production agriculture.  A connection and interest in farming in Southeastern Massachusetts beyond tenure at Brix Bounty is best.

To apply, send a letter of interest and relevant agricultural experience to Derek Christianson (derekchristianson@gmail.com or 858 Tucker Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747).  Qualified candidates will be invited to interview and visit the farm.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Apprenticeships

We offer seasonal apprentice positions for individuals seriously considering a career in agriculture.  Come learn the craft of organic agriculture on a small scale diversified vegetable farm.

Our Agricultural Production Apprenticeships will begin in April-May and continue until August-October.  Training focuses on all aspects of vegetable production and includes:  crop cultivation, fertility management, greenhouse work, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, marketing, etc.  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 a living stipend, educational stipend, mentorship, and plenty of fresh vegetables.  Housing may be available on a neighboring 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.

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 work shares for our Community Supported Agriculture Program.  Harvest Share members trade work on the farm in exchange for a share of the harvest. 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:

Looking for opportunities beyond SE Massachusetts?  See our Finding Ag. Jobs in the NE page.

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.