SPRING 2024-FALL 2024: Food and Farm Apprenticeship at LaFarm

Food and Farm Apprenticeship 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP.   DEADLINE TO APPLY IS NOVEMBER 21, 2023

This position is an opportunity for a student to work closely with the farm manager for a full season and learn about all aspects of small-scale diversified vegetable production. The position starts at the beginning of classes in the spring semester, continues throughout the summer, and ends at the end of the fall semester. All applicants must be willing to commit to the full length of the position. 

The apprentice will work 10 hrs/wk during the spring and fall semesters, and full time (36.5 hrs/wk) during the summer. The apprentice’s schedule can be flexible during the semester, but during the summer they will work Monday through Friday, with one half day of their choice. Occasionally the apprentice may need to work on a weekend for a special event. 

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will gain a state certification for their accomplishment through Pass Sustainable Agriculture’s Diversified Vegetable Pre-apprentice program. 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resumé to Josh Parr at parrj@lafayette.edu. Please (1) describe why you are interested in the position and (2) what prior experience you have with agriculture. 

Duties & Details: 

The apprentice will assist the farm manager in all aspects of running our campus farm. They will learn about regenerative agriculture, crop planning, and farm profitability and marketing. They will also acquire leadership skills by directing teams of students and volunteers. Finally, they will learn about food access issues and community food programming by interacting with our community partners in Easton. 

In the spring semester the apprentice will attend the annual Pasa sustainable agriculture conference (early February) and meet with farm apprentices. They will then learn about crop planning and greenhouse management, helping to prepare for our annual plant sale in May. In the summer, the apprentice will gain a wealth of farming skills (from tomato pruning to pest/disease identification) while learning proper harvesting techniques for a wide variety of vegetables. In the fall semester, the apprentice will apply the skills they’ve learned so far to lead and teach other students about farming. At the end of the year, the apprentice will look over all the notes from the season and make adjustments to the crop plan with the farm manager. 

The accepted applicant will have good leadership and communication skills, and take the initiative to ask questions and learn through on the job experience. 

Work May include: 

● Use of various machinery: brush mower, weed whacker, flame weeder, etc. 

● Setting-up, repairing, and maintaining irrigation systems and other farm infrastructure ● Greenhouse watering and seedling production 

● Planting, weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, and otherwise caring for crops 

● Harvesting, washing, and packing products for distribution 

● Harvesting and arranging flower bouquets 

● Driving farm vehicles to make deliveries, support on campus events, etc. 

● Setting-up displays and helping customers at our farm stand 

● Tabling for the farm at various on campus events 

● Creating content for social media and marketing 

● Leading tours or work parties of local classes, groups, schools, and your Lafayette College peers 

● Planning and hosting events on the farm 1

● Assist with budgeting, crop planning, and seed ordering at the end of the season 

The Food and Farm Apprentice must be willing and able to: 

● Interpret spreadsheets to carry out seeding and planting tasks 

● Keep detailed records of harvest weights, labor hours, fertilizer applications, etc. 

● Ensure that your team comes prepared for work (appropriate clothing, water, etc.) ● Show-up to work a little earlier than everyone else to prepare 

● Be able to demonstrate proper harvesting and production techniques to new crew members 

● Keep student employees on task and working efficiently 

● Work in all weather conditions, including rain, cold, humidity, and heat 

● Lift at least 50 pounds 

Compensation: 

● $11/hr 

● Housing on campus 

● Up to 1 hr unpaid lunch break each day 

● 10 unpaid days off during the summer (please request these at least 1 week in advance) 

● Free farm vegetables 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resumé to Josh Parr at parrj@lafayette.edu. Please (1) describe why you are interested in the position and (2) what prior experience you have with agriculture. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS NOVEMBER 21, 2023