Round the Bend Farm, a Center for Restorative Community, is a 94-acre working farm and educational non-profit acting as “a living laboratory that cultivates, educates, and empowers people of all ages. We are devoted to the global paradigm shift toward hope and abundance through our mission of valuing diversity, modeling nature, and redefining wealth.”
Gardener / Field-Worker
2020 Seasonal Position
Round the Bend Farm (RTB), a non-profit sustainable education community and diversified holistic farm in South Dartmouth, MA, is seeking an experienced, passionate, and motivated individual to join our garden production team as a Gardener/Field-worker for the upcoming 2020 growing season. Start and end dates are flexible, approximately from April/May through November 1, 2020.
JOB DESCRIPTION
As
a Gardner/Field-Worker, this position entails working under the
direction of our Garden Manager in the operation of RTB’s market-garden
scale crop production. We are currently growing a diversified range of
primarily vegetables, fruits, nuts, edible perennials and medicinal
herbs, on roughly 1-2 acres of land, in order to feed and heal our
community, source events and occasionally sell to the public. We use a
synthetics-free philosophy, rooted in regenerative relationships and a
mix of biodynamic, permaculture and nutrient-dense soil emineralization
practices. We emphasize sustainability, natural relationships and
ecological vibrancy, working in a way that mirrors our mission of
“valuing diversity, modeling nature and redefining wealth”.
Working alongside the Garden Manager in a daily capacity — and in concert with our extended RTB team and volunteers — this position will be involved with all aspects of growing agricultural produce at the farm. Duties may include: seed sowing, nursery care, soil preparation, transplanting, weeding and cultivation, perennial care, greenhouse crops, harvesting, seed saving, propagation, food storage and food processing.
To a great degree, the above work will be performed outdoors (directly in the garden system); however, this position may also include participation in shared community cooking, food preservation, monthly Open Farm Days, and occasional support of other farm projects as needed.
This position will be physically demanding and challenging, but also grounding, nourishing and rewarding work. We will try to stick to a 40-50 hour per week commitment, however natural variations in seasonal workload and conditions will require openness and flexibility around this.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ideally we are looking for candidates with at least 1-2 years of agricultural production experience, completed apprenticeship/internship or significant gardening exposure. We are open to individuals who are quick learners and demonstrate sufficient motivation.
Requirements for this position include:
– Commitment to working in the scope of RTB’s mission
– Desire to care for the health of soil, plants, animals and humans
– Desire to participate in and build local vibrant community
– Strong work ethic and ability to complete directed tasks in a timely efficient fashion
– Professional attention to detail and quality
– Ability to work outdoors for long hours and in all kinds of conditions
– Ability to receive directions and ask questions when unclear
– Ability to work independently and in groups of diverse people
– Personal maturity, mindful self-awareness, dependability, flexibility and a sense of humor
– Experience in a communal living situation is preferred
– Valid Driver’s License
– Physical ability to lift 50 lbs.
– Courage, resilience and a love for dirt
– Open mind, open heart and an open palate… we will be eating well!
Note: Preference may be given to candidates who have an active interest in environmental and social justice issues pertaining to both local and global food systems.
COMPENSATION
– Monthly stipend, dependent on applicant [not less than $1000.00]
– Private, on-farm housing in a rustic tiny house (basic heat and electricity)
– Shared kitchen/dining/library spaces with internet access and laundry facilities
– Full board of daily meals crafted from delicious, vibrant, farm produce
– Hands-on learning environment focused on all aspects of sustainable living
– Bucolic Buzzards Bay breezes and silky South Coast sunsets
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the questionnaire in the link below and send a letter of interest (telling us about yourself and detailing your motivations and qualifications for this position), along with a brief resume and two professional references, to Garden Manager Benoit Azagoh-Kouadio by March 1, 2020.
RTB Candidate Questionnaire: https://forms.gle/zky9fcriBmW1eDWR9
Please send materials via email (preferred) to benoit@roundthebendfarm.org, or alternately via snail mail at:
Round the Bend Farm (RTB)
92 Allens Neck Road
South Dartmouth, MA 02748
Attn: Benoit