The Opportunity.

The Assistant Grower positions are ideal for farmers who want a wrap-around understanding of how a small-scale farm operates. Assistant Growers will participate in:

• General farm work: planting, seeding, weeding, tool cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest vegetable handling, and farm maintenance.

• CSA pick-ups: assist with CSA pick-ups occasionally and in rotation with other farmers, meet customers and manage inventory

• Training: tractor safety/work, greenhouse management, field operations, food safety, crop planning etc.

• Applicants should be responsible, able to work rain or shine, and to work independently or part of a team.

• The position is 40-45 hours/week, $17-$18/hr., from April - October 2022 (end date flexible).

• A typical schedule will be Monday through Friday and every third Saturday in rotation with other farmers.

• Please apply with a resume and cover letter if you are interested in joining our team.

In This Role You Will:

• Participate in field and CSA operations mentioned above

• Transfer your valuable skills to a farm setting and grow your skills in time management, efficiency, systems thinking, and customer service.

• Work in a mission-oriented, fast-paced environment

• Work alongside a wide range of individuals including volunteers, aspiring farmers, new-to-farming individuals, and the field crop manager.

Qualifications

• Some farm experience is preferred, but not necessary

• Ability to lift 40 pounds. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Valid driver’s license and CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check required

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation is per hour based on experience, $17-18/hour

• On-farm housing is available for this position for a small rental fee (living on the farm will not increase your hours or increase expectations of your involvement)

• Farm produce: farm-grown produce for individual use

• Trainings and professional development opportunities, including optional attendance at biweekly EMASS CRAFT workshops

• Free admission to Trustees of Reservations properties

Chestnut Hill Farm is on ancestral and unceded lands of the Nipmuc people-presently called Southborough. Today, Chesnut Hill Farm is a diversified vegetable and livestock operation that supplies food for a 250 member CSA (community supported agriculture) program. We also host an on-site Farm Store, so that members of the public have access to Chesnut Hill produce. We are currently working to accept SNAP EBT at our farm store. At Chesnut Hill Farm we are committed to building a healthy community by connecting people to food and the land on which it grows, through increasing access to produce, public walking trails, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.

Our vegetables are grown on 7 acres of land using organic and reduced till practices. The vegetable operation is managed by our Field Crop Manager, Erin Espinosa whose approach to management values both efficiency and a deep respect for the land and the people working it. Erin is committed to leaning on grower’s already valuable skills and knowledge and helping farmers grow their skills and understanding of the greater food system through working closely with team members in the field and exposing farmers to learning opportunities.

About The Trustees

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 100,000 member households.

The Trustees’ commitment to Diversity, Belonging Inclusion and Equity is to create inclusive spaces of belonging for Trustees staff, members, volunteers, and communities across our organization and 120 plus properties. Read more here

As part of our dedication to an inclusive and diverse workforce, The Trustees are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Trustees of Reservations aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, The Trustees of Reservations requires that all successful applicants show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted. Applicants who believe they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.