Dorchester NH--2024 Season

thehummingbirdcenter.com

The Hummingbird Center is a wellness community that promotes ecological and spiritual health through land stewardship, organic cooking, yoga retreats, and outdoor recreation. We operate on multi-generational farmland in Dorchester, New Hampshire, practicing methods of permaculture to cultivate a vibrant, edible landscape. 

In the spring of 2024, we will provide meals to the public and to our retreat guests in our ‘Farm to Table’ restaurant, crafting seasonal dishes to share the abundance of our gardens and food forests. 

We are looking for a confident individual to join our community to ensure our gardens produce enough food to operate our restaurant, and to feed our residents. The garden manager will look after a multitude of perennial and annual plants spread over several acres of hilly terrain. As a Zone-5 farm serving food from May to November, successional planting and greenhouse growing skills are crucial. 

We are looking for a full-season commitment from our gardener. Candidates with multi-year interest will be favored. The appropriate candidate will be reliable, driven, an efficient problem solver, and able to navigate the unique landscape of community living. Prior experience in a rural lifestyle will be a strong asset. 

Goals and Objectives: 

● Start and maintain seedlings (vegetable and flower) onsite use in the restaurant and community kitchen 

● Plant and maintain gardens around the main building with flowers, salad greens, and herbs

 ● Grow vegetables in greenhouses and field space as necessary to supply HBC, meet community needs, and to stock farm store/outside sales 

● Maintain and expand the perennial crops; fruit tree pruning, sheet mulching, weeding, harvesting as necessary 

● Coordinate volunteers to complete all of the above goals 

● Communicate plans, needs, and questions to fellow staff 

● Assist with the hostel as necessary 

Month by month tasks: 

● February/March- onsite seed inventory, microgreens for house use and restaurant use, order seeds as necessary, make soil, begin seed starting, outdoor tree pruning. 

● April- continue seed starting, continue pruning, continue microgreens, begin prepping indoor growing spaces as necessary. 

● May- continue seed starting, begin outdoor bed prep/planting 

● June- continue bed prep/planting 

● July- maintain annual gardens, perennial maintenance, begin fruit/herb harvest & processing. Harvest garlic scapes. 

● August-November- Harvest garlic, continue annual/perennial maintenance, harvesting/processing as necessary. Plant garlic in October.

Weekly work expectations: 

● 40 hours/week garden specific work.  Please be aware that farming in New England is not a year round job and the work fluctuates with the season.  There will be weeks in the summer when it is necessary to work for more than 40 hours. Likewise, there are weeks in the winter when you will work less than 40 hours a week. 

● 1-3 hours/week household chores and cleaning in community building 

Compensation:

● Housing and meals provided

● Salary will be based on experience; ranging from $600 to $2000 per month. 

If you are called to this work, please forward a letter of interest and resume to [email protected]. We will write back to schedule a follow-up interview; there is a travel stipend for serious candidates. We invite you to spend several days to a week onsite to understand the landscape of our farm and witness the day-to-day pace of activities.  

We are a 25 acre, highly diversified (40+crops), organic vegetable farm and farmers markets managed by a team of 10 apprentices and experienced growers. We focus our production towards our bustling farmers markets in Washington D.C. To meet market demand, we strive to consistently produce high quality produce every week using season extension and succession plantings. We also sell many amazing veggies, fruits, and foods from our neighbors in the country. 

With a 50-year history, we are constantly striving to improve our systems and be sustainable with regards to our soil and environment, our people, and our business.

Our apprentices are trained to manage a variety of crops and jobs on the farm. While apprentices spend a significant amount of time transplanting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, and marketing, the primary role of each apprentice is to manage their areas of responsibility. 

Each person has the opportunity to engage in learning about organic vegetable production, marketing fresh produce, people/labor management, and problem solving. The farm is well developed and established, offering a great opportunity for beginning farmers to learn from seasoned farmers.

Compensation includes: $1100+/month salary, full room, full board, paid sick leave, bonus, and paid registration to meetings and conferences

Previous work on farms and/or outdoor physical labor is helpful but not necessary. Enthusiasm, work ethic, organization, communication, and willingness to work as a team are qualities that make for a successful apprenticeship. Compensation includes a monthly salary plus full room and board.

Please visit www.newmorningfarm.net/employment for more information about the apprenticeship and to apply. 

2019 season video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK4EWqDhC98&feature=emb_logo

West River Farmers Market in Londonderry, Vermont, seeks a responsible, dedicated manager for the 2024 outdoor season.

A small amount of paper work is required starting mid- winter, but as an independent contractor the successful applicant will be running our outdoor market from Memorial Day to Indigenous Peoples Weekend, 9-1 on Saturdays. 

WRFM is a mature market of 30 years standing. Fresh local food, abundant prepared foods and a roster of accomplished artisans combine to make this approximately 45 member, producer-only market a focal point for the surrounding communities.

To learn more about this opportunity, please email your interest to [email protected] 

See the position description below for our Food and Farm Program Director Position, if you're interested please apply on our website. (see instructions in position description under " How to Apply." No calls please.

Program Overview 

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps’ Food & Farm Program is a dynamic youth development, diversified agriculture and food security initiative. At VYCC, we believe in the power that food has to connect us to the land, our community, and each other. We engage young people in organic farming and food education on our historic 400-acre campus in Richmond, Vermont. Annually, the program produces 12 acres of organically certified vegetables and meat and eggs from hundreds of pasture-raised chickens which are all distributed to over 400 families through our nationally recognized Health Care Share project.  

The Heath Care Share is a public health initiative that connects Vermont families who experience barriers to accessing locally grown produce or have a diet-related illness with a weekly vegetable share they pick up at partnering medical centers.  Each year the program provides employment opportunities to youth and young adults from Vermont and around the country who assist in the daily operations of the farm. Additionally, the program has a robust food education component that connects the work we do in the field and the food on our plates, by preparing lunch from the farm every workday in the summer and sharing celebratory meals sourced from our farm with the larger community. 

Position Description 

The Director of the Food & Farm Program leads an experienced and passionate team in managing an organic farm where young people engage in agriculture, food security, food preparation, and community building. This compassionate leader will create the conditions for staff members to design responsive and impactful programs where young people and communities care for each other and the land that feeds us. 

The Food & Farm Program and its team is in a strong place, with a robust network of alumni and partners supporting its success. The new Director will bring experience, networks, and an innovative spirit to the VYCC team to build on the success and impact of the current program and continue its innovation and development. This position requires a passion for working with young people, education and food justice, a strong practical knowledge of farm and food systems, a deep commitment to community food security, and a collaborative and creative mindset. 

Essential Functions 

Organizational Leadership 

• Facilitate reciprocal relationships with staff across the organization to collectively further the VYCC mission and the goals of the Food & Farm Program.
• Balance on the ground program support with leading the team through organizational processes and systems.
• Attend board meetings and other VYCC events, presenting and contributing as needed 
• Collaborate with the team of Officers and Directors individually and in regular meetings, on defining and achieving organizational priorities.

Program Leadership  

• In collaboration with staff and partners, identify opportunities for the evolution of the Food & Farm Program in ways that engage and inspire young adults, and lead to a supportive and sustainable program for staff.
• Mentor the Farm Production Team in implementing sustainable agriculture practices that build soil health, meet production needs, and model best practices while looking to future innovations. 
• Play a lead role in designing Leader training to ensure they are prepared to support Corps Members in a successful season. 
• Collaborate with Conservation Program Director and other staff on cross-program intersections, such as participant learning outcomes, shared use of spaces and resources, recruitment goals, and program policies.
• Collaborate with the Executive Directors to implement risk assessment and safety management in the Food & Farm Program. 
• Cultivate a culture of innovation on the team. Building from the success and impact of the current program, explore new program ideas and lead the team into continued development and evolution of the program. 
• Facilitate team members in resolving conflict in healthy ways and play a leadership role in mitigating crew- level challenges as needed. 

Program Administration 

• Mentor Food & Farm Program Staff in their professional growth and development to ensure they have the support and resources they need to thrive. 
• Oversee supervision structures and team culture of healthy communication, reciprocal support, and professional growth. 
• Manage systems where information is shared regularly and clearly, comradery is built, collaboration is fostered, and feedback is normalized. 
• Support Farm Program and Administrative Staff in welcoming AmeriCorps Members, VYCC crews, and volunteers who contribute to the success of the Food & Farm Program 
• Lead the season reflection, program planning and budgeting processes that collect. feedback from all team members and achieve programmatic financial and impact goals.
• Align program design, implementation, and outcomes with AmeriCorps compliance.   
• Collaborate with VYCC’s engagement department to generate marketing materials. 

Partnerships and Revenue  

• Be an inspiring representative of the VYCC to the general public.
• Identify, secure, manage, and report on a suite of diverse revenue streams; collaborate with Food & Farm Team members to grow program revenue.  
• Lead the annual program budgeting process and manage the program budget throughout the year. 
• Steward relationships with current partners, local farmers, businesses, and organizations; pursue new partnerships that align with evolving goals of the Food & Farm Program. 
• Support staff in communications with partner organizations for the Farm at VYCC, including medical centers and hospitals, the Vermont Foodbank, local food shelves, area schools, NOFA-VT, and others.  
• Support Farm Production Managers in developing VYCC’s farm stand and other sales. 

  Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Proven commitment to working with young adults to help them learn, grow, and succeed. 
• Expertise in sustainable agriculture and food systems. 
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: food security, education, youth development, and/or workforce development. 
• Passion for VYCC’s mission and an ability to communicate this energy to others. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team. 
• Several years’ leadership experience in education or non-profit organizations. 
• Strong working knowledge of program planning, organizational structure, budgeting, administrative operations, and fundraising. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies. 
• Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common ground, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders. 
• Ability to handle multiple, often competing, priorities.  
• Flexible, motivated, responsible and willing to both take direction and work independently. 

Our Mission: Take action and build community by working and learning together with the land.

About Vermont Youth Conservation Corps  

The VYCC is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on engaging young people in service, work, conservation, and agriculture. Since 1985, VYCC staff have provided valuable work and learning opportunities to youth and young adults from across the country and from nearly every town in Vermont. Our model is strong and simple: young people, working together, guided by highly trained leaders, completing priority projects in conservation and agriculture.    

Excellence and Equal Opportunity at VYCC  

VYCC is committed to being an organization that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees, volunteers, and community members.

Our Workplace   

This position is based out of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Headquarters Office at the historic West Monitor Barn, in Richmond, VT. Our office is a collegial, bustling, and fun open office atmosphere, which offers staff opportunities to interact and collaborate.  Staff members can balance working remotely and on-campus in collaboration with their team schedule, tasks and all-staff gatherings. Successful staff are able maintain focus and productivity, balance personal initiative and independence, and plug into our team in ways that help us do our best work as an organization. Staff enjoy the perks of the Farm at VYCC and forest campus year-round, as well as the happenings of nearby downtown Richmond.      

Compensation & Benefits: 

· Starting salary for this position is $75,000, commensurate with experience. Exempt from overtime.   

· Medical and dental insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) with matching contribution; disability and group life insurance 

· Simple IRA with matching contribution (once eligibility criteria are met)   

· Annual paid time off (PTO), paid sick time   

· One-week paid closure in November for all staff (in addition to PTO) 

· Ongoing professional development   

· Annual gift card to the VYCC farmstand (organic produce and eggs) 

How to Apply  

Please complete our VYCC General Application (http://bit.ly/VYCCapp), to which you’ll upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Leah Mital at [email protected]. No calls, please. Position is open until filled.    

Updated 11.15.23 

Note:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  All of the listed functions are important and are in no particular order. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  

Full and Part-Time, Seasonal (Anticipated length of position: December – April 2024)

Weekends and Evenings

Wage scale 6: Starting pay $17, plus $250 sign-on bonus.

Position Summary: 

High Mowing Organic Seeds is a leader in the organic seed, farming, and food community. We value our unique opportunity to meet the growing demand for professional-quality organic seeds.

Do you want to be part of a fun-loving group with diverse interests, brought together by our common love of growing, on any scale, all while appreciating the importance of sustainable agriculture? Then consider applying to join HMOS Operations by packing, picking, or shipping seed and related products. 

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented individual with good communication skills and a team player mindset. Candidates will need to be comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds frequently, be on their feet most of the day, use handheld scanners and measurement tools, and perform fine motor tasks efficiently and precisely.  Evening and weekend availability is a must.

We are offering a $250 sign-on bonus to applicants who are hired for these open positions. You must work at least 80 hours for High Mowing to be paid the sign-on bonus. 

Fulfillment Responsibilities:

• Develop competency in pulling, packing and shipping customer orders using a handheld scanner.  
• Stock shelves, keep work areas organized and clean.
• Assist in the loading and unloading of trucks/shipments as directed.
• Support department activities, including but not limited to setting up shelving, assembling carts and stock ladders, rearranging equipment and workstations as needed, culling pallets, etc.
• Participate in the Fulfillment Zone Sanitation Plan protocols, including but not limited to vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, and taking out the trash and recycling.
• Assist in re-labeling inventory with new germination information as needed.
• Assist in data-entry projects as needed.
• Assist in seasonal and ongoing departmental projects, such as but not limited to sorting through returned retail seed packets and grouping them by crop type, building Donation Packets, building Seed Rack displays, breaking down stock boxes, etc.

Packing Responsibilities:

• Develop competency in pulling, packing, and bundling seed using a variety of machines and tools.
• Retrieve and return seed from bulkroom. 
• Follow specific written instructions and packing protocols to fill seed into packets. 
• Compute weight conversions.
• Use a variety of tools, such as calculators, scales, stopwatches, bag sewers, seed packing machinery, etc.  
• Communicate issues or concerns with crew leads for efficient resolution.
• Clean work station after each completing each work order.
• Restock supplies as directed.

Desired Qualifications:

• Must be able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for most or all of your work shift.
• Must be able to perform fine motor tasks efficiently and precisely.
• Must pay attention to detail and perform detailed tasks.
• Must be able to display basic computer skills.
• Must maintain a positive attitude. 
• Must be able to accept constructive input from department manager and co-workers and make honest attempts at improving performance and competencies.

To Apply: If you are interested in joining our team of fun-loving individuals brought together by our love of sustainable agriculture, please come to our job fair. You will be able to tour the campus, meet potential coworkers, and interview on the spot. The fair will be held on our Wolcott campus at 76 Quarry Road on Thursday, December 7th from 4-6pm. If you can't make the fair but are interested in joining our team, please email resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please put the job title (Fulfillment Team Member or Packing Team Member) in the subject line. No phone calls please. We look forward to meeting you!