Seasonal Farmer

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: 03/29/2023  Compensation: $20/hour

Now Accepting Applications:
2023 Green Workforce Training at Queens County Farm Museum

Since 2007, Queens County Farm Museum has offered unique training opportunities for new farmers as part of its Green Workforce Development Program. This program is a pathway into Agriculture-based careers in New York City’s burgeoning green economy. Trainees in this program gain the skills required to enter this industry, and the program accelerates the growth of individuals looking to further develop their skill set.  Focusing on regenerative agricultural skills, trainees will establish a solid career foundation to build upon in the future. Alumni from this program have started their own farms, businesses in horticulture, food service and waste management consulting practices, and leveraged new skills to develop their careers. Queens County Farm Museum is growing as it begins its largest agricultural expansion in over 50 years. This program is an opportunity to participate in a farm that is scaling up to grow more food and serve the public.

Farmers in the Green Workforce Training Program will be involved in all aspects of food production, including land prep, seeding, propagation, transplanting, trellising, irrigation, cultivation, washing, packing, and will learn to safely work major farm equipment, care for the farm's livestock, and manage compost along with other agriculture operations. This is a hands-on learning experience. Each farmer will have the opportunity to tailor their farm work to support their own personal growth and career goals. Weekly training will address new skill development. Farmers will assist with market preparation, retail sales and marketing, and learn to interact with the public as a Queens Farm representative. The program will include networking opportunities such as off-site tours of other agricultural operations.

The program runs from 3/29/2023 to 11/17/2023. Work schedule is generally 8am to 4pm, with weekend flexibility and early hours required throughout the season.

Queens County Farm Museum is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State, dating back to 1697. Queens Farm serves as a vital and rare resource connecting people to agriculture and the environment in New York City. The 47-acre historic site is home to the largest single apiary in NYC, and the only farm with both a full range of livestock and community composting in the city. Queens Farm is a leader in hyper-locally grown food and the ecological well-being of New York City. The Agriculture Department uses regenerative farming methods to grow over 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers on 4 acres of land, in addition to a 3-acre seasonal corn maze. Celebrating its 325th anniversary of farming, Queens Farm has begun the largest agricultural expansion in over 50 years.

Responsibilities/Duties

  • Greenhouse seeding and management
  • Bed/field preparation
  • Field seeding and transplanting
  • Installing and managing irrigation
  • Weeding and cultivation
  • Harvesting, washing, and packing produce
  • Pest and disease management
  • End-of-season breakdown and field clean up
  • Helping maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
  • Livestock chores (watering, feeding, rotating animals among paddocks, fence maintenance, egg collection and processing)
  • Assisting with the farmstand
  • Assisting with Queens Farm’s public-facing programs, including Public Events, School-to-Farm Education, and Public Education Programs

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Passionate about developing a career in agriculture/horticulture/food work and developing skills and expertise in the field
  • At least one full season of vegetable growing experience, preferred
  • Ability to work well in a team, take direction, and stay on task independently
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to perform the following physical tasks, for extended periods of time: bending, kneeling, sitting, carrying, walking, squatting, standing
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, windy, rainy, hot, humid, dry, snow)
  • Professionalism when interacting with visitors and customers
  • Ability to legally drive a vehicle on and around the farm property

Additional Information

Compensation $20/hr
10% off at Queens Farm Store and Farmstand

To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to Danny Morales, Queens County Farm Museum’s Director of Agriculture, at danny@queensfarm.org with “2023 Green Workforce Training” as the subject line.  Please explain your passion for agriculture/horticulture/food work and what you hope to gain from Queens Farm’s program. Include two references.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Queens County Farm Museum (QCFM) supports diversity in the workplace. QCFM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer (EOE).


 

Contact Information

Queens County Farm Museum
Contact Name: Daniel Morales
Email: danny@queensfarm.org