We are currently hiring:
2025 Farm Apprenticeship
Phillies Bridge Farm Project offers practical apprenticeships in small-scale vegetable production using organic methods. We produce mixed vegetables on 5 acres for a ~280 member CSA, and for partnerships with local food access organizations. PBFP provides Farm Apprentices with the foundational knowledge to pursue a career in small-scale vegetable production.
About the organization:
Phillies Bridge Farm Project (PBFP) began in 1995 and is a non-profit educational working farm on 65 acres in New Paltz, NY. Mixed vegetables are produced from 5 acres for a ~280-member CSA, food access organizations, and low-income families through our food justice programs. The educational programs at PBFP offer school children, local youth, CSA members, and the general public opportunities to learn about and participate in sustainable and local food production. PBFP is committed to agriculture that is ecologically sound, community oriented and economically viable. While not certified organic, PBFP uses organic methods to grow high quality produce.
Over the course of the season, apprentices will learn the following practices and skills through a combination of training, working, and formal lessons:
Crop planning
Seed starting and greenhouse management
Bed preparation
Transplanting and direct seeding
Crop maintenance
Organic pest and weed management
Irrigation systems
High Tunnel management
Harvesting and post-harvest handling of produce
Tracking production/record keeping
CSA distribution
Engaging farm volunteers
Tractor and equipment operation, safety, and maintenance
In addition, apprentices participate in the Hudson Valley Apprenticeship hosted by the Glynwood Center for Food and Agriculture. This program provides 60 hours of educational time throughout the season, mostly during work hours (some evenings). HVA hours are compensated at a rate of $20/hour.
Additional learning possibilities, based on interest:
Marketing
Non-profit management
Log-grown shiitake mushroom production
Beekeeping
Farm event planning
Support is potentially available for other independent projects.
Schedule:
Full-time at an average of 42 hours per week, April 8th through November 1st.
Compensation:
Farm Apprentices will be paid $15.50/hour and provided with shared on-site housing. Apprentices receive 5 days of paid sick time, accrued according to New York State guidelines, as well as 5 unpaid vacation days during the season.
Qualifications:
- Some prior experience in farming or other fast-paced, physically demanding jobs (restaurant, landscaping, etc)
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to comfortably lift at least 50 pounds
We seek responsible, good-natured, hard working individuals who thrive in a fast-paced working environment. The ideal candidate will have a desire to learn and an active interest in food and farming. Prior experience in farming is not required, but an ability and willingness to do demanding physical labor in all weather conditions is essential. Applicants should be able to comfortably lift 50 pounds.
Applicants should have good communication skills and be receptive to feedback. They should have the discipline to work efficiently, both independently and as a team. We seek individuals who will be consistently punctual, arriving at work ready to work.
Phillies Bridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage BIPOC and LGBT+ individuals to apply.
To apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to farm@philliesbridge.org
2024 Summer Education Apprentices/ Camp Counselors (FILLED)
Summer education apprentices receive hands-on educational and agricultural experience on our vibrant community farm. The farm has a tri-fold mission of providing fresh veggies to the community through a CSA, providing education for people of all ages, and food justice.
Apprentices work with children ages 5-12 at our farm-based summer camp, where they lead small groups in fun and creative activities developed to demonstrate and celebrate the cycles of nature that produce our food. Additional duties include maintaining educational vegetable gardens, caring for the farm animals, leading farm tours for visiting children and families, and assisting at other public events and fundraisers. Education program activities include: leading activities, planting, harvesting, cooking, composting, arts and crafts, farm history, caring for the farm animals, nature trail hikes, cooperative games, music and storytelling. Apprentices are also responsible for assisting with the set-up and clean-up of all programs. While there is an established education curriculum in place, there are opportunities to develop new activities and participate in curriculum planning based on individual interests and skills.
Position Requirements: Summer education apprentices must be prepared to work long active days outdoors with children. The average schedule is 8:30 AM-4:00 PM Monday–Friday, with rotating after care responsibilities (1 day per week until 5:30 pm) although hours vary depending on the season. Apprentices are part of a rotating animal and plant caretaking schedule, which may occasionally require staying past 4:00 PM. The position dates run for 9 weeks in the summer from June 24th through August 25th, with one Saturday in May for planting/garden orientation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Creative, hard-working, responsible, self-motivated, and conscientious
- Passion for nature and sustainable agriculture
- Experience working with children
- Comfortable cooking and eating a wide range of farm fresh vegetables
- Musical and artistic skills a big plus
- Positive attitude and cooperative work ethics
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather (hot, cold, humid, rainy)
- Reliable transportation to the farm required
Compensation: Summer Education Apprentices receive $16.50/hour plus a small vegetable share for every week worked.
We hire:
- Four summer season education apprentices (June 24 – August 25, 2024)
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2024
Additional Educational Benefits: Phillies Bridge Farm Project participates in the Mid-Hudson Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) program, through which apprentices have the opportunity to attend weekly meetings at various local farms. Each meeting includes a farm tour and a lesson around a specific topic (i.e. irrigation, season extension, compost, no-till farming). We are now accepting applications!
Phillies Bridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage BIPOC and LGBT+ individuals to apply.
To apply, please send your resume, including three professional references and a cover letter to Ella Schwarzbaum, Education Director, at education@philliesbridge.org and write “Education Apprentice Application” in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.