Clem’s Organic Gardens

Last Updated On: diciembre 5th, 2021 at 04:36PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
858 Davidson River Road
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina , 28768

Primary Contact: Noah Pouos
Secondary Contact: Clem Swift

Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 8283017011
    Email: clemsorganicgardens@gmail.com

Secondary Phone
    Type: Cell
    Number: 7062543171
    Email: clemswift@gmail.com

    Email: clemswift@gmail.com

Website: facebook.com/clemsorganicgardens

Internship information

General Farm Description: Clem’s Organic Gardens grows 8 acres of certified organic vegetables just outside of Brevard, NC on the rich bottomland soil along the Davidson River. We specialize in storage vegetables, including potatoes, beets, winter squash, carrots, turnips, parsnips and radishes, as well as lettuce, kale, and cilantro. We will be adding an 8600 square foot high tunnel for 2022 to further diversify our crop production. Our farm model is centered around production for wholesale distribution in bulk. We harvest our storage crops directly into 20-bushel bins and our greens directly into wax boxes. We use a specialized pack line to wash the root vegetables and sort into standard case sizes, and the final product is stacked onto pallets for transportation. We have large storage coolers and use a pallet jack to move heavy things around. Product is delivered with a refrigerated box truck to a loading dock facility in Asheville for distribution to our customers. There is no packing of CSA boxes or standing at the farmer’s market on Saturdays at our farm. This model allows us to operate efficiently, streamlining sales and distribution so we can focus on farming. The farm is run by Farm Manager Noah Poulos with the support (both behind-the-scenes and on-farm) of the farm owner, Clem Swift. Up to 10 seasonal workers make up the crew, including several staff who have worked for multiple seasons.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/1/2022
Internship Ends: N/A
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: 1/15/2022
Minimum Length of Stay: N/A

Internship Details:

The assistant farm manager is the farm manager’s right hand, assisting and sometimes managing day-to-day farm operations including leading and supervising all crew tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and washing/packing; as well as tractor cultivation and field work, spraying, irrigating, sales, and delivery. This person will also contribute to grounds and equipment maintenance including mowing, landscaping, weed whacking, tractor maintenance, and generally keeping an organized work space. The assistant farm manager must be able to drive the tractors and use various implements. We’re willing to teach the right person if previous tractor experience is missing. During slower times of the season, the assistant manager will be involved in crop planning and other winter projects.

The assistant farm manager’s tasks on the farm will be diverse and will depend on the needs of the farm manager. In this role there may be some long days working with the crew, the farm manager and/or farm owner to complete timely tasks. This position has strong potential to lead to a full farm manager role in 2023 and beyond if it is a good fit for all parties.

Educational Opportunities: Many working educational opportunities

Skills Desired: Experience working on a commercial vegetable farm. Strong understanding of production systems, having experience with seeding, plant life cycles, scouting for pests and diseases, and harvest and post-harvest handling. Ability to operate with autonomy after being trained in farm-specific production systems Excellent time management and strong sense of pace and urgency Strong communication skills, positive attitude, and solution-oriented Strong work ethic and excellent attention to detail Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions Willingness to keep a flexible schedule with extended hours possible during the busiest parts of the season. Detail oriented and organized Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating tractors for agricultural field operations including bed preparation, cultivation, tillage, and seeding. Experience managing a crew. Experience working with documentation in GAP and Organic certifications.

Meals: No

Stipend: Yes

Housing: We can help find nearby affordable housing

Preferred method of Contact: Email