Lead Crew Member/ Farm Hand – DeFeo Family Farm

Last Updated On: octubre 20th, 2025 at 02:20PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
9136 Old Hagerstown Rd
Middletown, Maryland, 21769

Primary Contact: Christopher DeFeo
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2032401968
    Email: defeofamilyfarm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.defeofamilyfarm.com/

Internship information

General Farm Description: DeFeo Family Farm is a small, regenerative vegetable farm located in the foothills of Middletown Valley, Maryland—just 10 minutes from downtown Frederick and about an hour from both Washington, DC, and Baltimore. We currently cultivate about ½ acre of intensive vegetable beds plus a 30’x72’ high tunnel, with plans to expand both field and covered production in the coming seasons. We grow a diverse range of vegetables and herbs for a CSA, an online farm store, and direct sales to local health institutions and schools. We use low-till, biologically based methods that emphasize soil health and nutrient density. The farm is owned and operated by Chris and Laura DeFeo, who founded it in 2022 to link sustainable agriculture, public health, and education. Chris is a high school science educator with a PhD in biochemistry; Laura holds a PhD in chemistry and works as a health coach with Frederick Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program. Together, they believe healthy soil grows healthy people—and that small farms can serve as both food producers and models for community wellness. Working at DeFeo Family Farm offers a chance to be part of a purpose-driven, highly intentional farm that values learning, collaboration, and steady progress. As a young but growing operation, we are refining systems every season and welcome motivated individuals who want to contribute ideas, gain skills, and build a farm that serves its community.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: March 2026
Internship Ends: November 2026
Number of Internship Available: 1-2
Application Deadline: Dec 15
Minimum Length of Stay: Seasonal

Internship Details:

We are hiring for the 2026 growing season (March–November) with flexible start times and roles depending on experience:

• Lead Crew Member (Full-Time, 40–50 hr/wk) – Experienced grower who can manage daily operations, uphold standards, and assist in supervising part-time or apprentice staff.
  
• Apprentice (Full-Time, 35–45 hr/wk) – Early-career farmer seeking hands-on training in regenerative vegetable production.
  
• Part-Time Farm Hand (8–25 hr/wk) – Seasonal field or harvest, wash/pack support. 

Weekend work may occasionally be required during peak season.

Farm work at DeFeo Family Farm shifts with the seasons—from seeding and transplanting in spring to harvesting, washing, and packing through summer and fall. Everyone helps where needed, whether it’s fieldwork, irrigation, or preparing for CSA and market days. The work is physical, outdoors in all kinds of weather, and rewarding for those who enjoy being active and part of a small, purpose-driven team.

Chris, the farm owner, teaches full-time during the school year, so there will be some days in the spring and fall when you’re working independently or with other crew members. Clear communication and self-motivation are essential. We value healthy soil, curiosity, learning, and good process—people who like to experiment, improve systems, and have a little fun (music always welcome) while doing it.

Please send an email to defeofamilyfarm@gmail.com with:

1. A brief introduction about yourself and why you’re interested in the role
2. A résumé 
3. Two references

Educational Opportunities: On-farm training in soil health, crop planning, and season extension. Mentorship provided by experienced educators with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, and public health. Opportunities may arise to participate in community-health and educational projects.

Skills Desired: Required: Prior experience working outdoors or in physically demanding setting Strong work ethic and ability to stay productive outdoors in ALL weather conditions Clear communication skills and attention to detail Able to lift 50 lb and work efficiently in a team setting Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation Comfortable working independently with clear priorities Detail-aware — notices when something isn’t working as expected Motivated, efficient, and able to manage time well Preferred: 1–2 seasons on a production-scale vegetable farm Familiarity with regenerative or organic practices Comfort with small-farm tools (Jang seeder, BCS, hand tools) Understanding of postharvest handling and wash/pack systems Passionate about local food, small farms, and using regenerative practices to strengthen community health.

Meals: No, but we will provide weekly veggies and eggs from the farm

Stipend: Pay will be hourly depending on experience $15-20/hr

Housing: Yes, a ~800sqft private on-farm apartment with all utilities included (only one available for the right candidate)

Preferred method of Contact: Email