Assistant Vegetable Growers

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:40PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
244 log cabin road
Arundel, Maine, 04046

Primary Contact: Flora Brown
Secondary Contact: Noah Wentworth

Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 207-289-9092
    Email: food@frinklepodfarm.com

Secondary Phone
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2076323064
    Email:

Website: https://www.frinklepodfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: We are a unique farm growing certified organic vegetables and flowers on 4 acres in seacoast Maine. We're passionate about providing our community with nourishing food while creating opportunities to connect with each other and local agriculture. Deeply concerned about the loss of agricultural land and biodiversity in this region we use regenerative farming methods, employ farming practices focused on soil health and draw inspiration from permaculture principles. As partners in both life and work, we (Noah and Flora) manage different aspects of our ever-evolving farm business. Noah is the lead veggie farmer, running our seedling greenhouse, 4 high tunnels, and field production of annual and perennial crops. Flora runs the retail, business, and marketing sides of the farm and also grows flowers, manages our commercial kitchen, leads cooking classes and organizes our events calendar. All of our produce is sold direct-to-consumer in our onsite farm store, which is also stocked with locally-produced specialty foods and grocery staples. Our customers consist of CSA members (who use a glorified gift card to make purchases), locals, and seasonal visitors. Ongoing activities at the farm include pick-your-own flowers, a small soft-serve ice cream operation, plant-based cooking classes and monthly dinners. Our focus is on growing the most delicious, nutrient-dense produce while creating a welcoming and authentic farm experience for the public.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 4/18/23
Internship Ends: 10/28/23
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 3/30/23
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

We are seeking two assistant vegetable growers who will work with Noah on all things related to growing organic vegetables on a production scale – greenhouse seeding, seedling care, preparing growing beds, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, pest management, harvesting, and more. We primarily work with hand tools, but also use a walk-behind tractor and ride-on tractor occasionally. There is also the opportunity to help with some flower growing if you have interest.

The schedule is Tuesday-Saturday, from 7am – 4pm with an unpaid 1-hour lunch break.

Educational Opportunities: We provide opportunities to take part in all aspects of running a small farm business. Responsibilities and tasks are rotated on a regular basis, and each assistant vegetable grower manages their own high tunnel over the course of the season. We value patient instruction, learning by doing, and conversations around bigger themes, such as regenerative agriculture and food security; we are also happy to discuss business planning and our financials with staff who are interested. Our farm crew is welcome to participate in our cooking classes and other educational events offered to the public.

Skills Desired: Candidates must have the physical, emotional and mental stamina to meet new challenges and accomplish repetitive tasks efficiently throughout each day of work, in all weather and temperatures. We value curiosity, good communication skills, the ability to be both self-directed and to work as a team. Preference is given to people who have prior experience in farming, landscaping, or other high-intensity physical experiences.

Meals: No

Stipend: We pay an hourly wage of $15-18, based on experience, plus free produce from the farm and 20% off in our farm store.

Housing: Housing is available on our family's homestead, with private bedrooms and a kitchen that may or may not be shared with the other assistant vegetable grower, depending if they need housing. Rent is $375/month and includes all utilities.

Preferred method of Contact: Email