Lake Divide: Crew Member, MI

Last Updated On: January 12th, 2023 at 07:48AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
12638 Mt Hope Rd
Stockbridge, Michigan, 49285

Primary Contact: Helen Chandler
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 9083477272
    Email: lakedividefarm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.lakedividefarm.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LakeDivideFarm

Internship information

General Farm Description: Who we are: Lake Divide Farm is a certified organic vegetable farm in Jackson county, Michigan. We are managing 18 acres for production, and grow vegetables and fruit on 8 acres. We sell through three farmers' markets including Michigan's historic Eastern market, the Kerrytown Ann Arbor farmers' market, the Royal Oak Farmers' market, a social hub of its community. We also run a market based CSA program, sell through wholesale avenues, and directly to restaurants. We are working to provide season-round healthful produce to our community. Our motto is: Good for the Earth, Good for the Farmers, Good for the People. The Trifecta of sustainability. Good for the earth: Taking care of the natural world is a important, after all, it takes care of us; Good for the farmer: We believe farmers should have livable hours and livable wages and we are working towards that every season; Good for the people: We believe in food equality and bringing our produce to market at an affordable price and keeping it accessible is important to us. We like to work hard, be effective, and have a lot of fun. If you want to work as a team to build a farm that is environmentally and socially sustainable and can support its farmers year round without running them into the ground, this could be the job for you. To find out more about us visit our website www.lakedividefarm.com or Facebook or Instagram page.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: April, 2023
Internship Ends: Thanksgiving week, November, 2023
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: Full season preferred but could be flexible for the right candidate

Internship Details:

To apply, please email a statement of interest as well as two references, along with your resume.

If you have an interest in organic vegetable production, enjoy a challenge, and are physically able to work long hours outdoor, consider applying. Experience working on a mixed vegetable farm is desirable.

The position starts April 2023 and runs until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in November 2023. There is the opportunity to stay on for folks that show a long term interest and aptitude for growing vegetables.

The position is 5 days per week and about 40-45 hours per week, although hours will vary through the season.

This position offers the opportunity to take part in all farm tasks including but not limited to team meetings, greenhouse work, transplanting, fieldwork, harvesting, and farmers’ markets.

Pay: Produce included
$12-$14/hour for persons with no previous commercial vegetable farm experience with potential for performance based raises throughout the season. Produce included.

$15-$18/hour starting for candidates with previous relevant farming experience and skills

Minimum qualifications include:

Ability to lift 50 lbs comfortably and consistently
Ability to work long hours on your feet, crouched, kneeling, bent, and stretched
Good attitude and enthusiasm for the work
Ability to work in all weather conditions- mud, sleet, snow, rain, blistering heat!
Pride in work
Attention to detail
Enjoy working quickly
Ability to follow safety practices
Ability to work independently and on a team
Strong communication skills
Ability to follow instructions and ask clear questions
Interest in commercial organic vegetable production
Willingness to learn

Educational Opportunities: This is an excellent opportunity for someone considering farming as a career because it offers experience in the field and a chance to experience the cadence of the growing season. Crew members will frequently work directly with the farm owner/operators Helen, as well as with experienced crew members, and will have access to all educational materials in our library. For more candidates with previous farm experience and motivation, there is opportunity to grow your depth of knowledge in a particular area (for example weed management/hoop house tomatoes/growing a particular crop) and take responsibility and ownership of tasks. Pre-covid we participated in the mid Michigan farmer meet-up, enjoying monthly visits on surrounding farms to learn and share experience. We also sometimes organized additional farm tours with surrounding farms. We expect to resume participation!

Skills Desired: Previous experience in vegetable production or performing strenuous physical labor is a plus. If you don't have this experience, tell me what experience you think has prepared you for this job.

Meals: No

Stipend: Produce included.$12-$14/hour for persons with no previous commercial vegetable farm experience with potential for performance based raises throughout the season. Produce included. $15/hour starting for candidates with previous relevant farming experience and skills

Housing: Potentially. Please inquire during interview.

Preferred method of Contact: Email