Upswing Farm

Last Updated On: February 12th, 2024 at 08:39AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
65 Brookline St
Pepperell, Massachusetts, 01463

Primary Contact: Brittany Overshiner
Secondary Contact: Kevin Overshiner

Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 8573837020
    Email: brittany@upswingfarm.com

Secondary Phone
    Type: -----
    Number: 8574927278
    Email: kevin@upswingfarm.com

    Email: kevin@upswingfarm.com

Website: http://upswingfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: We are a for-profit, certified organic, family owned and operated farm, managed by two experienced owner/operators. We distribute to 450 member families through a year-round CSA, our primary outlet. We attend one summer farmers market, offer retail sales during CSA pickup, sell 120 bouquets/week from July to October and sell over 1000 flats of certified organic seedlings at our spring seedling sale. Our goal is to distribute high quality produce and flowers, provide a meaningful employment opportunity for our team, continually refine our systems to improve soil fertility, crop quality, production efficiency, and achieve the financial success required to make our goals possible.

CRAFT Member Farm? Yes

Internship Starts: April
Internship Ends: December
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis
Minimum Length of Stay: 10 weeks

Internship Details:

Job Title: Assistant Grower

Reports to: Farm Manager

Hours: 32-40 hours/week

Assistant growers work closely with the farm managers and the rest of the farm team in all aspects of vegetable and flower production including, but not limited to, propagation, planting, trellising, mulching, harvesting both produce and flowers, washing and packing, distribution, and tractor work relative to skill level and experience. Our success depends upon the swift, efficient and collaborative work of our team to grow and distribute high quality produce to our customers. Assistant growers should be prepared to learn and practice a wide variety of vegetable and flower production skills in a fast-paced work environment.  Our training is hands-on, real work, with extensive information provided on the rationale for our chosen systems, tools and techniques. This position is an excellent opportunity for those interested in farming as a career. Many of our former employees have moved on to farm management and farm ownership.

Responsibilities

Participate in all aspects of production including:
– Harvesting, washing, sorting and packing produce and flowers
– Transplanting by hand or on the tractor mounted transplanter
– Cultivating/weeding either with hoes, hand tools or by hand
– Seeding in the propagation house
– Cleaning work spaces like the wash station or propagation house

Participate in weekly work planning meetings
Follow directions and ask clarifying questions to accomplish each task to farm standards
Maintain clean and organized work spaces and tools

Some basic tractor work, with training may be possible

 

Educational Opportunities: On farm training, participation in EMass CRAFT, paid participation in two regional conferences

Skills Desired: Minimum Qualifications: Some farm experience desired but not required Must be 18 or older Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Able to do fast, quality, detailed work like bunching, picking, seeding and hand weeding Able to lift and carry 25-40lbs repeatedly, 50lbs on occasion Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions Good communication skills Able to receive and digest constructive feedback Able to work independently as well as part of a diverse team Self-motivated Adaptable Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Foundational understanding of vegetable production and crop quality Valid driver’s license

Meals: No

Stipend: $15-$17/hour

Housing: Yes, for $625/month all utilities and internet included

Preferred method of Contact: email