Farmhand Jobs in Virginia

Free Union Grass Farm is seeking 2 farmhands for the 2015 season. They prefer the title “farmhands” to interns, as farmhands work alongside the farm owners and are an integral part of all operations on their small-scale, diversified livestock farm just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. They raise pastured chicken and duck for meat, heritage breed grass-fed beef, forest-fed pork, and free-range chicken eggs. They do two weekly farmer's markets and deliver once a week to the Charlottesville area.  All poultry is processed by hand, on-farm. 2015 will be the Grass Farm's 6th season in production. Owners are late 20's, early 30's work hard/play hard types with many years of farming experience between them, including an internship at the infamous Polyface Farm.

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Ideal candidates are:

• ideally (but not necessarily) a couple as you will occupy a charming/cozy apartment on the farm.

• willing to make a 6.5-month commitment and are not the type of person who bails on things.

• a conscious omnivore.

• thorough, but can get the job done quickly when needed.

• able to learn through observation.

• interested in starting your own farm or business in the future (although not entirely necessary).

• capable physically and mentally, and can lift reasonably heavy things or stand for long periods of time.

• Candidates must have health insurance.

Time Frame: April 15, 2015 – November 1, 2015 + 1 week paid vacation

Weekly requirement:

Tuesday – Friday: all day, with farm owners. 5-7am start, 4-6pm finish.

Wednesday: all day with farm owners + farmer’s market 3-7pm

Saturday and Sunday: morning and afternoon chores on your own, Saturday farmer’s market on a rotational basis

Monday: full day off

Compensation:

• Monthly stipend

• Free housing, wifi, laundry, and utilities

• Free meat, eggs, and veggies

• Free wifi, laundry, and utilities

• Occasional meals with the farm owners

Housing:

The private apartment is all one room with a small kitchenette and gas stove. Bathroom with shower. Partially furnished. There is one queen bed and one full-size futon, so you can sleep separately if you’re not a couple. Out your window is one of our gardens, and out your door is a greenhouse you may use as much of as you like.

Duties/Required Tasks: Twice daily animal chores (moving, feeding, watering, gathering eggs), occasional building projects, egg-washing/boxing, poultry processing, load-up and deliveries, farmer’s market on Wednesdays, interfacing with customers, occasional tractor work, brush clearing, small landscaping projects, gardening and weeding, wood cutting and splitting, etc.

If interested, please email freeuniongrassfarm@gmail.com to request an application.