The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is hiring for an APR Stewardship Planner.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) mission is to help keep the Massachusetts’ food supply safe and secure, and to work to keep Massachusetts agriculture economically and environmentally sound.

The Department of Agricultural Resources is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who is passionate about farmland protection and viability.  The successful candidate will be a strong communicator with knowledge of agricultural practices and norms and/or conservation restriction stewardship and someone who can balance regulatory enforcement with strengthening relationships within the agricultural community.

The position is within the Stewardship branch of the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program and combines telework, field work, and office work. Currently one office day per week is expected, but more is available if preferred.  The position location is TBD out of one of MDAR’s field offices in Southborough, West Springfield, Lakeville, or Boston.

The APR program is a groundbreaking conservation program – the first of its kind in the nation that has since protected over 930 farms totaling over 73,000 acres.  The program focuses on preserving and stewarding farmland and maintaining affordable land access to both established and beginning farmers.  We do this through the purchase and stewardship of agricultural preservation restrictions and options to purchase at agricultural value.  Currently, the program is spearheading a statewide Agricultural Farmland Action Plan that will build off and unify pertinent statewide plans such as the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap, the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan, the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan, and the Resilient Lands Initiative Vision and Strategy.  The program also continues to implement program enhancements based on emerging needs and challenges.

The APR Stewardship Planner will report to the Agricultural Land Programs Supervisor.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply by July 10.

For more job details and to apply visit: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000714

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is hiring for a Farmland Preservation Specialist.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) mission is to help keep the Massachusetts’ food supply safe and secure, and to work to keep Massachusetts agriculture economically and environmentally sound.

The Department of Agricultural Resources is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who is passionate about farm preservation.  The successful candidate will be a strong communicator with knowledge of agricultural practices and norms and/or conservation restriction acquisition.

The position is within the Acquisition branch of the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program and combines telework, field work, and office work. Currently 1 office day per week is expected but more is available if preferred.  The position location is TBD out of one of MDAR’s field offices in Southborough, West Springfield, Lakeville, or Boston.

The APR program is a groundbreaking conservation program – the first of its kind in the nation that has since protected over 930 farms totaling over 73,000 acres.  The program focuses on preserving and stewarding farmland and maintaining affordable land access to both established and beginning farmers.  We do this through the purchase and stewardship of agricultural preservation restrictions and options to purchase at agricultural value.  Currently, the program is spearheading a statewide Agricultural Land Action Plan that will build off and unify pertinent statewide plans such as the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap, the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan, the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan, and the Resilient Lands Initiative Vision and Strategy.  The program also continues to implement program enhancements based on emerging needs and challenges.

The Farmland Preservation Specialist will report to the APR Acquisition Coordinator and is primarily responsible for:  Identifying, cultivating, planning, managing and coordinating APR farmland restriction acquisitions.  While acquisitions for this position are intended to be primarily in the region of the state assigned (TBD), work assignments may be made on a statewide basis depending on need.  Ideal candidates will have appropriate experience to hit the ground running, however, there are opportunities for training if needed.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply by July 10.

For more detailed information and to apply, click here: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2200070A

Cricket Creek Farm is looking for a Farm Manager to join our team!

Cricket Creek Farm is a small, grass-based cow dairy nestled in the Berkshire hills of Williamstown, MA. We produce raw milk, grass-fed beef and whey-fed pork, in addition to 7 different styles of artisanal farmstead cheeses. We generally milk between 30-35 cows, and care for about 80 animals in total.

Our mission is to produce nourishing food that honors our animals, respects the land, and feeds our community, and to exemplify a sustainable model for small-farm viability.

The Farm Manager will participate in the management of all farm-related operations at our family-owned pasture-based dairy farm. We have a mixed-breed dairy herd, a small herd of beef cows, and a rotating number of pigs. This role includes responsibilities in caring for all of the animals on our farm and works closely with the Farm Owner to determine priorities and fulfill daily responsibilities.

The Farm Manager must be able to work efficiently, both independently and as part of a team. They must be detail-oriented, willing to take initiative, and committed to the highest level of care for our animals and the safety of our food products. While Cricket Creek Farm is a mature business, we are constantly evolving and innovating, so there is plenty of room to bring creativity and new ideas. As a small business, the staff members that thrive here are those that enjoy an all-hands on deck approach, the variety of work, and the continuous learning opportunities that come with it. We strive to have a positive, inclusive and fun work environment, taking pleasure in the daily routine of farming while rallying together to overcome the challenges inherent in dairy farming.

Our dairy herd consists of pure Brown Swiss and Jersey cows as well as a variety of crosses as we have been breeding with Normande and New Zealand Fresian genetics. The beef herd is also mixed with some pure Hereford and Belted Galloway crosses.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Regular farm work, including barn cleaning, maintaining equipment, grazing related tasks, setting up fences, etc.
• Regular milking shifts (3-5 per week)
• Animal care including feeding cows, pigs, and calves; putting down bedding; and continuously keeping an eye on the wellbeing of all of our animals
• Work closely with the Farm Owner on grazing planning, strategies and implementation.
• Work with the Farm Owner to determine farm priorities and schedule action items
• Assist with, and eventually oversee, our breeding program
• Manage farm apprentices and hourly staff
• Train and educate apprentices and hourly staff

SCHEDULE: Five days a week with a minimum of 40 hours. Additional hours/days may be needed for the busy season (calving, hay making, grazing prep) and special circumstances (veterinary emergencies, equipment failure, staff illness, etc).

COMPENSATION: Salary is commensurate with experience and the applicant’s interest in learning and growing in the role. Benefits include cheese & milk, and an employee discount on all farm store items. Housing in a shared house with private bedrooms is available immediately. A two-bed room on-farm apartment would potentially be available within six months of starting.

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and preferably have experience operating heavy equipment and working with livestock. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to work with high attention to detail both early in the morning and into the evening (morning milking starts at 5:30am and evening milking can end as late as 9:00pm).

Highly motivated individuals with little relevant experience will be considered for a role that could advance to the Farm Manager position.

We are ideally looking for a 2-3 year commitment.

TO APPLY: Please send your resume and a cover letter to Topher Sabot at topher@cricketcreekfarm.com. References will be requested at a later point in the interview/hiring process. Applications without a resume or cover letter will not be considered. More information on the farm can be found at www.cricketcreekfarm.com.

July-October 28th 2022: Crew Member at Astarte Farm

Astarte Farm in Hadley, MA, is hiring a full-time (40 hrs/week) crew member for the remainder of the 2022 growing season. The right applicant will start as soon as possible and work through October 28th. Schedule is Monday-Friday, 6:30am-3:30pm, with an hour lunch break. $14+/hour depending on previous experience.

Job Details: Come join the team on our beautiful 3.5-acre, certified organic, no-till/no-spray farm. Crew members will gain extensive experience with all aspects of veggie production here at Astarte, including but not limited to, transplanting, weeding, trellising, pest control, harvesting, and no-till bed management.

The ideal candidate is able to learn many tasks quickly and precisely, is naturally energized by the prospect of working outside in a small group, has stamina for long days of physical work, and has a great sense of humor and fun! Most importantly, we are looking for candidates that seek out physical activity in their daily lives and who are self-motivated by the mission of our farm. Applicants must be able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly and be content to work outside in all types of weather.

To Apply: Email astartefarm@gmail.com with a resume, a brief statement about yourself and interest in sustainable farming, and a minimum of two references.