Harlequin Produce 2015 General Apprentice Information

Experienced Farm Hand

Harlequin Produce is a certified organic diverse vegetable farm located in Arlee Montana, 25 miles north of Missoula, 2015 will be our 7th year in business. Over the coarse of the last six years we have grown from a small one-acre farm to 25-acre farm operating with nine acres in vegetables. We are one of the largest organic vegetable growers in Western Montana.

Brian and Kaly have been working with vegetables since 2007. Prior to becoming full-time farmers they studied Agroecology at Montana State University.

We currently lease Common Ground farm, which is well equipped and has appropriate infrastructure. We have two hoopshouses, a heated prophouse, a warehouse and walk-in cooler for packing and storing produce. We also have an assortment of appropriately scaled vegetable specific equipment that reduces our labor and increases our production. This includes a plastic mulch layer, water wheel transplantor, cultivation equipment, tractor pulled seeder, and an undercutter for harvesting roots.

We grow a large assortment of classic vegetables with our main emphasis in the following crops; spring greens, turnips, carrots, beets, cabbage, potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes, winter squash, melons, and cucumbers. Our produce is marketed in three ways; through the Western Montana Growers Cooperative, the Clark Fork Farmers’ Market, and direct to customers via a summer CSA and Winter Storage Stock-UP. Our farm offers a unique opportunity to learn how to be both a wholesale grower and a vibrant direct market producer.

We value efficiency and ecology with an emphasis on production. We strive to grow produce in a manner that incorporates ecological principles while increasing yields. We take each tillage or cultivation pass with consideration of soil health and longevity. We have worked hard to keep prices low and consistent thus increasing the access of local food.

Skills Required for the Experience Farm Hand

This position is ideal for someone who has previous experience working on a mid-size vegetable farm and selling at Farmers’ Market. Skills required for the job included some tractor skills, irrigation knowledge, crew management, harvest knowledge, Farmers’ Market set-up, post-harvest handling and record keeping. The position can be adapted to various skill sets but will have a strong emphasis on selling at Farmers’ Market.

Who Should Apply

We often work hard, long hours. Farming is extremely rewarding, allowing us to see the direct effects of the fruits of our labor. Farming is both an exercised in mental as well as physical strength, work can be long, tedious and monotonous.

We are looking for apprentices who have a strong desire to learn, work hard, communicate effectively, think ahead, and potentially make a career from farming one day or have a genuine desire to learn about agriculture. We often work side by side with our apprentices allowing time for questions and conversations about agriculture. Apprentices are also expected to be able to work efficiently by themselves without our constant guidance.

Duration of Apprenticeship

April – October 31st

Weekly Stipend

We will provide a starting stipend of $250/ week depending on experience.

Apprentices are responsible for their own meals although we will occasionally share farm lunches. There will be produce available for personal consumption, as well as seconds for preservation. The apprentice kitchen will initially be stocked with a few staples.

Apprentices will be provided with their own private simple private living quarters.

Apprentices are expected to work 40-50 hours a week.

This position will require regular work at the Saturday market with the help of one other farm member. Days off will generally be Sunday and Monday, but this can change depending on the time of year.

How to Apply

Please submit a current and applicable resume and answer the following questions to: [email protected].

We will contact applicants and arrange an interview for qualified applicants.

Please be specific when answering these questions. Remember that we often do not have the ability to meet you in person; this is the best way for us to understand who you are, if we will be compatible working together, and what you would like from this experience.

1. There are a lot of organic agriculture internships available. Why do you want to work for Harlequin Produce? Please make answers specific to the position that you are applying for.

2. What skill stets are you hoping to acquire from this position?

3. Local sustainable agriculture tries to address many modern day social, political, environmental and economical problems. Which of these topics most interest you and why?

4. How do you think Harlequin Produce will benefit from having you included in part of their team?