Join our TEam!
Thank you so much for your interest in working with Mountain Bounty Farm!
We typically hire 1-4 first year farmers each season. Find more information below:
First-Year Farmers for Field Season
First-Year Farmers are a core element of our 12-14 person farm crew and they participate in all farm activities from greenhouse work to harvest, delivery, and farmer’s markets. First-Year Farmers work closely with the farm managers to maintain our complex and dynamic vegetable farm. This includes driving tractors, seeding, transplanting, lots of weeding and other crop care, irrigation, harvest, washing and packing produce, driving deliveries, working farmers markets, and other farm chores.
First-Year Farmers work Monday through Friday, 8+ hours per day, and are also responsible for two Saturday farmers markets per month, and occasional irrigation duties after-hours. We average a 40-hour work week over the season, with slightly shorter weeks in spring and fall, and slightly longer weeks at the height of summer. Our field season is March - December.
The First-Year Farmer program at Mountain Bounty Farm is challenging, highly sought after, and immensely rewarding. The vast majority of Mountain Bounty alumni go on to either work at other farms or start their own farms.
First-Year Farmers who excel in their first season may be offered management positions and permanent employment here at Mountain Bounty.
Educational Opportunities
The majority of the educational component comes through the experience of working directly on the farm; learning by doing. Over the years, we have developed a successful system that is also relatively simple and elegant. As field crew you reap the bounty of our many years of learning, passed along over the course of your season. First-Year Farmers are gradually given more and more responsibility, to the extent they are individually ready. We believe that being allowed to take charge of something important, and also being allowed to make mistakes, is one of the richest and most effective ways to learn.
Toward the end of the season, we occasionally take field trips to other farms in the area. We love to teach and are stimulated by people who are excited about learning. Long hours in the field provide the perfect opportunity to see what works and what doesn't, as well as plenty of discussion about why.
First-Year Farmers will also participate in some of the Sierra Harvest Ag Skills classes at other local farms.
Experience
Prior farm experience is preferred, but not a requirement. Successful candidates have experience with some type of outdoor labor and/or a strong athletic background. We are also looking for people who are serious about farming as a career. This is a top notch training opportunity for someone who is ready to take on the challenge. We are looking for people who are organized, curious, outgoing and personable, wacky and fun, and very motivated.
Applicants should be able to work hard and fast in all weather (it can be cold and wet here in spring and fall, and summer temps are very hot) do heavy lifting, standing, bending, and lots of walking. Although we keep the work varied, farming is inherently challenging. Ideal candidates are committed to the farming lifestyle and all that it entails.
Compensation
$16/hour, one paid week of vacation and lots of produce (includes vegetables and fruit).
Housing
We will help you find affordable off farm housing
Application Instructions & Hiring Process
Requirements:
A valid driver’s license
You must be available to complete the entire season (March - December)
To Apply:
After you have explored our website and read this page in its entirety, please send us one email only to Maia employment@mountainbountyfarm.com with:
Subject line: First-Year Farmer Application (Your Name)
Cover letter detailing your interest in the position
Responses to the questionnaire below
Resume
Three references, work- or farm-related, with current phone numbers
If your qualifications meet our standards we will contact you to schedule an interview. Unfortunately, we cannot reply to all applicants.
Questionnaire:
Why are you interested in Mountain Bounty Farm?
What previous experience are you bringing to this position and what do you feel you have to offer?
What are your short-term and long-term personal goals related to farming?
Do you have any experience managing or leading a crew? If so, please describe.
Do you have experience operating farm machinery or other heavy equipment? Please describe.
Do you have any mechanical skills or experience? Please describe.
Do you have any carpentry skills or experience? Please describe.
Please tell us something interesting about yourself (hobbies, obsessions, talents, etc.)
Thank you for sharing this information with us. We will contact you for an initial telephone interview if we think we’re a good match!
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Please contact our farm crew manager Maia at employment@mountainbountyfarm.com.
