THE FARM

Yellow Birch Farm is a small family-run organic farm in Deer Isle, Maine with strong ties to the community. We produce a variety of MOFGA certified organic vegetables and fruits as well as farmstead goat milk products including award winning cheeses, goat milk caramel, and soap. We sell our own produce, eggs, and baked goods and other local products at our farm stand, and we provide vegetables and goat cheese to local restaurants and several local farmers’ markets. We also host farm dinners during the summer, featuring local chefs, which highlight the delicious bounty of the farm. The farm is made up of 52 acres of land including 40 acres of beautiful woods, home to one of the largest yellow birch trees in the country. About one acre of the farm is in full vegetable and fruit production, including fields and greenhouses. The farm is a dynamic place with many visitors coming to shop at the farm stand, check out the gallery, visit the goats, or walk out to see the yellow birch tree.

 

THE INTERN POSITION

We are recruiting for farm interns to join our team for the upcoming 2024 spring and summer season, and potentially longer-term. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in the full range of farm tasks related to agricultural production, dairy goat care, cheese making, helping make value added products, farmers markets, and ongoing farm maintenance.

 

Responsibilities will include bed preparation, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting crops; tending to chickens, goats and pigs; general care, feeding, watering, milking goats, cheese making etc, barn maintenance; preparation for markets and stocking and cleaning of farm stand; filling orders and deliveries for restaurants; firewood processing and other woods work; maintenance of greenhouses, fences, and other tasks as needed; and preparation and serving for farm dinners.

 

There will be other tasks throughout the season, which could include metal working, repairs, tool sharpening, waiting on gallery and farmstand customers, building a new barn or greenhouse, and more! There are many opportunities to practice skills and learn new ones, and each day will bring new experiences.

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REQUIRED SKILLS

• Previous farming experience is preferred but we will train. You must be eager, passionate, and know that while this is hard work it is extremely gratifying.

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are a must.

• Ability to work well in a team and independently.

• Passion for food, agriculture, animals and working outdoors.

• Flexibility, friendliness and interest in interacting with the public.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

• Understanding that plants and animals don't know what a clock is, don't get days off or take vacations, their well being is our priority, they depend on us, and we on them.

• Sense of humor....it goes a long way!

 

HOUSING AND OTHER BENEFITS

Interns will be provided with housing on the farm in a small cabin.The  space includes basic furniture and has electricity, and Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities are in our house. Laundry is not provided.(Laundry in Blue Hill after hours or day off). You also have your own "intern kitchen". We provide the basics, but you are welcome to bring your personal effects to make the space your own. We ask that all interns respect our home, and everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

 

Room and partial board are provided. You are welcome to food from the farm, your other food choices are your responsibility. We generally eat meals separately during the day but gather in the evening around the fire, to eat or just hangout. Interns will have one day off per week, which will rotate depending on our schedule, your co-workers, and seasonal demands. A weekly stipend is offered based on experience and performance which will be discussed as we interview, end of season bonus based on the same.

 

Interns are required to provide their own health insurance and transportation.

 

THE COMMUNITY

Deer Isle is a rural island (we have a bridge to the mainland) in DownEast Maine with a diverse, but small, year-round community and a bustling summer tourist season. The area provides many opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation including hiking, kayaking, swimming, and boating. There is also a lively contingent of artists, including the Haystack School of Crafts, which offers many chances to see lectures, slideshows, and openings. There is a local movie theater and there are also frequent community events.

 

There is a great network of local farmers and artisans to meet at markets and events around the Blue Hill peninsula. Interns will have access to these opportunities and more during the season, and we encourage you to get out and explore this beautiful area while you’re here.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and a brief expression of interest to ericziner@gmail.com. Feel free to reach out with any questions.