Educational Opportunities
The LEAF
(Lewis Educational Agriculture Farm)
Through education we work to establish the relationship between students, community and the food supply.
The LEAF is a place of inclusion, where experiences connect us to each other and to the land that sustains us.
2023 Employment and Internship Opportunities
L.E.A.F. Agricultural Worker
Location:
Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm
65 Blueberry Lane, Southington CT 06489
Term:
Full time (35+ hrs/week)
Role
Supports daily farm operations at the Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (LEAF) while supporting the farm’s mission and values to promote education in agriculture and sustainable farming activities.
This is a dynamic role involving all aspects of farming, from seeding to harvesting as well as administrative duties such as managing the farm’s online and in-person market and creating social media posts and marketing material. This role will work directly with the Executive Director to deliver a three-season CSA along with various educational programs such as field trips, school gardens and more.
At the LEAF we are a tight knit team working to impart the importance of local and sustainable food systems on our community by creating a welcoming environment for all to come learn, eat, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Responsibilities
- Manage the farm’s online market by checking and fulfilling orders for pickup
- Manage and support the On The Farm Market on select market days. This includes helping to set up and display products, assist with customer service and check out.
- Create social media and marketing material to communicate news about the LEAF and draw in new or existing customers. This will be in the form of Facebook and Instagram posts as well as mass email communications.
- Support daily farm operations as needed, which may include seeding, planting, watering, harvesting, and packing produce among others.
- Assist in the harvesting and packing of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares for pickup on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Assist in various farm activities and initiatives such as planting the Southington school gardens, supporting farm workshops and events, and participating in student field trips or volunteer efforts.
Requirements
- Proficient in computer skills including Microsoft Office, email, and social media
- Well organized, able to handle multiple tasks efficiently and accurately
- Excellent customer service
- Must be able to lift 50+ lbs
- Able to work in various weather conditions
- Prior farming experience is not required, but preferred
Compensation
Compensation commensurate with experience
L.E.A.F. Internship
Location:
Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm
65 Blueberry Lane, Southington CT 06489
Term:
May – August (flexible dates)
Role:
Supports daily farm operations at the Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm (LEAF) while supporting the farm’s mission and values to promote education in agriculture and sustainable farming activities.
This is a dynamic role involving all aspects of farming, from seeding to harvesting. Interns will participate in a variety of farming work, including animal care, seeding, watering, weeding, harvesting, and more. Interns will also learn about pest and disease identification, safe food handling, and livestock care.
At the LEAF we are a tight knit team working to impart the importance of local and sustainable food systems on our community by creating a welcoming environment for all to come learn, eat, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Responsibilities
- Interns will learn greenhouse management, field cultivation, irrigation systems, harvesting, post-harvest handling, distribution, and animal care
- Interns will assist with daily farm operation such as: green house and field seeding, transplanting, hand weeding, setting up irrigation, trellising, harvesting, washing and packing produce
- Farm Stand, Farmers Market sales and CSA distribution
- Each day begins with animal chores and finishes up with watering the green houses, animal chores, cleaning the wash station and putting all equipment away
Requirements
- Good health, must be able to lift 50+ lbs
- Able to work in various weather conditions
- Prior farming experience is not required, but preferred
- A friendly and open attitude!
Compensation: $15.00/hr