Apprentice

Position Description

Seasonal Apprentices assist with the Gleaners' daily operations while engaging with partner organizations and learning about the regional food system. They are responsible for harvesting and packing produce to be distributed throughout the MA hunger relief chain, in addition to assisting volunteers on gleaning trips. They should enjoy physical labor, be comfortable working in all weather conditions, and demonstrate an eagerness to learn in both the classroom and the field. Apprenticeships run from July through November. Visit our website for an in-depth look at the program!

Apprentices should be good humored, think on their feet, and contribute to a reactive and fast-paced workplace. An Apprentice should be excited to primarily work as part of a team, but comfortable working independently on occasion.

Boston Area Gleaners is committed to supporting an equitable, just, and sustainable local food system. By working closely with farmers, volunteers, and hunger relief agencies, we work to power a supply chain from farms to those in need, reduce food waste, and promote long-term farm sustainability. We are excited to grow our team of staff who are personally aligned and committed to BAG’s mission. We expect all staff members to demonstrate a high level of reliability, commitment, and efficiency in their work.

Compensation & Benefits:

The pay rate for this position is $15/ hour. This is a non-exempt position and requires 32-40 hours/ week and over the course of a four-day workweek. An apprentice is a seasonal position (July – November) in which hours peak during the growing season, while hours are reduced during the shoulder months. Overtime rate of (1.5x hourly rate) is paid for time worked over 40 hours/ week.

Benefits include sick time, wellness days, holiday pay, gear reimbursement, retirement benefits, and seasonal produce.

Specific Responsibilities

Farm Crew

• Harvest and pack locally grown produce for distribution through hunger relief streams and Boston Food Hub Customers. Occasionally assist with farm tasks such as bed prep, transplanting, and weeding. This includes assisting with a variety of farm tasks at Stonefield Farm, where our facility is located.
• Ensure proper product handling and packing while complying with all food safety policies and protocols.
• Ensure product quality standards are consistently met during harvests and repacks.
• Improve efficiency throughout all stages of the work by using problem solving skills, developing harvest goals, and holding the team to a high level of accountability.
• Contribute to a culture of safety while practicing ladder-work during apple season and using first-aid knowledge.

Gleaning & Repacking

• Support trip leader with facilitation of gleaning and packing trips by preparing supplies, communicating clearly with farmers and BAG’s team, setting up for the trip, truck organization, and record keeping.
• Instruct volunteers on proper handling, packing, safety, and quality standards.
• Motivate groups of volunteers to achieve harvest or packing goals.
• Pack and grade produce for Food Hub and hunger relief partners. Reach daily packing goals and maintain high food safety and quality standards.

Facility and Operational Tasks

• General upkeep, cleaning, and organization of BAG’s facility.
• Post trip tasks include unloading product, organizing and sorting supplies/ tools, and sweeping out the truck box.
• Food safety tasks include regular cleaning and sanitizing used tools, supplies, and facility spaces. Contribute to our record keeping processes as needed.
• Banana box assembling, pallet sorting, and organization of storage spaces.
• Assisting with compost practices at Stonefield Farm as needed.

Culture of Learning & Teamwork

• Contribute to discussions in a variety of learning environments including the classroom, on-farm, or at partner agencies.
• Contribute to a culture of team effort by motivating your coworkers, understanding individual’s needs, and building relationships.

Other Duties as Assigned

• BAG is a small non-profit where a “pitch-in” spirit is expected. Assistance on additional projects or tasks may be required in addition to normal responsibilities. This may include the operation of manual, electric pallet jacks, and pick-up trucks in which training would be provided.

Skills

• Basic smart phone competency (slack)
• First Aid knowledge (in-house training is provided)
• Preferred Qualifications & Experience
• Demonstrated interest in food systems, farming, food access, and/or hunger relief
• Knowledge of local fruit and vegetable varieties
• Food handling experience
• Customer service or similar experience
• Experience working with groups while motivating them toward a common goal
• Able to work in a variety of weather conditions from hot, humid summer days to cold, wet fall days
• Able to repeatedly lift 60+ pounds in various conditions

BAG is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to a diverse workplace. We recruit, train, and promote candidates based on their qualifications regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetics, or other status protected by state or federal law.