Apprenticeships
Thank you for your interest in working at Clayfield Farm.
We are seeking hard-working, seasonal apprentices who are interested in learning the ins and outs of farming, homesteading or any part of agriculture. We believe the skills you learn on a small-scale market garden can bring success to any area of stewarding the land.
This apprenticeship is a work exchange for housing, food, and other perks you can read about below.
The farm is truly one-of-a-kind— nestled in the tranquil woods but minutes from the coast. Deborah and Phil have hosted apprentices since 2003.
Please see below for all the info!
Clayfield Farm is now accepting applications for Spring 2026
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Clayfield Farm is looking for individuals who can commit to an entire farm season working two days a week (Tues-Wed). No farm experience necessary, we will train the right candidate. Individuals must have a desire to learn farming skills. They must be a team player but also enjoy working alone. Farming days can be spent working alongside someone for hours in a washhouse or harvesting in the field solo. Apprentice candidate must also be ok with working in all weather (March-May can get very cold in Maine!), including high heat of summer days and in the pouring rain (farm gear suggestions will be given). Apprentices must be prepared to thrive doing hard manual labor and have fun getting down and dirty!
We are looking for someone who can start in March and stay through November. This can be a year-round apprenticeship for people who are interested in a year-round position. Traveling during off season is acceptable, but we expect you to be here every week for the growing season.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Basic organic gardening and farming skills, orchard management, tool and machine maintenance, arborist skills, wood milling, and building.
The value of working as a team member as part of a small farm community.
THE EXCHANGE
The apprentices get a cabin or yurt on the farm property to live in, firewood for their wood stove, have access to all the food that the farm produces and receive a farm family lunch on workdays.
The apprentice is free to seek other employment the rest of the week for income. There are a few options that previous apprentices have taken advantage of, and the town has many work opportunities especially during peak tourist season like, landscaping, baby-sitting, working at the Blue Hill Co-op, doing handy work, gardening, etc.
Other important things to note:
-Apprentices will be responsible for their own electric and propane (ranges between $20-35/month)
-There is no bathroom inside the apprentice housing- only outhouses. But each building is private, secluded and each outhouse is also separate from the other. You will have your own private space.
-The running water inside each apprentice house is from rain water catchment, so it is not drinkable- only for washing dishes.
-Showers may be taken at the gym in town (the YMCA) and memberships may be provided by the farm (will discuss details). Also there is an outdoor shower on property that is available starting mid-May.
-Wifi is NOT available in the apprentice housing, but it is available at Deborah and Phils house on the property. Apprentices can access by sitting at the tables provided outdoors. But in colder months, wifi can be accessed at the library, inside or by sitting outside in the car. There is also access at the food Co-op and cafes in Ellsworth nearby.
-Cell service comes in enough for texts and calls, but internet is slow unless using wifi.
-Don't hesitate with any questions!
Check out the previous apprentices below and see what they're up to now.
The Yurt
This unique structure was built in the 80s by Helena Lipstadt who continues to work on the farm every summer. It features a rainwater catch system and an outhouse.
Nico Lustig
Nico was our first apprentice in 2003 and stayed with us for three and a half years. Nico helped build the apprentice cabin with Phil. These days Nico is a food policy lawyer.
The ApprenticeCabin
Built deeper into the woods perched on a high rock, this cabin has a hand-laid foundation and also features a rainwater catch system and an outhouse.
Nathan Ball
Nathan was an apprentice for over two years. He arrived as a shy young man and left with many real world skills. Nathan is currently a fine furniture maker in southern Maine.
Jeff Bouthot
Jeff joined us in 2009 and stayed for two years. He graced the farm with a hop arbor which still stands today. Jeff is a baker and gardener in Missoula Montana.
Andrew Gervais
Andrew came in 2011. He built the stone steps leading up to the horse barn. He is a successful carpenter in the Blue Hill community.
Liz Janson
Liz was also here in 2011, at a time when we were short handed. Liz saved that season. These days Liz is a mother of two also living in the Blue Hill community.
Katherine Cresswell
Katherine stayed on the farm for two years. On her off time, she set up a mobile pizza business using a portable wood-fired oven that she built herself. Katherine is currently running a successful farm with her husband, Spencer in Clark Fork, ID.
Spencer Nietmann
Husband of Katherine, these two came as friends and left as a couple. He landed here after riding his bike across the country. These days he's on his own farm in Idaho with Katherine.
Eran Rhodes & Stephanie Zell
Eran and Stephanie were apprentices as a couple for two years in 2013. They helped build our movable high tunnel.
Anna Goff
Anna was with the farm in 2015. She was good at turning compost and was an ace with a shovel. Anna is still farming in Deer Isle.
Julia Hederstrom
Julia was our apprentice in 2015 as well. She also saved us when we needed someone last minute and proved to be a very hard worker.
Julia Leach & David Doody
Julia and David and their dog Lupine joined us in 2015 for one season. They helped build the wash house and you can find her name in the concrete floor. Julia and David are raising a child in Missoula, Montana.
Fiona Schubeck & Sarah Ambrose
Fiona and Sarah arrived as a couple fresh from Seattle and stayed one whole year, from late 2016 until late 2017. These days they are raising a daughter in the Blue Hill Community.
Sarah Juster
Sarah showed up in 2017and lived three years in the apprentice cabin. She has stayed in East Blue Hill and we have grown to be family. She often joins the crew for a day and we look forward to her being part of our lives forever.
Haleigh Paquette
Haleigh came to us directly from COA, College of the Atlantic, as a new graduate. She was with us in 2016 and came BACK in 2020 and adored living in the yurt.
Brianna Lee
From Long Island (Like Deborah, Gina and David), Brianna had farming experience before arriving. She brings lots of upbeat energy to the farm. She also shares her yoga teachings, sound healings and reiki with the farm and community. Bree is the current apprentice for 2021
Emily Carvalho
Emily was the apprentice for the 2021 season. She has a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from UMaine and enjoyed wildlife watching while working on the farm./ She also loves playing music (which she did for our CSA pick-up days!). She is continuing studies in sustainable systems through a permaculture design course and loves working with the land!