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!
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 June 1st.
-Wifi is NOT available in the apprentice housing, but it is available at Deborah and Phils house on property. Apprentice 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.
