What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Fellowship position at Haymarket?
The legacy of Ashbourne Farms is built on its agricultural tradition, from its early days breeding Shorthorn cattle to its history as a notable Inn that served some of the original farm-to-table cuisines. With the passage of time came an even deeper understanding of the oft-misused phrase. Here, it is tied to the importance of responsibly raised animals, sustainably grown produce, and the utmost care for the land.
The Ashbourne Farms Fellowship program provides high school students aged 14-16 an opportunity to gain valuable experience in farm work, including landscaping, gardening, and animal care (cattle and chickens). This educational program is designed to teach sustainable farming practices, promote teamwork, and foster a strong work ethic in an outdoor setting, offering participants a pathway to future opportunities in agriculture, including potential roles at Ashbourne Farms.
Duties
- Landscaping Crew: Assist with planting, mulching, weeding, trimming, and watering plants. Learn to maintain landscaping tools.
- Gardening Crew: Help plant, maintain, and harvest vegetables and fruits. Monitor garden health, identify pests, and contribute to sustainable practices like composting. Help maintain mushroom growing facilities, apiary and flower gardens when necessary.
- Animal Care (Cattle and Chickens): Feed and water animals, clean barns and chicken coops, observe and assist with animal health checks.
Schedule
- Duration: 9 weeks (June 2 – Aug 1, 2025)
- Workdays: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, include one paid rest break.
- Work Environment: Outdoor farm setting.
Learning Outcomes
- Landscaping Skills: Understanding plant care, design, and tool usage.
- Gardening Techniques: Learn how to grow food from seed to harvest.
- Animal Husbandry: Gain insight into livestock care and management.
- Teamwork & Responsibility: Work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and take ownership of tasks.
Eligibility
- Ages 14-16 years old.
- Parental consent required for participants under age 18 (consent form provided).
- Must be physically capable of performing farm tasks.
- All interns must have reliable transportation to and from the program.
- All interns must complete the Form I-9 showing proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Incentive Package
- Certificate of Completion: Acknowledge skills learned and contributions made.
- Letter of Recommendation: Written by the farm owner or the department supervisor for academic or job applications.
- Farm Fresh Produce: A small basket of seasonal fruits, vegetables, or eggs weekly (based on availability).
- Educational Seminars: Seminars taught by Toni Myers or Ashbourne Farms staff on agriculture lessons once per week, but every day will have informal learning opportunities as we complete our daily tasks.
- Pay $7.25/hour, paid bi-weekly via direct deposit.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: All farm workers are covered by workers compensation insurance.
Ashbourne Farms provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary : $7
