We are inviting someone interested in farming, and specifically – farming co-cooperatively – to work with us at Wildwood Farm this season as a Farm Team Member.
While we are ultimately looking for long-term, committed Farm Team Member, we realize it can take time to find a team that works and lives well together. To learn more about our vision for the farm, please visit About Us and The Future of Wildwood. In the meantime, we invite people interested in learning about the way we farm, but feel hesitant about a long-term commitment, to work with us for a season.
If this interests you, please read through the Wildwood Residency Terms and Conditions below:
Work Expectations & Daily Routines
Everyone will participate in all aspects of work on the farm. Though we want everyone to experience and familiarize themselves with the diversity of work we do, we understand that people’s skillsets, specializations, and passions will lead them to do certain types of work and not others within an established community farm.
After the dairy livestock chores, breakfast, and clean-up are wrapped up, we will have a short team planning meeting. Lunches will be shared, as well as some suppers.
Since summer is a short and intense season on the farm, expect that some workdays will be very long, weather and task dependent. We will have at least one day off each week (probably Sunday but this could shift depending on weather and critical jobs). Having some down-time to get to explore the farm and surrounding area, and taking time for self-care and creative expression are important and we hope to offer a balanced farm experience. There will be times when critical jobs need to be done, but we want to take the time to celebrate the bounty of the farm, the good company of each other, and the odd shindig!
Farm team members participate AT THEIR OWN RISK as many jobs around the farm can pose dangers –machinery, tools, livestock– however, no one will be expected to do any job for which they have insufficient skill or experience or feel is unsafe.
We will be working on many farm projects, such as;
- gardening
- sowing crops
- fencing
- making hay
- working with horses
- tending livestock
- butchering chickens
- working on a building project
- milking cows (by hand)
- cheese and butter making
- cooking, baking, canning, dehydrating, and fermenting food
- foraging for teas
- making firewood
- goal setting
- participating in sessions together to foster communication skills
- participating in discussions about direction for the farm community
Decision Making
We ask that participants have a willingness to learn about Holistic Management and Permaculture design, as we will be using these frameworks and principles for decision-making and farm planning. We practice non-violent communication and will be regularly hosting farm meetings and check-ins.
Accommodations
We have a Common House and a cabin available for accommodation and will discuss options during the interview to gauge comfort level and living requirements. Laundry will have to be done in town at the Laundromat as our facilities are somewhat limited. Internet is available, though guests are required to limit streaming activities.
Personal Gear
Work clothes will be required for all kinds of jobs in all types of weather. This will include rain gear, coveralls, rubber boots, work gloves, and work boots. If you have farm or gardening tools that you enjoy using and can bring along, please do.
Bring towels and any toiletries you need for self care and comfort. Toilet paper, laundry soap, and homemade soaps will be provided. There will be an outdoor shower for use, so please bring shampoos and soaps that do not contain harsh chemicals.
If you own a bicycle, it may come in handy for getting around the farm!
Perhaps most importantly, please bring your willingness to learn in a group situation, plenty of good cheer, and a love for good food.
Food
Our philosophy around food is to eat what the farm and the seasons can provide for us. We will grow and provide most of the food for everyone; however, any extra store treats (beer, wine, chocolate etc.) will be up to each person to purchase. Farm Team members are responsible for preparing their own breakfasts. There is a small fridge available, and a cool pantry to store small amounts of perishable items.
We have limited capacity to accommodate residents and apprentices with special dietary needs – please ask us if you are unsure if your diet can be accommodated.
Probation Period
In order to determine compatibility for all members of the Farm Team, the new team member will have a two week probation period. If, in this time, any party is feeling as though the arrangement is not a good fit for the co-operative nature of the group, the arrangement can be terminated by either party. We understand co-operative living and working environments are not always easy, but we will always attempt to resolve conflicts first with non-violent communication prior to dismissal.
If this is an opportunity you would like to explore, please begin by filling out our application form:
Welcome to Wildwood Farm 