Employment Opportunities

Round Right Farm raises vegetables and meats following organic practices. We attend three weekly farmer's markets, have a 175 member CSA and sell to restaurants. We are also innovating new concepts in local food sales. For example, through our online CSA, our members have the option of choosing exactly what goes in their box (share) each week. We are located near the tri-state intersection of MD, WV and PA, 10 miles NW of Oakland, MD.

The farm is situated in an area with diverse surroundings. It borders the Cranesville Swamp Nature Preserve where we often have the pleasure of watching bears from our fields. The farm is located in a rural farming community surrounded by state forests that offer great hiking as well as rock climbing and paddling. 10 miles SE is the thriving small town of Oakland which offers all the amenities of a modern American small town including a great farmer's market. 10 miles NE is Deep Creek Lake. The lake is a popular tourist destination both summer and winter and affords an opportunity to meet a variety of people from our larger region. We are also less than an hour's drive to Morgantown, WV (where most of our produce goes), which is a thriving city with a voracious appetite for local organic food. It is also home to WVU and a good place to see music shows and eat at world-class restaurants. Another area of interest less than an hour away is Thomas/Davis WV. These two side-by-side mountain towns offer great food and nightlife and are surrounded by a plethora of natural beauty.

Round Right Farm is currently hiring Farm Assistants and Apprentices for the 2013 season. Please scroll down for info on these openings

Farm Assistants

This is a seasonal position. We have hours available from early March to early December.

Farm Assistants' tasks are varied with the seasons but primarily include harvest and transplanting as well as cultural practices in the field (i.e. putting on row cover, mulching, tying up peas, etc.). As Assistants develop an understanding of our farming ethic and farm systems, tasks can also include seeding in the greenhouse, irrigation/hoophouse management, running the wash/packing station, produce delivery and market sales. A variety of housing arrangements can be found in Oakland for $400-500/month (less with a roommate) or closer to the farm for potentially cheaper.

It is required that candidates be inspired to farm.

Pay starts at $8/hr.

Apprenticeships

We are currently seeking apprentices for the 2013 season.

Apprenticeship Length: 4 weeks minimum. We offer apprenticeships from April to November. A full season apprenticeship is possible after completion of a 6 week evaluation period.

Educational Opportunities: We believe the world needs more farmers, so our goal is to prepare you as best we can to start your own farm. The apprenticeship will introduce you to and prepare you for the practical realities of professional organic farming. You will get a thorough understanding of our approach which will serve as a spring-board to an overall understanding of the dynamics and issues of contemporary ecologically oriented farming.

It is important for apprentices to understand that this is not a typical school, but a place where you learn by doing. Farming covers a wide set of skills and disciplines. Knowing your main areas of interest and/or having specific learning goals will help to insure a successful experience. We hope you will make the most of your time with us by asking lots of questions and generally immersing yourself in farm life.

Good business planning and management is just as important to a farmer's success as knowing how to grow quality food and care for the soil. We offer the opportunity to learn farm planning and accounting for those interested in commercial farming.

Some of the many things that apprentices can learn about include: biointensive vegetable production, garden planning, season planning, soil fertility, greenhouse and high tunnel production, crop rotations, cover crop management, equipment care and repair, harvest and post-harvest handling and delivery to market. You will also have the opportunity learn basic marketing- farmer's market stand management and CSA relationship building. Those who can demonstrate responsibility, focus and a safety first awareness can also get experience operating the tractors and implements.

Skills Desired: Being inspired to farm is the only requirement. However, we are also looking for someone who has the stamina to keep up with the rigorous physical demands of farming and can prioritize activities and work efficiently. In addition, it is necessary that you feel comfortable interacting and working in the presence of small children, as we have two.

Stipend: $100/week

Housing: Camp-like experience in our off-grid cabin with composting toilet, wood heat and propane gas stove/oven.

Meals: Food is included; We'll provide basic staples for you to prepare your own breakfasts and other meals. On work days, we will prepare lunch and some dinners (depending on work schedule). For your days off, basic staples and unlimited veggies are available for your use.

Work Hours: 45 - 50 hrs/wk. Apprentices work 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. We strive for an 8 hour day and are usually successful, but we will work as many as 12 when required. We also sometimes change our work hours to work around the weather, so flexibility with hours on workdays is required. Apprentices have Saturday and Sunday off.

Applicants can download an application by clicking here. Please fill it out and send it to roundrightfarm@gmail.com