Chewonki Foundation is seeking an individual to fulfill the Farm Apprentice/Residential Program Support position!  Are you passionate about agriculture and eager to turn your classroom knowledge into real-world experience? We’re offering a unique opportunity for recent grads and lifelong learners to dive deep into sustainable farming practices!

• • Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus, in-person, Residential)
    • This is a residential position, housing included.
  • Reports to: Farm and Woodlot Manager
  • Temporary Position: September 2024 - January 18, 2026 (Anticipated Dates)
  • Schedule:  Full Time (including some weekends and evenings)
  • Salary: $400/week
  • Benefits: Housing, meals, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 403B retirement plan, and access to professional development funds. 

Position Summary:

The Farm Apprentice/Residential Program Support supports the overall farm and woodlot operations at Chewonki, which include garden and pasture management, animal husbandry, and sustainable forestry operations. Farm Apprentices must aid in balancing the dual focus of the Chewonki farm, maximizing both production and education on the farm and in the woods. Additionally, the Farm Apprentice/Residential Program Support fulfills certain off-farm, residential education responsibilities to support the Maine Coast Semester.     

Key Duties: 

• Assist with the managing the three primary production focuses of the Chewonki farm:
• Small-scale, diversified, organic food production.
• Pasture and livestock management.
• Low-impact forestry.
• Help with maintenance and care of pasture and harvesting of hay.
• Work with Maine Coast Semester, Camp Chewonki participants, Outdoor Classroom students, on various work projects, chores, and lessons during their program season.
• Perform residential duties and supporting functions for Maine Coast Semester during the school year, including: 
• Participate in a rotating residential education duty schedule on weekends in support of the Maine Coast Semester. Weekend duties include ~4 on-duty weekends each semester. 
• Attend weekly faculty meetings and some school meetings.
• Assume other responsibilities and leadership as needed.
• Lead projects/tasks with summer farm help.
• Organize and maintain tools (mechanized and otherwise). 
• Maintain buildings in coordination with the facilities department.
• Attend various staff meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must pass a Criminal Background Check including Motor Vehicle Record.
• Valid Driver’s License approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier.
• Attend required onboarding and training sessions (in-person/on campus).
• Interest in education-based, diversified farming. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with different kinds of people.
• Willingness to learn to operate a chainsaw and other mechanized equipment. 
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
• Ability to oversee a work crew, as well as manage projects collaboratively. 
• Ability to live and work in a small community. 

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.

About Chewonki Foundation

Chewonki inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives. Chewonki serves children ages 8­-18 in summer, semester, and school­-year programs; and provides training opportunities for educators and other outdoor professionals. Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki is comprised of approximately 42 students and 16 faculty members, and is a unique semester-length school program of the Chewonki Foundation. As a residential school, it is designed to offer high school juniors and seniors the chance to be part of a vibrant community located on a 400-acre saltwater peninsula in Mid-coast Maine

Connections working at Chewonki Foundation