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Common Ground is home to a charter high school and a nonprofit urban farm and environmental education center. The site includes 20 acres of forested hiking trails, wildlife and diverse natural habitats, and a working farm that includes production and education gardens and a variety of farm animals. Common Ground’s mission is to cultivate habits of healthy living and sustainable environmental practice among a diverse community of children, young people, and adults.
Working on the One-Acre Urban Farm
Growing in the garden
Common Ground (CG) grows nearly 10,000 lbs of fresh produce annually, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. We also raise broiler and laying hens, ducks, sheep and a goat. Farm products go to our Cafeteria, onsite farm stand, Spring and Fall CG Family CSA, the CG/Cityseed Mobile Market, and local restaurants. Farm work will be done with the Farm Director and Assistant Farm Manager, caring for the farm through the growing season. You will gain experience in all aspects of planting, growing, and maintaining a diversified sustainable vegetable operation, and small scale livestock management. Specific farm tasks may include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, preparing for market, maintaining irrigation, keeping crop records, caring for farm animals and a variety of other tasks.
Several summer programs for children ages 4 – 18 take place on the farm. Apprentices do not have daily responsibilities for working with these programs, but must be mature and a good role model for all children on the farm. Apprentices may sometimes work with small groups of teenagers who are employed by Common Ground. Interns may also run an on-site farm stand and assist with additional markets and farm events as needed. Depending on the interest and skills of the intern, there may be opportunities to help with off-site mobile farm stands and/or help host weekend educational events on the farm.
Skills and Experience
- An interest in food security/food justice, urban agriculture and the local food economy.
- Willingness and ability to work hard, physically in all weather. Previous garden experience is not necessary.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills with people of all ages and a good sense of humor.
- Ability to learn, to ask questions, and also take initiative, to work both with and without direct supervision.
- Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs.
- Maturity, and the willingness to be a positive role-model to young people working on the farm.
- 18 years or older with High school diploma or GED
Apprenticeship Logistics and Details
Seasonal availability and duration: Apprenticeships are available from May through November with a minimum commitment of 6 weeks at 2025 hours per week. A flexible work schedule is possible based on individual need. Weekend work opportunities are available.
Compensation: Apprentices receive compensation based on minimum wage, a share of the harvest, farm field trips and other learning opportunities.
Housing: Housing is not provided.
Transportation: Parking is available on-site, as are bicycle racks. We have a bus stop on site (take the B1 bus from the New Haven Green), and we are walking distance from New Haven’s Westville neighborhood.
To Apply
Send a cover letter addressing your interest in this position and your resume by May 1st, 2017. Send to the Farm Manager at deborah.greig@commongroundct.org or mail to:
Common Ground
Attn: Farm Manager
358 Springside Ave.
New Haven, CT 06515.
Questions? Call 203.389.4333 ext. 1217
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