Before filling out the application to work on the College’s organic farm this summer, we thought it would be helpful to provide an overview of what prospective students can look forward to!
This summer the farm will be running a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) for Dickinson employees. This co-op will require that we grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to supply to the farm’s CSA members on a weekly basis. In addition to the CSA, the farm will begin selling as a vendor at the Central Carlisle Farmers’ Market located on N. Hanover Str. Students employed during the summer will be directly involved with maintaining crops, planting, harvesting, and selling garden-grown produce for both projects.
Our other big customer is the College Dining Hall. The campus hosts two major summer camps in June and July, as well as supplies food through Union Station for staff during the summer. The farm is contracted to raise produce for these summer needs as well!
In addition to growing food, students will be involved with projects based at the organic farm. Initiatives involving renewable energy, irrigation, greenhouse production, small building construction and field layout will be on going at the farm. The day to day work at the farm will include projects such as planting, harvesting, weeding, insect and disease control, and landscaping. The day to day care of farm livestock will also be included in the work that students can become involved. Hence, students employed this summer will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves into the life at the farm.
Speaking of the farm, it is located in Boiling Springs, just outside of Carlisle by 6 short miles. In the past, students have taken advantage of the farm’s close proximity to campus by biking to work. However, there will also be a designated vehicle for students to use in commuting to and from the farm. The farm is also located near the Appalachian Trail, Yellow Breeches creek, and Municipal Park with 5 miles of walking trails. So, after a day of work there are lots of recreational opportunities nearby!
Although food production is one of the primary focuses for farm employees, we are also greatly involved with community outreach projects at our local food bank, Project SHARE. Students employed for the summer will be integral to the success of our on going work with SHARE. There are other groups that we work closely with, including CPARC, a daytime facility for adults with disabilities and local alternative schools.
In a nutshell, the opportunity to work at the farm for the summer season presents multiple opportunities for students to fully immerse themselves in sustainable food production, renewable energy, and community service work. While the projects at the farm are diverse in their scope, the day to day work demands a positive attitude, team work, and perseverance. We, the farm staff aim to make the work experience at the farm both fun and educational. We see our summer employees as more than a work force and so schedule opportunities for field trips that will better enhance our employees’ interests in sustainable agriculture.
As for the details, students are required to fulfill 40 hours of work per week. This may at times include Saturday farmers’ markets. Students will be paid $7.50 per hour for their work. Likewise, this farm position includes free housing on campus at the Center for Sustainable Living, otherwise known as the Tree House.
Please know that the deadline for applications in March 21, 2008. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jenn Halpin at halpinj@dickinson.edu. Click here for an application.