Worker Share Information:

A “worker share” is the exchange of labor for a vegetable share. Vermont Valley Community Farm is a large CSA, packing 1250 share boxes each week. The use of worker shares on such a scale is quite unique. We use worker shares because we want to give our members the opportunity to be involved at a much deeper level on “their” farm.

Worker Share members work together with full time crew members. Our expectations are high. The jobs are physical. The work can be heavy, exhausting and repetitive; hot, cold or wet. Good physical condition is a must! Ability to repeatedly lift 30 pounds is a must. Although you may be in great physical condition, you will still discover muscles you never knew you had. You may find yourself in unfamiliar or uncomfortable positions for a sustained period of time (squatting, kneeling, stooping, bending). We work in ALL weather.

A worker share makes a serious commitment of 4.25 hours of work per week for 20 weeks (in exchange for a Standard Share)

You commit to a shift and work that shift for the entire season.
            Shift options:  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 6:45 - 11:00 or 12:15 - 4:30
                                   Thursday  7:00 - 11:00 (packing the shares)
                                   Friday      6:45 - 11:00

Worker shares develop a special connection with the farm and farmers and other workers and develop an appreciation and understanding of organic vegetable production.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will I be doing?
You will be involved in all aspects of vegetable harvest and post harvest including washing, bagging, bunching, weighing, counting and sorting vegetables. You may weed, trellis, transplant, mulch. Each shift has its own rhythm. There are many one time jobs; some jobs repeat themselves week after week.

I’ve never done farm work before. How will I know what to do?
Each job will be explained. You need to be able to listen carefully, follow directions and work hard. Working hard means keeping your hands moving, not stopping and chatting with the person working next you. (This doesn’t mean you can’t talk, you just have to keep working).

Can I share the responsibility with my spouse, partner, housemate, etc.?
It is best if one person in a household makes the commitment, but if you need a sub you can certainly send another household member to work your shift.

Is there a difference between the morning and afternoon shifts?
Yes, morning shifts are spent primarily in the fields harvesting (but sometimes there is work in the packing shed). Afternoon shifts are spent primarily in the packing shed working with the vegetables that were harvested in the morning (but often there are outside jobs as well).

Can two of us come each week for 2 hours?
No. Leaving in the middle of a shift is not very satisfying for you and not as helpful for the farm.

When does the worker share begin?
The work begins the second week of June and continues through the third week of October. It coincides with the vegetable delivery season.

Can I work for an every other week share?
The worker share is a 20 week commitment, which will earn you a Standard Share. If you want to receive an every other week share you can also donate an every other week share to our Assistance Fund.

Can I do a worker share for the Spring Share or Storage Share?
We have a limited number of opportunities for each of these. They fill quickly and priority is given to returning worker shares, but do let me know if you are interested.

Can I bring my child along?
No. We are working hard. The work is not geared for children. The farm offers lots of opportunities for families to come out and have fun.

Can I bring my dog out with me?
No.

What if I need to miss a shift because of vacation, illness or other conflict?
You can make up your shift. You can do this by working a double shift or two shifts in one week. We will work out the details.

Can I work evenings or weekends?
No. We do the farm work during the day, during the week.

What if my schedule changes mid season?
If you know your schedule will be changing mid season we can talk about it and plan accordingly. If your schedule changes unexpectedly mid season, we will work with it. In either case you will be able to switch to another shift that fits your schedule.

I am a teacher/student and can only work during summer vacation, is this possible?
No, we really need workers for the entire 20 week season.

Orientation:
We hold an orientation the third Sunday in May, in the afternoon, for all new and returning worker shares. It’s fun and all family members are invited.

After looking at all of this I would like to do a worker share. What should I do next?
Call the farm and talk to Barb 767-3860. You and she will discuss details and specifics and make the final decision together.