JACK'S FARM

Located in Pottstown Pa. in Chester County, about 1 hour from Philadelphia; we operate suburban intensive market gardens at two locations. We are USDA Certified Organic.

JACK'S FARM is owned by Dan and Deb Heckler.
Growing and associated labor is managed by Steve Heine.
All of us are hands on.

At Schuylkill Rd. we grow 2 acres of mixed vegetables and small fruits.
Three greenhouses at this location offer us the ability to grow year round.
Our product mix includes vegetables, potted herbs and cut flowers.
Packing and washing are done at this location for both properties.
We raise grass fed chickens for both meat and eggs and a small number of pigs in adjoining woods.

At our Unionville Rd. location, about 1.5 miles from Schuylkill Rd., we grow 3+ acres of mixed vegetables.
Two unheated greenhouses at this location allow us to grow year round.
Chickens are grown for eggs and are used for fertility at this location.

At both locations we grow intensively using multiple succession plantings combined with companion planting throughout the year.

We practice and experiment with many different types of season extension techniques and space saving techniques. This model fits with our commitment to profitably operating a small suburban farm.

We sell 12 months per year through a thriving Farmers Market and both a summer and winter CSA.

Contact us at: 1370 W. Schuylkill Rd. Pottstown, Pa 19465 jacksfarm@gmail.com or 610-413-9088

;ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER

This is a full time, year ‘round position.
Email resumes and cover to: jacksfarm@gmail.com
Focus:

1.  Post harvest handling. Including clean, pack, store, deliver and market. Approx. ½ time
2.  Oversee greenhouses. Plant, weed, pest and disease control, water, fertilize. Approx. 1/8 time
3.  Any other farm activity as assigned by manager. Approx. 3/8 time

Attributes:

1. One year minimum actual farm experience.
2. Collaborative spirit.
3. Highly organized.
4. Detail oriented.
5. Clear and friendly communicator.
6. Ability to direct up to 3 people.
7. Physically fit and able to lift 40 lbs.

Time expectations:
This is a full time year ‘round position.

Occasional nights.
2-3 weekends per month in summer season.
1-2 weekends per month in winter season.

Ave 30 hours per week Jan 1- Feb. 28
Ave 40 hours per week March 1- March 31
Ave 50 hrs per week April1- Nov 1
Ave 40 hours per week Nov2- Dec 31

Compensation:

1. Starting from $1500 per month salary. Taxed
2. Housing on farm. Internet, phone and all utilities paid.
3. Full vegetable share weekly.
4. One week paid vacation

JACK'S FARM is seeking full time interns for 2010-11.

We are a great learning experience for someone looking to open their own small business.
Both owners are hands on; helping in all aspects of the business. The growing and associated labor is managed by a professional grower. Access to all is available daily.

The Ideal Intern at JACK'S FARM possesses a positive attitude, can accept direction from the manager, can rotate between multiple responsibilities, is able to work outdoors in all weather, is able to lift 40lbs and can bend and flex while working. After all is said farming is hard work.
Working at a fast pace is important to us. As a for profit enterprise we rely on our ability to profitably harvest what we grow. Reasonable speed and accuracy are important to accomplish this.

Interns must have a valid drivers license and transportation. No exceptions.

Intern positions are available year round.
The duration of employment varies depending on the time of year or individual.
Interns work full time hours including rotating Saturdays and Sundays.
Saturdays are selling days that start at 7 am and end around 2 pm.
Winter Saturdays start later and end earlier.
Sundays are "chore only" days and usually last about 3 hours.
A typical summer day starts at 7:00/7:30 am and ends at 3:30/5:00 pm. CSA pick up days end at 7:30 pm.
Winter hours are less than summer hours and revolve primarily around available daylight.
We work a rotating schedule to ensure all work gets accomplished while maintaining time for rejuvenation.
Housing is provided at our Unionville Rd. location in a low density suburban residential area.
A good portion of your season's food is provided through a farm share and eggs from our laying flocks.
A stipend of $500-$800 monthly is provided depending on season and applicant.

Areas of focus:

Planning: discussions and participation in seed and bed planning, purchasing. Participation in harvest planning and more.

Seeding: tray selection, making soil less mix, seeding, potting on, seedling watering and care.

Fieldwork: Because of our size we like to think about it as gardening. Direct seeding, transplanting, cultivating, weeding, pruning, trellising, installing and using irrigation systems, laying plastic mulch, bed preparation, scouting insect and predator control. Using tractors and equipment. Using hand tools. Winter is more harvest, frost control and weed oriented. In the winter your hands will get cold.

Greenhouse work: temperature control, pest monitoring, watering, planting, weeding, harvesting, micro green harvesting, trellising for tomatoes and cucumbers, using row covers for frost control. Winter key.

Harvesting and packing: Harvesting crops for sale, sorting, washing, packaging and packing for transport.

Marketing: our strength is marketing and merchandising. set up CSA , farmers market displays, selling, stocking farm stand, signage.

Education: Participation in Sustainable Agriculture Internship Training Alliance. Summer only.

Maintenance: Farming is not simply growing stuff it's also making sure our farm is in good repair.
This might include: changing oil, sharpening blades, building things like temporary hoop houses, boxes, fixing fences, mowing, creating experimental parts or tools etc. Cleaning, organizing, and preparing for the upcoming season. In the winter this is a key activity.

Animal husbandry: feeding, watering chickens and pigs, rotating chicken pens, collecting, washing and packaging eggs, packaging fryers and broilers.

Send resumes to: JACK'S FARM 1370 W. Schuylkill Rd. Pottstown, Pa 19465
Or e-mail: jacksfarm@gmail.com