Spring Valley Student Farm
2015
Application
Summer Student Farmer (Paid)
Farm Mission:
As an extension of the EcoHouse Living Learning Community, Spring Valley Student Farm (SVSF) provides
students the opportunity to live and work together in a vibrant community focused on the common goal of
healthy local food production. The sustainable farming experience grows not only vegetables and fruit but it
grows the student as well. Through the diversity of the working group there is ample opportunity to learn from
each other and from the land. While working at the farm the farmer will learn about sustainable growing
methods and the business aspects of how food is harvested, processed and presented to the university dining
community. As stewards and ambassadors of the farm the student farmers support SVSF as an educational
destination where everyone may come together to learn and grow. The farm is located 4.5 miles off campus at
104 Spring Manor Road, Mansfield, CT, 06268.
Student Farmer (Hourly Paid) Benefits:
The Student Farmer position was created and is supported by the University of Connecticut’s Department of
Dining Services. This classification is a seasonal part time, end dated, non-state position. This position provides
the student farmer with a bi-weekly wage of $9.35/hour for 29 hours of work per week. Student Farmers who
apply to live at SVSF and are accepted must contribute 10 volunteer hours per week in addition to their paid 29
hours. This volunteer work enables them to receive a significantly discounted room rate of $60/week including
utilities at either Oak or Birch Cottage. The paid student farmer is not required to live at the farm however
living at the farm is encouraged. There is a separate application for living at the farm.
All fees for room will be billed and will be payable based on deadline that is set for traditional university
housing. Fees must be paid in full for the semester/summer period during which the student will be residing at
the farm.
Student Farmer (Hourly Paid) Responsibilities:
The “hourly paid” student farmer will be part of a production team. There will be a commitment of 29 hours per
week of farm work beginning Tuesday, May 12, 2015 through Thursday, August 20, 2015. Weekend work will
be required with a minimum of 2 worked weekends per month. Unpaid time off is to be arranged at least two
weeks in advance of requested time.
Daily duties will include, but not be limited to planting, weeding, watering, beekeeping, chicken care, smiling
and laughing, following Good Agricultural Practices Standard Operating Procedures for harvesting, washing
and sorting produce, packing, delivery, and record keeping. There will be opportunities to lead farm tours with a
variety of age groups. Working during the “once a week volunteer evenings” which is attended by the greater
area community will be required.
Student Farmer (Hourly Paid) Qualifications:
This position is open only to students of the University of Connecticut who are currently enrolled full time for
the fall 2015 semester. Previous volunteer time at Spring Valley Student Farm is highly considered during the
selection process. Applicants must be physically capable of performing the strenuous physical labor necessary
to do farm chores under a variety of climatic conditions. The student farmer needs to have a curious mind, the
desire to do whatever it takes to get the produce to market, a sense of humor in the face of adversity, and a
proven positive work ethic.
Application
2015 SVSF Summer Student Farmer (Paid)
Name: PeopleSoft Student ID Number: Address: Phone: Email: Date of Birth: Semester Standing
Please answer the following questions.
Please describe how your personal experiences influenced your decision to apply for a paid summer student farmer
position or non-paid summer resident at Spring Valley Student Farm. With concrete examples please describe what inclass and out of class experiences led you to consider joining the SVSF summer community.
1. Describe your volunteer experience at SVSF, recent applicable education and work experience.
2. How do you envision the farm experience will improve your effectiveness in educating UConn students about
sustainable agriculture and food systems? How do you plan to share your knowledge with the greater community?
3. How will you utilize the knowledge, skills and experience you will gain at the farm in achieving your future goals?
4. Describe your experiences working and learning in a community. How would you be a good member of our working
and learning community?
5. Describe your experience with physical labor. How will you handle the strenuous physical nature of farming?
6. What new innovations or procedures would you like to bring to the SVSF experience?
Applications are due back no later than March 2, 2015
Return application to: Email Julia.cartabiano@uconn.edu
or place in envelope on door of Room 120 in Sprague Hall