Farm Apprentice – Sylvestor Manor

Last Updated On: May 7th, 2026 at 07:38PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
80 North Ferry Road
PO Box 2029
Shelter Island, New York, 11964

Primary Contact: Tracy McCarthy
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2039841247
    Email: tmccarthy@sylvestermanor.org

Website:

Internship information

General Farm Description: Our farm operation currently consists of 7+ acres of vegetables, small fruit and livestock. The produce from our farm feeds over 100 CSA families, stocks our farmstand, and is donated to local food pantries. We raise pastured laying hens and pigs in marginal woodlands and rotate them through our growing fields. We also have a unique on-farm, composting system(s), including a town wide food scraps diversion collection system.

CRAFT Member Farm? Yes

Internship Starts: March/April 2026
Internship Ends: Nov-26
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 31-Mar-26
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

Job Description

We’re hiring Farm Apprentices for the 2026 season. We are seeking hardworking, high-energy, positive individuals who are motivated by a career in agriculture. This is a great position for someone who likes to challenge themselves and keep a fast pace, all while having fun growing vegetables and small fruit, and raising livestock. 

We encourage both seasoned farmers and first time farmers to apply. The farm’s diverse makeup allows for both experienced and new farmers alike to thrive, and offers many different hands-on learning opportunities. 

This role will take part in all aspects of our small scale farming program. As a Sylvester Manor Farmer you’ll learn and/or advance your skills in seeding, transplanting, harvest techniques, wash & pack, weed management techniques, our CSA, irrigation set up, compost production, understanding the flow of field prep and planting, and so much more!

Strong teamwork and communication skills, patience, flexibility, and positivity are required. Farm work is extremely physically demanding, and a willingness and ability to work outdoors in all types of weather — heat, rain, sun, wind, and cold — is also a requirement. 

Shelter Island is a beautiful place accessible only by ferry via both Sag Harbor and Greenport on the East End of Long Island.  Living on Shelter Island you’ll have access to bay and ocean beaches, nature preserves, fishing, sailing/boating, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and so much more amongst a vibrant community.

Job Duration & Hours

Ideal candidates will start by late March and work at least through October (exact dates to be determined by the needs of the farm). We are an ever-evolving Farm and if the fit is right, there are opportunities to grow into year round positions and/or part-time winter work.

This position is about 40-48 hours, 5-6 days/week, depending on the changing needs of the farm and time of year. Weekend responsibilities are shared among the farm crew. 

What We Offer:

• Starting $17/hour; more based on experience
• Housing provided if currently not residing on or near Shelter Island
• On farm, hands-on education with occasional themes and guest speakers
• 5 Paid Days Off (to be approved in advance by Farm Manager)
• Professional development/education stipend of $200 
• Professional workwear stipend of $200
• Free vegetables, fruit and eggs from the farm and 20% off all Farmstand products
• Working in an environment where farmers take joy and pride in their work, look out for their fellow crew members, and learn together

How to Apply:

All interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter, three professional references, and answers to the questionnaire below to zlindstromives@sylvestermanor.org.

1. Provide an overview of your farm related experience and interest in farming.
2. Describe a situation where you had to overcome a challenge at work.
3. Describe an interpersonal challenge you’ve experienced and how you handled it.
4. Describe your ideal manager and why you liked working with them. This is a way to gauge working styles, values, and preferred communication to see if we are a good fit.
5. How do you spend your spare time?

This position will require interviews with multiple members of staff and, whenever possible, a farm visit/working interview is preferred. We can provide accommodations. 

We encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+ candidates, and people from all backgrounds and/or other underrepresented groups to apply.

 

Educational Opportunities: On farm, hands-on education with occasional themes and guest speakers Professional development/education stipend of $200

Skills Desired: We are seeking hardworking, high-energy, positive individuals who are motivated by a career in agriculture. This is a great position for someone who likes to challenge themselves and keep a fast pace, all while having fun growing vegetables and small fruit, and raising livestock. We encourage both seasoned farmers and first time farmers to apply. The farm's diverse makeup allows for both experienced and new farmers alike to thrive, and offers many different hands-on learning opportunities. Ideal candidates will start by late March and work at least through October (exact dates to be determined by the needs of the farm). We are an ever-evolving Farm and if the fit is right, there are opportunities to grow into year round positions and/or part-time winter work. This position is about 40-48 hours, 5-6 days/week, depending on the changing needs of the farm and time of year. Weekend responsibilities are shared among the farm crew.

Meals: No, but we do provide free vegetables, fruit and eggs from the farm and 20% off all Farmstand products

Stipend: Starting $17/hour; more based on experience Housing provided if currently not residing on or near Shelter Island On farm, hands-on education with occasional themes and guest speakers 5 Paid Days Off (to be approved in advance by Farm Manager) Professional development/education stipend of $200 Professional workwear stipend of $200 Free vegetables, fruit and eggs from the farm and 20% off all Farmstand products

Housing: Yes

Preferred method of Contact: email