The DeFeo Family Farm, established in 2022, is a small vegetable farm located in Middletown, MD. We grow intensively on just over a quarter acre and hope to bring more fields into production this year.  Although we are not organically certified, we are committed to using organic growing practices. We also have a small flock of layer hens and two Nigerian dwarf goats. 

We currently market through our CSA and online store, and several community health partnerships. This upcoming season, we also hope to start selling wholesale to a private high school.

Currently, the owners have off farm jobs as a high school science teacher and community health consultant, and the farm supports several projects associated with their employment. We come to farming from careers in science, policy and education and are hoping to build a farm business focused on improving the health of our community through our food, and offering education services on ways to creatively embrace nutritious and a balanced lifestyle. 

Job description

We are ultimately looking for a reliable, independent, flexible member that can help us with farm tasks to support our growing market opportunities. We hope that they are creative problem solvers and excited to be a part of a small organic farm that supports community health and education. 

We are looking for part-time/seasonal crew member(s) to support the growth of our farm in the 2025 season. We would prefer that the candidate have experience on other organic vegetable farms, or related experience through a college program. Work Schedules are flexible, but preference will be given to those who can help on Tuesdays (Day and/or Evenings), Saturdays (7:30AM-4:30PM), and/or Sundays (7:30AM-4:30PM). 

We can support up to 24-hrs per week between April and November, and possibly more if the candidate would like to live on the farm, or has more experience on other organic farms. 

We will be harvesting on Tuesday and Sunday, and most labor will revolve around supporting these activities. However, the owner is flexible to the interests, skills and career development goals of the candidate. Other job activities could include several of the following:

Vegetables

  • Soil prep work, amendment applications 

  • Greenhouse work: seeding, watering, and potting-on

  • Field work: transplanting, weeding, harvesting

  • High Tunnel: trellising, pruning, irrigation

  • Harvest, washing and packing for CSA deliveries, as well as post-harvest handling of crops 

  • Record Keeping

Livestock

  • Collect, wash, and pack eggs

  • Feed chickens and goats daily 

  • Move fences for laying hens and goats

Farm Maintenance and Infrastructure 

  • Perform basic maintenance and repair of farm tools and infrastructure.

  • Mowing, weed whacking, or other property landscaping activities to help keep a tidy farm

 Requirements

  • Interested in a career in agriculture, environmental science, or sustainability 

  • Passionate about growing food and curiosity about small scale organic farming

  • Maintains flexibility and a positive attitude

  • Able to work evenings and/or weekends

  • Strong communication skills

  • Works with an eye for efficiency and system improvement

  • Prioritizes organization 

  • Ability to make informed and accurate decisions 

  • Can work independently with little instruction once trained

  • Is able to perform physically intensive, and repetitive tasks in a range of weather conditions 

  • Ability to lift 60 pounds

  • Drivers license and clean driving record

  • Demonstrated experience with organic farming experience (or college students in related program) 

  • Experience with hand tools (drill, circular saw, sawzall, etc)

  • Proficient with Google Sheets and Google Forms

Compensation

  • Hourly pay commensurate with experience, starting at $15/hr

  • On-farm one bedroom apartment $1200/month (including utilities). Apartment includes a kitchen, full bath and ~800 sq ft of living space. 

  • Free produce and eggs from the farm

To Apply:

Please email your resume, a brief cover letter, and two references to (defeofamilyfarm@gmail.com ).