Fruit Grower Apprentice

THE CHEFS GARDEN INC; Huron Township (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chef’s Garden in Ohio is seeking a Fruit Grower Apprentice to learn hands-on in a diverse, regenerative farming operation, including orchards, vineyards, vegetables, grains, and cut flowers. You’ll assist with seasonal planning, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest management, soil fertility, and the implementation of practices that promote farm productivity and ecological health.

This role suits someone eager to work outdoors, develop practical skills for diversified farm management, and

Qualifications

• Interest in agriculture or related field; practical experience preferred but not required.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to take direction.
• Good communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting of crops across diverse production systems.
• Learn and apply best practices for crop health, irrigation, and soil fertility.
• Monitor crops for pests and diseases, report observations to supervisor.
• Participate in crop protection and fertility programs under supervision.
• Assist with farm equipment operation and general farm upkeep.
• Work with staff to maintain a safe, organized work environment.
• Follow organizational policies and safety requirements.
• Develop skills toward diversified farm management.

Skills

Interest in agriculture

Strong work ethic

Willingness to learn

Good communication

Outdoor work

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Permaculture Full Time Ag Exemption Hourly Huron, OH, US

Over the last 40 years, we’ve worked hard to build The Chef’s Garden. It’s a unique niche - home to creativity, innovation, a commitment to excellence, and some of the best produce in the world.

What started as a small family farm has grown to include many more people - still family nonetheless. We’re humbled that you’d consider joining us in the work that we do.

The Fruit Grower Apprentice works closely with farm management to learn and support the daily operations of a diverse, integrated farm, including orchards, small fruit, vineyards, vegetables, grains, cut flowers, and livestock systems. This position provides hands‑on experience in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, crop production, soil health, integrated pest management, livestock care, and farm operations. Assist with seasonal planning, planting, cultivation, harvesting, irrigation, pest management, soil fertility, and the implementation of practices that promote farm productivity and ecological health.

This role is designed for an individual who is eager to learn, enjoys working outdoors, and is interested in developing the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a future career in diversified farm management. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, curiosity, reliability, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting of crops across the farm's diverse production systems, including orchards, small fruit, vineyards, vegetables, grains, and cut flowers.
• Learn and apply best practices for crop health, including irrigation management, soil fertility, weed control, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Assist with monitoring crops for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and other production challenges, reporting observations and concerns to the Production Controller.
• Participate in the preparation, application, and maintenance of crop protection and fertility programs under appropriate supervision and in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
• Assist with farm equipment operation, tool maintenance, field preparation, irrigation system maintenance, and general farm upkeep, as trained and authorized.
• Work collaboratively with farm staff to maintain a safe, organized, and productive work environment.
• Follow all organizational policies, agricultural safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Take on increasing responsibility as skills and experience develop, with the goal of building competency in diversified farm operations and sustainable farm management.
• Any and all other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Interest in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, regenerative farming, or a related field. Relevant education or practical experience is preferred but not required.
• A strong desire to learn about diversified crop production, orchard and vineyard management, soil health, and integrated farming systems.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to take direction and ask questions.
• Good communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn to operate farm equipment and tools safely, as appropriate to the position.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Commitment to safe work practices, environmental stewardship, and the organization's agricultural goals.
• Approach your role in ways that align with the core values of The Chef’s Garden.
  • Service-mentality: People always come first
  • Do things the right way: Commit to the extra step, minute, or method that leads to excellence
  • Commit to Quality: Care about the work that you do
• Help others where necessary and ask for help when needed.
• Develop an understanding of the way that your role contributes to the larger mission of The Chef’s Garden:
  • To grow exceptional vegetables, care for each other and the land, and inspire a vegetable‑forward future