College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Fruit Production Crew Member/Intern Homestead Hill CSA

Hiring Organization: Bardenhagen Berries/Homestead Hill CSA
Employment type: Internship
Job Location: Lake Leelanau, MI
Application Due Date: March 31, 2025

Bardenhagen Berries/Homestead Hill CSA
7990 E. Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
bardenhagenberries.com
Fruit Production Crew Member/Intern
Background:
Bardenhagen Berries is a 180-acre centennial family farm, located in the heart of Leelanau County. It is well known in the community for producing high quality fruit, particularly strawberries and fresh market sweet cherries. With approximately seven acres of bearing strawberries, six acres of cherries (sweet and Balaton), and five+ acres of vegetables and cut flowers (marketed through our Homestead Hill CSA since 2015), the farm represents an opportunity to learn about both diverse production methods and marketing strategies. Depending on the season, around half of what we grow is marketed and consumed locally through direct sales at farmers markets, our roadside farmstand, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and local wholesale accounts. Other markets include commercial wholesale (fresh market and
processing). A 3600 square foot hoophouse is managed primarily to produce tomatoes and cucumbers during summer and an array of salad greens in spring and fall. The farm utilizes integrated pest management for fruit, and organic growing practices for vegetables and cut flowers. The farm is verified by the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and is compliant with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). In 2018 a 128-panel solar array was installed to offset 100% electricity of the used on the farm. A team of family, local labor, interns, and migrant seasonal workers are key to the success of the farm.
Description:
Crew members or interns are needed to support to production and harvest of crops (primarily strawberries and cherries but may also occasionally include vegetables and flowers). Examples of activities include moving harvest ladders and containers (lugs, pails, etc.), weighing & stacking fruit on pallets, assisting with cherry shaking crew, loading and unloading vehicles, communicating with harvest crew; sorting fruit, and delivering produce to wholesale customers. There are also a multitude of other miscellaneous jobs (e.g. pruning, planting, weeding, mowing, mulching, washing, sanitizing, box folding, recordkeeping, etc.). Fruit Farm Crew Members/Interns may occasionally help with vegetable and flower production & marketing. Depending on previous experience and skills, Crew Members/Interns may also participate in
driving tractors, and/or operating machinery (with proper training only). When: A commitment for strawberry and cherry harvest (early June to early August) is required. Additional employment opportunities may be available as soon as April and as late as October. During the approximate 6-7 week peak harvest season, the standard schedule is approximately 7-12 am, and 1-5 pm, Monday-Friday, with Saturdays usually being a ½ day. Outside of harvest, work schedule is generally 8-12 am and 1-5 pm. Depending on your interest and time commitment, we will work with you to tailor an internship
program.
Requirements:
 Dependable availability during harvest season, on either full-time or part-time basis.
 Good physical health; able to lift 50 lbs and work an eight to ten-hour day outdoors.
 Willingness to adhere to all worker safety and food safety guidelines.
 Driver’s License valid in State of Michigan.
Desired Qualifications:
 Previous experience working on a farm (helpful, not required).
 Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
 Detail oriented & pride in the quality of one’s work.
 Ability to clearly communicate & follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
 Ability to problem solve and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
 Previous experience maintaining and/or operating farm machinery is helpful, but not required.
Compensation: $18.50/hr. Shared on-farm housing available at no cost.
To Apply: Send an email letter and resume to bardenhagenberries@gmail.com with your interest, background and availability. Suggested application window: January thru March.