TERP FARM is the University’s own sustainable produce farm located 15 miles from campus at the University’s Central Maryland Research and Education Center, Upper Marlboro Facility. Established in 2014 as collaboration between the Department of Dining Services and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the farm provides fresh produce to the campus dining halls and food-insecure members of the campus community through donations to the UMD Campus Pantry. Additionally, the farm has served as a “living laboratory” for students of
the University to engage in practical farming applications and learn skills and concepts that are imperative to running a successful farming operation. The Terp Farm management team is seeking student staff members for employment on the farm for the 2023 season. The position runs from May 22, 2023 - August 25, 2023, with potential for continuation part-time in the
Fall 2023 semester. Wages start at $15/hr.
Application deadline is March 10, 2023
Interviews will be conducted during the week of March 13th
Eligibility: Successful candidates should consider themselves to be hard-working, self-motivated, detail oriented, and able to demonstrate good communication skills. It is very important to be willing to receive direction and have a strong work ethic in order to work on a farm. While having previous farming experience or outdoor jobs is generally preferred, it is not required. However it is essential that candidates are committed to vegetable farming and all that it requires, including being able to lift 50 lbs regularly, and work outside in all weather conditions from rainy days to high summer heat. Preference will be given to those candidates that have at least 3 months of previous farming experience. A valid Maryland driver’s
license is required, as well as your own means for commuting to and from the farm.
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political af iliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
The Terp Farm Student Staff will support the Terp Farm Manager in the following aspects of farm operations, including:
● Production
o Field operations for vegetable production, including cultivation and tillage, bed preparation,
planting, fertilizing, pest and disease control, irrigation, mulching, trellising, and weeding.
o High tunnel operations, including hand-scale bed preparation, planting, trellising, pest and disease
control, irrigation, weeding, and maintenance of structures.
o Greenhouse operations, including soil mix preparations, seeding, thinning, environmental
monitoring, pest and disease control, and sanitation.
o Post-harvest operations including washing and packing, sanitation, pest monitoring,
record-keeping, and worker hygiene.
● Facilities Maintenance and Infrastructure
o Basic construction and site development projects such as building greenhouse benches and
spreading mulch and gravel.
o Basic maintenance of tools and equipment, including cleaning and sharpening, checking fluid
levels, and following proper storage procedures.
o Ground maintenance, including mowing, string trimming, and site cleanup.
● Recordkeeping
o Daily note-taking and assistance in maintaining farm log books for food safety and production
records.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
● Occasional work must be performed outside of normal scheduled hours due to weather and other factors
● Hazardous materials - petroleum based fluids, exhaust, pesticides, and sanitation chemicals.
● Wear and work in Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
● Working environment may have allergens—dust, mold, grasses, etc.
● Severe weather conditions, such as extreme hi/lo temperatures, strong wind, and rain.
● Heavy lifting - 40 to 50 lbs
Work Schedule: This position follows a typical 40 hour work week, 8 hours per day Monday through Friday,
with occasional adjustments to the schedule based on the needs of the farm.
To Apply: Send an updated resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position to terpfarm@umd.edu.
Include “Terp Farm Student Staff Application” in the subject line.
In your cover letter please provide responses to the following:
● Tell us why you want to be a part of the Terp Farm Team.
● Describe your qualifications for the position.
● Explain what outcomes you hope to gain from this experience.
