Snake Hill Farm, L.P. is a U.S.D.A. certified organic farm located in Geauga County, Ohio, 40 miles East of Cleveland. We produce and market vegetables, organic beef and pure Ohio maple syrup.

Our market garden goal is to operate a sustainable farm business based on the production of high quality, nutritious organic products.

We devote much of our time to restoring the soil by composting our animal manures, mulching plants with our own organic straw, and planting cover crops to keep building the soil.

During the growing season we hire extra workers, usually college-aged, to help with the market garden and livestock operations. Some come in the spring, some during their summer vacation, and some stay on through Fall.

Although our main times for planting are Spring and early Summer, we continue planting until mid August. This practice ensures our ability to meet the needs of our customers consistently.

Once interns learn the ropes, they are expected to be able to anticipate what needs to be done. For instance, if he/she is the first one into the garden on a picking day, he/she should start to set up the washing table or fill the buckets with water for washing vegetables.

After a day’s work in the garden, we put tools away in good condition. We wash mud from hoes, rakes, roto-tillers, seeders, trowels and lawnmowers. We store seeds in tight containers to protect them from rodents. We cover picking rows with agri-fabric to keep out pests.

At the height of the season we go to two or three markets per week.  When the sellers return from the market, they must unpack the van, wash containers and set all the equipment to ready for the next market.

Host Family Interns

A host family arrangement is available for one or two interns. They live and eat with us in our home. One night a week the intern is responsible for preparing the dinner. Interns also assist in the clean up of meals; i.e., putting glasses, dishes etc. in their proper places to make living together agreeable.

Interns may move in at the end of May. Their weekly farm labor will total 40 hours, and they will be given 2 days off per week. Work days may be devoted to work on the farm or sales at the market. Interns are expected to be available to work in the evenings prior to market, to help in packing produce.

Local Helpers

Some workers live in the area and commute to work. They work a daily shift and are paid by the hour. They are hired as pickers and weeders. Their rate of pay starts at $10.50 per hour.

Farmers Market

Friday evening, before the Saturday market, host family interns will help clean and pack the van for market. They are expected to get up early the next morning and go to the market.

The Saturday market at Shaker Square opens at 8:00 A.M., but we must be there at 6:30 A.M. to set up. The market runs until 12:00 Noon. The Sunday market is from 10:00 A.M. to Noon. Other markets are at various times.

Internships

We offer a limited number of paid positions to qualified applicants for summer internships. If interested, please print out an application and mail it back to us at the address on the form.

Stipends for Host Family Interns

First-time hosted interns receive a set stipend of $160.00 per week. Interns who are invited to return for a subsequent season as senior interns will be offered $200 per week. Room and board are provided for hosted interns.

Payment Policy

Hours are collected on the penultimate Friday of each month, so payday can be on the last Friday.

There are times on the farm when everyone helps out.

In the Summer, when the hay gets ripe, we all pitch in to help stack it in the barn. One can expect this work to continue until sundown.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Drugs and under-aged drinking are prohibited. Such behavior is illegal and does not match the farm’s mission of promoting healthy living. Employees engaged in such behavior will be dismissed immediately.

Ideal Employee

The ideal employee is someone who loves to be outside and with other people; someone who enjoys hard work and someone who is passionate about all aspects of farming.