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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, nutrtious 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 many extra workers, usually college-aged, to help with the market garden operation. Some come in the spring, some during their summer vacation, and some stay on until Thanksgiving.
All workers can expect to be doing some or all of the following jobs:
Making potting soil
Sifting compost or old leaves
Planting cover crops
Planting seeds
Transplanting seedlings
Laying mulch
Weeding
Harvesting
Bunching vegetables
Taking inventory of crops
Going to market
Setting up on picking days
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Putting tools away clean
Packing the van
Selling at farmers markets
Airing baskets
Washing towels and coolers
Unpacking van or truck
Putting away tent, tables, signs, and bags
Refitting the money box
Filling out market sales summery sheet
Creative problem solving
Covering rows with agri-fabric |
 Although our main time for planting is 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 ones 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 three markets per week. At this time we need one team for picking while another team is selling at the market. 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 labor on the farm or sales at the market. Interns are expected to be available to work 1-2 hours in the evening prior to market, to help in packing produce.
Local Helpers
Some workers live in the area and drive to work. They work a daily shift and are paid by the hour. They are hired as pickers and weeders. Their rate of pay is $6.00 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 Wednesday market is from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 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.
Click here to download application
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 cut, bale, and 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.
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