Location: Long Island City, NY
Position Type: Full Time, Saturday to Wednesday schedule
About Grand Frontier Farms:
At Grand Frontier Farms, we're building the future of agriculture with radically productive farming technologies built upon aquaponics and modern CEA. We’re a tight-knit, five-person team of researchers and founders with a successful R&D facility and are developing our first commercial farms.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and hands-on Farm Operations Apprentice to support the daily operations of our aquaponics research facility. As an apprentice, you will work alongside our team, contributing to research projects, facility maintenance, and farm operations. Your role will encompass a diverse range of tasks, from planting and harvesting to maintaining equipment and assisting with experiments. On weekends, you will help to maintain the farm and keep the plants and fish safe.
This role is open to individuals from both academic and self-taught backgrounds who are genuinely passionate about plants, food, farming, and technology. You'll gain hands-on experience across multiple disciplines—from microbiology and plant recipe development to 3D manufacturing and sensor systems. This is an incredible learning opportunity for someone eager to dive in, think critically, and help develop innovative solutions for the farm.
Key Responsibilites
- Assist in daily farm tasks, including planting, harvesting, and processing crops.
- Oversee aquaponic fish care, including feeding, monitoring water quality, and system maintenance.
- Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the lab and farm workspace.
- Conduct experiments, collect data, and document results.
- Assist in general maintenance and upkeep of the facility, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Monitor and maintain farm environmental conditions.
- Operate and maintain 3D printers for farm-related prototyping and repairs.
- Support farmstand and CSA operations, including packaging and distribution of produce.
- Support research efforts and contribute to ongoing improvements in farming methodologies.
Skills & Qualifications
- Academic or practical experience in plant science, agronomy, microbiology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in aquaponics, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, or vertical farming.
- Experience with water quality management, including pH balancing, nutrient monitoring, and microbial analysis.
- Comfortable with basic mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work for farm system maintenance.
- Enthusiastic about working in a hands-on research farm environment.
- Curiosity and problem-solving mindset—able to think critically and explore creative solutions.
- Passionate about research and comfortable working with a variety of collaborators, both internal and external, on research projects and papers.
- Experience with experiment design, sensor technology, or farm automation is a plus.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, work on step ladders, and engage in physical tasks as needed.
Benefits & Compensation
benefits: full health, dental and vision insurance
salary: 40-45k / year
