Farm Apprenticeship

Youth Garden Project Published: November 8, 2018
Location
Moab, Utah
Second Location
Moab, Utah 84532, United States of America
Skill Level
Mid Level, Internship / Volunteer
Job Type
Full-time Internship
Categories
Education / Farm / Organics / Natural Resources/ Restoration

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Description

~ The Youth Garden Project is a non-profit organization in Moab, UT. Our mission is to cultivate healthy children, families, and community through educational programs and the profound act of connecting people with food from seed to table. ~

Position Overview

The Farm Apprentice will have the opportunity to practice organic techniques and skills while working with the Farm Director in managing a combined production and education farm. This is an advanced-level internship designed to provide mentorship and leadership experience for an individual interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

Apprenticeship Details:

  • The Farm Apprenticeship is a full-time commitment from February 6, 2019 to November 22, 2019.
  • The Farm Apprentice will work 40 hours per week with occasional exceptions for special community events.

Responsibilities 

Field work including but not limited to:

  • Planting (direct seeding and transplanting), harvesting, weeding, bed prep and soil amending, mulching, cover cropping
  • Sett long and short term goals and establish task lists for completing work on the farm
  • Collaborate with farm Director in writing and executing a full season farm plan
  • Aesthetic maintenance and improvement of a vibrant and beautiful community space located in the heart of Moab
  • Germinate seeds and propagate plants in our greenhouse. Help to plan and execute a Spring Plant Sale fundraiser that grosses over $10K for the organization
  • Prune and thin fruit trees. Help to implement the conversion of our orchard into a ‘food forest’ model
  • Observe and manage drip and flood irrigation systems
  • Harvest garlic in the summer, plant it in the fall. Attend harvest and planting work parties at a local farm specializing in garlic
  • Implement organic pest control methods
  • Maintain a bin composting system, coordinate with local restaurants in collecting and processing their food waste for our system.
  • Expand efforts and possibilities for growing and saving seed
  • Prepare and implement CSA program
  • Use a hoop house, greenhouse, and grow dome for season extension. Explore opportunities for increased revenues using these spaces throughout the season
  • Regularly work with Youth Program Instructors to incorporate lessons into the farm
  • Collaborate with AmeriCorps VISTAs in building capacity and program development within our organization
  • Use the farm to strengthen and build partnerships with other local non-profit organizations
  • Work with Farm Director in piloting and establishing Work-Based Learning and Summer Job programs with local high school youth
  • Plan tasks and help facilitate volunteer groups and community work-trade volunteers to complete tasks on our farm
  • Care for animals (chickens, cats, rabbits, and fish). Help to establish a new flock of egg layers in Spring 2019

Additional Duties:

  • Work at community events: Farmers’ Markets, Weed ’n’ Feeds, Garden Dinners, etc.
    Help plan and advertise for events: plant sales, fundraisers, potlucks, etc.

Qualifications

Skills Desired:

  • Applicants must be 21 or older.
  • We seek an individual who can confidently demonstrate a well-rounded set of skills associated with growing food. Experience working one full season on a farm or large-scale market garden is required.
  • Applicants should possess a very strong work ethic, positive attitude, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and be in good physical condition (ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs).
  • We expect the apprentice to be reliable, responsible and capable of self-directed work.
  • Candidate must also be a team player, be flexible, and be willing to be involved beyond farm work to occasionally help with programs and special events.
  • A valid driver’s license is required and a clean driving record preferred.

Education Opportunities:

  • Gain leadership experience in organic farming
  • Practice permaculture and natural building techniques
  • Use a commercial kitchen to practice drying, canning, fermenting and otherwise processing produce
  • Develop opportunities for Value-Added Products
  • Take part in a local food system and facilitate place-based learning
  • Meet local agriculture, horticulture, and herbal medicine experts
  • Create opportunities to connect youth and families with gardens, food, and community • Develop community events 
  • Much more!

Compensation

  • The Farm Apprentice will receive a stipend of $800/month. First and last month’s stipend will be pro-rated based on days worked. 5 days of vacation will be available.
  • The Youth Garden Project will provide housing. The Farm Apprentice may move in the weekend before their term begins, and move out by the Monday following the close of the apprenticeship. Any extended stay beyond these times must be approved by the Executive Director.
  • Access to YGP pro deals.

To Apply

  • Please click "Apply" below to e-mail a cover letter and resume to Gabriel Woytek.
  • Please specify that you are interested in the Farm Apprenticeship.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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