Sustainable Agriculture Apprentice Michigan State University Extension
- Date Posted December 10, 2018
- Location Novi, MI
- Category Agriculture / Education
- Job type Internship/Apprentice
The Sustainable Agriculture Program at Tollgate is looking for two apprentices for the 2019 season. This is a full time job spanning mid-May until mid-October.
The Farm
The sustainable agriculture field totals seven acres with three under cultivation as well as a heated greenhouse for transplant production. We grow more than forty different vegetables for sale to our 120+ member CSA, farm stand and restaurants. Embracing organic growing methods and progressive growing techniques, our production strives to grow food that nurtures soil and human health.
The Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is designed as an intensive introduction into the field of small scale sustainable vegetable agriculture, equipping participants with the technical skills needed to begin their own operation. Apprentices will be responsible for the day to day operation of the farm, including planting, weeding, harvesting and processing the produce. CSA distribution and farm stands will also be operated by the apprentices. At the end of the season, the apprentices will have an excellent handle on the operation of the farm.
Apprentices will be supervised by the Production Manager and the Sustainable Ag. Instructor.
As part of the program, apprentices will engage with textual and online material as well. These more formal learning opportunities will connect the hands on technical training to larger concepts necessary to understand the operation of a farm. Topics covered in the apprenticeship include:
- Crop and soil science
- Financial literacy
- Business and marketing
- Pest and disease control
- Operational management
Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit other organizations that are involved in the local, sustainable food movement, including farms, processing facilities and other relevant businesses. The apprentices will also have the opportunity to assist with other educational programs on site.
Pay is $10/hour. Apprentices will have access to and are encouraged to use the produce from the farm.
Qualifications
Previous farming or gardening experience is not required. Instead we are seeking candidates with a demonstrated interest in sustainability and indications that this experience will inform your future work. Making this connection should comprise the bulk of your application.
Applicants are expected to be physically capable as the job involves completing long stretches of strenuous labor in challenging working conditions. Previous outdoor work experience is desired and the applicant should be able to lift 50+lbs. Please indicate your outdoor and physical working experience in your application.
Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to listen to directions and execute them. This is a crucial element of this job as apprentices are relied upon to become more autonomous as the season progresses. Well developed communication skills, positive energy and a strong work ethic are the most desirable traits in an apprentice.
Applicants are encourage to espouse the qualities that make them unique and how those qualities will contribute to a small team.
The deadline is February 1st, although applicants may be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be informed of an interview opportunity no later than February 8th.
MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.
Compensation this position is : hourlyApplication instructions