Company description

Shalom Farms is a nonprofit community farm project working with communities to increase access to healthy food and the support to live healthy lives. We work with thousands of volunteers from all backgrounds each year to produce more than 200,000 pounds of produce. We distribute this produce throughout the Richmond area through a variety of programs and partnerships.

Internship description

The Farmer in Residence (FIR) is a season long, full-time position on Shalom’s 12 acre farm in Powhatan, VA. Under the guidance of the Director of Farm Operations, Farm Manager and Volunteer and Education Manager, the FIR will have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of our sustainable vegetable farm operation, and will be particularly involved in volunteer and educational groups that come out to the farm. FIRs will also participate in one or more of our city-based food access programs. Additionally, FIRs participate in a robust professional development program including regular readings, discussions, and farm field trips to partner farms throughout the season to support the FIR in furthering their education in regenerative farming and food justice.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead volunteers in completion of daily farm tasks.
• With assistance from Volunteer and Education Manager, lead educational programming including farm tours and lessons for visitors of all ages
• Assist with the coordination of volunteer groups, including administrative/office work.
• Assist with field work as assigned. Typical tasks include seeding, planting, harvesting, washing/packing produce, and field prep/maintenance.
• Make produce deliveries to the city as needed.
• Participate in at least one city distribution program.
• Participate in implementation of crop plan.
• Help with the general organization and maintenance of all farm equipment and outbuildings.

Qualities:

• Values diversity and enjoys working with diverse groups, including ability to reach across racial, ethnic, generational, socioeconomic, rural/urban and religious lines.
• Enjoys educating about food justice issues and sustainable agriculture
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Strong desire to learn and grow as a farmer
• Willingness to work hard in difficult weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50 lbs or more.
• Ability to multi-task
• Detail oriented and organized
• Ability to work both alone and with groups
• Ability to take initiative

Preferred Qualifications:

• Farming or gardening experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a supervisory/leadership role is preferred.
• A driver’s license and clean driving record is preferred.

 

For more information, feel free to email, visit our website www.shalomfarms.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram (@shalomfarms).

Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation
Details: Housing in new tiny house that is in walking distance to the farm with lots of amenities (WiFi, heat and A/C, kitchenette, grill, and patio), unlimited produce from the farm, plus monthly living stipend of $750-$850 a month Application instructions Deadlineno deadline