Apprentice/Intern Positions @ WCFP Willow Creek Farm Preserve
- Date Posted December 06, 2019
- Location Collegeville, PA
- Category Agriculture / Education
- Job type Full-Time
POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT WILLOW CREEK FARM PRESERVE (WCFP) 2020 SEASON:
APPRENTICE (Early March - Mid-November, 2020)
PROGRAM: The Apprenticeship at WCFP offered March 2nd – November 13th, 2020, is a training program focusing on small-scale regenerative organic farming and farm-based education, with an emphasis on the dynamic connections between food, fiber and the environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- The Apprenticeship Program offers instruction and daily hands-on experience concentrating on the ecological interactions amongst plants, soils, animals, climate, insects, and pathogens. Apprentices work alongside WCFP staff on our 135-acre farm in the orchards, fields and raised bed gardens.
- The Apprentices will be trained and ultimately lead WCFP Educational programming for diverse audiences on a range of farm-based education topics.
- WCFP will provide apprentices time most weeks in a classroom setting, augmented by self-study and reading assignments.
- Apprentices are encouraged to explore their own farming-related interests through time provided during work hours to work on a special project of their choice.
- Apprentices participate in at least four farm tours or off-farm speakers within the region with organizations such as the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) overseen by Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA).
- The Apprenticeship Program highlights the following topics: Introduction to Basics of Regenerative Organic Farming, Transitioning to Certified Organic, Comprehensive Hands-On Training in Conservation Agricultural Practices and Organic Production Management, Introduction to Fruit Tree Production, Introduction to Organic Blueberries and Brambles, Benefits of Sheep in an Orchard, Considerations of Farm-Based Education, Raised Bed Vegetable Production – Seed to Share Garden™, Introduction to Cover Crops, Business Planning and Governmental Considerations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Genuine interest in Regenerative organic farming and strong physical and mental work ethic.
- Responsible and internally motivated to learn and improve one’s skillset and knowledgebase.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work well with others, including co-workers and the public.
- Prior agricultural experience is not required, although any work or study in the field of food or agriculture is a desirable attribute to apprenticeship applicants.
- Experience with education recommended (interest in farm-based education a must); experience in fiber arts a plus (interest strongly recommended); and customer-service background a plus.
- Must be 21+ years of age, pass a Background Check and have a Valid Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Lift/move up to 50lbs, unassisted.
- Carry, bend, kneel and stand for long periods and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Full-time Monday - Saturday (40-45+ hours a week); variable days off and rotating Sunday duties.
- $425/week salary paid bi-weekly; Deduct $100/week w/housing. (Optional housing in farmhouse onsite).
- 3 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 4 Paid Holidays, and 3 days Unpaid Time Off; Veggies from staff garden.
*INTERNSHIPS: Internships are also available for 2020 Season at WCFP (Summer, Spring & Fall); For details visit: www.willowcreekfarmpreserve.org
Application instructions