Company description

The 700-acre Oak Spring estate is located in Upperville, VA - which is nestled in the Virginia Piedmont, between the Blue Ridge and Bull Run mountains. The foundation’s mission is to support fresh thinking and bold action on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens, and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. Our Biocultural Conservation Farm (BCCF) plays an important role in fulfilling this mission. Established in spring of 2019, the BCCF’s current objectives are rooted in food production, conservation and education.

Internship description

Oak Spring Garden Foundation is now accepting applications for three full-time seasonal farm apprentices to work on our Biocultural Conservation Farm. These positions will begin early January 2024 and will go until December 2024. The selected individuals will work at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s Biocultural Conservation Farm (BCCF) to assist with the production of vegetables to be used on site, for our small Community Supported Agriculture ‘CSA’, and to be donated to local food banks. In addition to working on the BCCF, the positions will work with our Arboricultural, Conservation and Landscape team for the months of January and February to assist with winter fruit tree pruning and invasive species management. These positions are ideally suited to recent college graduates (not required) with a passion for food, farming, plants and landscapes who are looking to gain hands-on experience with small-scale, ecological farming practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work closely with the Biocultural Conservation Farm (BCCF) team in all farm-related responsibilities, to include:

• Proper care and ongoing maintenance of the production fields, production greenhouse and hoophouse, seed-saving and utility plant plots, cold frames, native pollinator plots, appropriate trees and open spaces.
• Actively participating in all facets of small-scale food production including: bed preparation, planting, watering, weeding, pruning, spreading compost, mulching and propagation of cultivated species.
• Harvesting, washing, packing, weighing, and delivering of fruits and vegetables.
• Managing CSA pick-up in rotation with the rest of the team.
• Maintaining a clean and safe workplace within shared indoor spaces (wash/pack, greenhouses, garage, etc.). Maintenance to include: sweeping, mopping, cleaning and sanitizing of tabletop surfaces, harvest bins and tools, sinks, wash tubs, etc.
• Assist with the maintenance of the seed-saving and utility plant plots (bed preparation, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and cleaning of seed, etc.)
• Assist in the proper care of our pastured poultry flock to include: feeding, changing water, collecting eggs, turning the flock in and out, observing for injuries or illnesses, etc. This may also include assisting in the processing the birds for meat (optional).
• Work a full weekend in a 6-week rotation with the team, March – December. Weekend duties include taking care of chickens, managing field and greenhouse irrigation, light harvesting (depending on season), mowing, weeding, etc.
• Willingness to learn the use of light and heavy equipment and exercise safety precautions when using. Equipment may include: farm pick-up trucks, a BCS two-wheel walk-behind tractor, weed-eaters, leaf blowers, riding lawn mower, etc.
• Willingness to assist in any OSGF and/or farm-related ticketed events as needed. These will include at least two farm-to-table dinners and a fall farm festival day, however other events may be required. Events will be communicated well in advance.
• Engaging with the BCCF volunteers while they are here for their weekly shifts in a positive and welcoming manner. Assisting in answering their questions and demonstrating proper techniques for the assigned task.
• Assist in sharing photography with the OSGF Communications Team.
• Other projects as assigned by the Biocultural Conservation Farm Director.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated interest and passion for food and farming. Experience working on a farm/university farm/market garden/etc. is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of working outside, in varied weather conditions (including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, humidity) in a working farm setting.
• Ability to do repetitive tasks for long periods of time (e.g., weeding, mulching, etc)
• Ability to work quickly, efficiently and thoroughly in every assigned task.
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a team.
• Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills.
• Dependable, collaborative and supportive team player.
• Ability and willingness to operate machinery.
• Must have physical stamina to participate in rigorous outdoor activities.
• Ability to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.
• Willingness to adhere closely to COVID-19 working practices, and must be willing to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pound
• Must have reliable transportation to and from OSGF daily. The Oak Spring estate is located in rural northern Virginia, 15 minutes from the nearest town.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

October 10, 2023