Company description

Chicken of the Woods Permaculture Farm consists of 5 acres of reclaimed farmland from a 1850's homestead bordered by the 6400 acre Seneca Creek State Park. We grow organic market produce sold through our county's Farm to Food Bank program and indigenous varieties of vegetables focusing on nutrient dense staples for subsistence living. We pasture chickens and ducks and sell extras through a hyperlocal neighborhood CSA membership. As resources allow we grow high CBD hemp for artisanal tea and salve products.

We strictly follow permaculture ethics and principles and do not use synthetic chemicals on any of our soil, plants or in our products.

Throughout the year, we host volunteers and a weekly homeschool cooperative in addition to a wilderness skills homeschool program for elementary-aged children.

At the doorstep to the largest Agricultural Reserve in the country in members of the Moco Alliance Farmers Listserv, we can offer a plethora of additional paid hours on a variety of Montgomery County farms.

Internship description

This apprenticeship consists of four elements:

1. Paid work at Chicken of the Woods and other Montgomery County, MD produce or livestock farms.
2. Administrative agricultural enrichment with Montgomery County governmental and non-profits.
3. Paid work for group harvests or plantings on additional organic Montgomery County, MD produce farms with a complimentary tour by owner or staff.
4. Discounted lodging at Chicken of the Woods Permaculture

The selected individuals will work at Chicken of the Woods Permaculture Farm for 10-15 hours/week @ $15/hr. Apprentice will have a minimum of 40 regular paid work hours at 3-5 local organic farms and can choose to work additional hours if they wish. In addition, opportunities are available throughout the duration to participate in prearranged administrative agricultural enrichment programs at local governmental and nonprofits. We will also offer the option for additional paid work hours at other farms during group harvest or project days with complimentary tours. Private lodging (w/electricity), common area, use of an outdoor kitchen, composting toilet/shower facilities and forested fire ring area are available for $150/month.

Farm duties consist of assisting with the production of vegetables, chicken/goat care, fence repair, landscaping upkeep and a wide variety of other jobs as needed. This position is ideally suited to college students or recent college graduates (although not required) who possess a passion for food and farming, are looking to gain hands-on experience with small-scale, ecological farming practices in addition to permaculture practices and are willing to work hard.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

April 01, 2024