Apprenticeship Opportunities
Apprenticeships are available for the 2010 Season!
Apprenticeship on Burning River Farm is an opportunity to learn aspects of running a small, locally based, for profit vegetable farm. The goal through the season is to grow exceptional, nutritious, clean food, and to improve the quality of the soil for the following season. All aspects of farming will be covered within the perimeters of the season itself. This includes, but is not limited to greenhouse production for transplants, multi-tactical weed management, harvest (lots of harvest!), CSA, farmers market and wholesale, soil management, and generally how to make a living farming. An apprenticeship here plays a dual role. One is in satisfying the need for help on the farm, the other is to provide an opportunity for learning and experience. Therefore, a strong interest in farming as a means to making a living, though not necessary, is strongly recommended. It is important to understand at the outset that mostly, an apprenticeship here means good old fashioned hard work!
The Work
Our days begin at 6 a.m., includes a 2 hour lunch at around 11 a.m. and then we continue to work until 5 p.m. The schedule may change in response to other factors (weather, available daylight, etc.) The day may also run long if situations dictate, but realistic expectations will be set. We work long hours on hands and knees planting, weeding and thinning in addition to the myriad tasks that make up the operation. During the bulk of the season we also spend entire days harvesting, washing and packing vegetables. Please consult with yourself about whether this is what you want to do with your summer before applying! Work also includes starting and maintaining transplants in the greenhouse, prepping and tilling ground for planting, transplanting by hand and transplanter, irrigating in extended dry weather, cover cropping, cultivating, and tractor work of various kinds. We may also work on building and maintenance projects around the farm. Apprentices prepare their own breakfast and are expected to be ready to go at 6 a.m. Some time will be spent at the beginning of the day going over what needs to be accomplished that day and getting organized. When the season gets into full swing there will be a weekly “walk around”. Basically this is a time to check in with all the crops and fields and evaluate what work needs to be done for the next week. Work is done both in groups and individually, so applicants need to be self motivated and be able to listen and take direction.
Cooking skills are a big plus as lunch responsibilities are shared on a rotating schedule.
Prior experience is a plus but is not required. Applicants must be physically capable for outside work in all conditions and able to lift and carry 50 lbs. consistently. Good communications skills are a plus.
The Postions
I will be looking for 5 interns/apprentices for the 2010 season. Two lengths of stay are available. The first is for the full season, from early April until late October (exact dates are flexible). I will be looking for 3 motivated individuals for these positions. This is an opportunity to participate in most of the season from spring greenhouse to fall clean up. These are challenging positions as you will be living and working on the farm for 7 months. This position is ideal for someone who wants to experience a season from start to finish.
2 mid-season positions are also available. These positions run June-August during the busiest time of the summer. This is a good position for someone just getting their feet wet, or bound by a school schedule.
The Deal: Pay, Food, Accommodations and Expectations.
Pay on the farm is in the form of a monthly stipend. Monthly pay is based on experience and references, but starts at $500/month base. Food that is provided includes vegetables from the farm, milk, butter, cheese, bread, eggs, some fruit, peanut butter, bulk grains and beans, pasta and ground beef, etc. The basics. Some items will be purchased at the beginning of the season and when they are gone, it will be the responsibility of the employee(s) to cover additional quantities. These items include honey and maple syrup.
Accommodations for full season positions are small private cabins on the farm. They are cozy enough for one (or a couple) with a loft bed, heat and electricity. Accommodations for mid-season are r.v. trailers on the farm. There will be a shared compost bathroom with shower and a communal kitchen in the harvest shed.
This is an area with wonderful natural beauty, a good community, a food co-op and a cafe nearby, great hiking and swimming and a chance for quiet in a rural setting.
Expectations include an ability and willingness to work hard and have a positive attitude. Cleanliness, respect, self motivation, ability to listen and carry out task, and an enthusiasm for doing a good job are a must.
I look forward to hearing from you!