PCC ROCK CREEK LEARNING GARDEN AND FARM- FULL FOR 2024

PCC ROCK CREEK LEARNING GARDEN AND FARM- FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP

• PART-TIME (13 hrs/week, split between 2 sites on Portland Community College campus)

• APPROX START & END DATES: 3/1 - 12/1

• HOUSING NOT OFFERED 

• LOCATION: Portland 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? No.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Yes.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Intermediate Spanish, Elementary Swahili.

Rock Creek Farm:

The farm is located in a corner of the PCC Rock Creek campus and it consists of a main barn, cattle lab barn, and 30 acres of pasture. The main barn houses the horses, cattle and sheep and has a classroom. The cattle lab barn has a squeeze chute and alley system for handling and doctoring cows. Although the farm is in the corner of campus and feels fairly remote, it does get a decent amount of visitors on a daily basis. 

The main purpose of the farm is to support the college’s Veterinary Technology program. Students in the program take two large animal classes where they learn how to provide basic medical care for livestock using the animals residing on the farm. We sell a small number of lambs in the spring and calves in the fall (this year we had 30 lambs and 3 calves). We have two John Deere tractors used for seeding and mowing pastures. We practice rotational grazing in spring, early summer, and fall using temporary electric fencing. We practice humane, low stress livestock handling. The farm employs 3-4 part time employees year round. Employees work mainly on weekends and holidays, with occasional weekday work. 

Farm manager Avery has worked on a variety of farms over the past 15+ years. “I have some experience in vegetable production but most of my farming has been with livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, and chickens. The PCC Rock Creek Farm has existed for about 30 years and I have been the farm manager here for 4.5 years. I am experienced at operating equipment including tractors, mowers, skid steers, etc. and knowledgeable about basic livestock medical care. I have years of experience with kidding/lambing and I am a certified sheep shearer. I believe strongly in humane and low-stress livestock handling. I am interested in regenerative agriculture and I love teaching others about farming, as well as learning as much as I can. I have a masters in Ag Science and am working on a doctorate in Ag Education.”

Learning Garden: 

Portland Community College is the largest higher education institution in the state of Oregon. The Rock Creek Campus rests on 250 acres of  Tualatin Kalapuya land in Washington County, 20-30 minutes outside of downtown Portland. The Learning Garden is nestled near the main buildings on campus and consists of 3.5 acres with 50 fruit trees, 50 blueberries, grapes, brambles and many fruits and vegetables. Our campus is also home to wooded trails, the riparian habitat surrounding Rock Creek, a large recreational public park with sports fields operated by Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, as well as the 5 Oaks Museum. 

The Learning Garden produces thousands of pounds of food each season, which are primarily donated to the food pantry on campus. We rely primarily on hand work, but also keep a new BCS walk-behind tractor just in case! We are no-spray, practice extensive cover cropping and are moving towards the production of our own usable compost. Our farm crew is always in flux - we have volunteer hours 9am-1pm Monday-Friday and we meet whoever is volunteering where they're at and re-prioritize based on inclusion. 

The Learning Garden in its current iteration was established in 2012. Miriam has served as the Rock Creek Campus Learning Garden Coordinator since 2017. She ran her own 8-acre farm from 2011-2016, co-owned/operated a 25-acre production from 2006-2011, and worked on other peoples' farms from 1999-2003. She is interested in seed-saving, seed stories and the dignity of all living creatures.  

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Farm: 

On a daily basis, the main tasks to be done are feeding and watering livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. In the spring and fall we graze rotationally, so Apprentices will learn about rotational grazing and putting up temporary electric fencing. Apprentices will learn basic livestock handling and basic medical care including administering injections, oral dosing, deworming, trimming hooves, etc. In the spring, we shear the sheep and Apprentices will get to be a part of that process and learn the basics of shearing. Apprentices will learn how to operate tractors and attach various implements. Apprentices will learn about the basics of managing a farm such as record keeping and maintaining a budget. 

This position will have approximately 6 hours per week of work on the farm. Of those 6 hours, 3-4 hours will be working/learning with the primary farmer during the week, and 2-3 hours will be working solo on the weekends to feed the animals. The weekday schedule can be flexible and will be created in coordination with the primary farmer, and the weekend schedule will be created quarterly in coordination with the current farm employees. Time off requests given at least two weeks in advance will be granted. 

Teaching skills through demonstration and working alongside the apprentice will allow me to provide instruction and training, specifically for the bigger tasks beyond feeding, such as trimming sheep hooves and moving cows. Once the Apprentice feels comfortable with the daily farm tasks, they will have autonomy to work on their own. Avery will always make myself available for questions and check-ins. A more formal check-in/meeting can occur monthly, or more frequently based on how the apprentice is feeling. 

Learning Garden: 

Crop-planning is collaborative. Greenhouse work begins in Feb. We plant, cultivate, harvest, wash and deliver food together. Efficiency does not dictate here! However, Miriam can offer insights based on her 15 years of production experience. 

Our production is highly unpredictable because of our ethic of working in community, where building trust and creating learning opportunities are valued more highly than task completion. That said, because the majority of work is by hand, it is possible and probable that work will be physical and conditions may not always be easy. 

The goal is to co-create a schedule that allows for 3-4 hours of labor in partnership, 2-3 hours of solitary labor pursuing a special project, and 45 minutes to an hour a week for check-ins, questions, and reflection.                                                                                                              

QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness to learn, honest communication, reliability, and attention to detail 

• Considerate communication skills 

• A genuine delight for people and plants

COMPENSATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS 

Farm and Learning Garden:  

$15.45 per hour 

The Apprentice can attend on-farm community education classes for free. Also available is: a share in the harvest, seeds and entry into the PCC hiring system and diverse community of students, staff, faculty and campus neighbors. 

The PCC Rock Creek site  is located in a semi-urban area of Portland with various options for housing close by. There is low-cost housing in the area, and the campus is served by public transportation. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Farm:

The farm is open to visitors and everyone is welcome here. PCC has a diverse student population and the farm is a place for students, staff, and the surrounding community to come and interact with the animals and ask questions. 

Learning Garden: 

As LG coordinator Miriam has been building relationships for years with colleagues in Accessible Education and Disability Resources, the Dreamer Center, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and so many other departments on campus. This has guided the direction of the garden and created a welcoming space for everyone who wants to be in the garden. 

Avery Tompson, Farm Manager PCC Rock Creek

Miriam, Learning Garden Coordinator

https://www.pcc.edu/rock-creek-farm/

https://www.pcc.edu/sustainability/on-campus/rock-creek/rock-creek-learning-garden/

Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm - FULL FOR 2024

Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm- FULL FOR 2024 

• POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP 

• PART TIME (20-30 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: 4/15 -5/15 to 10/1-11/1

• LOCATION: Boring (PORTLAND CHAPTER)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Ideally.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Some team members speak conversational Spanish.

2023 was our first year of production on this land, and we’ve been experimenting with no/low-till strategies for growing our annual vegetables to great success. This means there is a lot of hand work, including weeding, harvesting, and removing plants at the end of their cycle to leave roots in place whenever possible. Though we are not certified organic, we do not use pesticides or herbicides, and take a “from the soil up” approach - meaning we aim to build the appropriate soil biome for plants to thrive in using natural methods, and aim to keep the soil growing plants or in a protective cover as much of the year as possible. We are in the beginning stages of learning about the soil food web and how we can support this biome, and look forward to any experience or knowledge a potential apprentice can contribute. We believe farming is a constant learning experience that should be fluid, so we adapt our methods on a daily basis to account for the needs of the plants and those of us who tend them. In the winter, our fields are partially cropped to late-fall and over-wintered vegetables, cover crops, and partially covered with compost and tarps to ensure we have fertile ground ready to be planted in early spring. We have  newly-established perennial native plantings along our learning garden, as well as a small stand of mature blueberries and various herbs bordering our in-ground and raised beds. Finally, we have a mature orchard featuring apples, plums, pears and cherries, which we plan to refurbish in 2024 to better utilize the crop for our programs. 

So far, our farm crew consists of one full-time farmer (Drew), three staff on harvest and transplanting days as needed, a part-time farm assistant, and additional support from board members and volunteers during work parties and other events. 

We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and our produce is provided at no cost to the recipients through donations to local food pantries in east Multnomah county, as well as through a farm-to-table meal delivery program that we piloted this year. With this new program, patients of Wallace, a medical clinic in Rockwood, received weekly meals prepared and delivered to them by Milk Crate Kitchen, a non-profit production kitchen. We also set up a weekly, free farm stand onsite at the clinic where patients received fresh produce to take home. Our educational programs are constantly growing, so field trips and workshops involving school-age children as well as adults are a regular occurance on and off the farm. Finally, we have 6 laying hens and 1 rooster, which we hope to incorporate into the fertility plan of the farm by utilizing manure and “chicken tillage” of cover crop residue, as well as their pest management capabilities. 

We are situated on 5 acres just outside Boring, Oregon - 30 miles east of downtown Portland, 57 miles from Mt. Hood, and surrounded by some of the best natural beauty and recreational opportunities in Oregon. Approximately ⅓ of an acre of our farm is in no/low-till, mixed annual vegetables, and another acre is planted to boysenberries which are currently leased and managed by a nearby Organic certified farmer. We have a large learning garden with several raised and in-ground beds, as well as perennial native plantings, blueberries, and herbs, as well as a small, mature orchard of apple, plum, pear and cherry trees. There is a large shop which contains our packing/storage/refrigeration, a seed propagation greenhouse, and a home which serves as our office/communal kitchen/meeting space. 

Drew is the primary farmer/Farm Operations Manager at TCF. We are a small team of just 1 part-time and 3 full-time employees (plus an awesome Board of Directors), so on any given day each of us may be helping out in the field, learning garden, orchard, or supporting each other with other tasks not directly related to growing food. Though TCF was established just 2 years ago (2023 being our first season on our current land), Drew has 10+ years of farming experience, having previously owned my own CSA/market farm south of Eugene, Oregon, where he also grew using natural methods but with a more traditional tillage approach. Drew noticed that repeated tillage had a very detrimental effect on the soil and thus the crops, but didn’t have the resources needed to implement some of the exciting no/low-till methods we use here at Thimbleberry. He believes that farming and tending plants comes naturally to most people, so his general philosophy is that there is no “right” way to do something. That being said, through repeated trial and error he has developed preferences for how to approach tasks, and will expect anyone helping on the farm to utilize these techniques unless agreed otherwise. We have found that it is easy to become myopic in farming, so we encourage questions about the “why” of any given task or technique. Generally, we find farmers to be some of the smartest, most ingenuitive people around, and have no doubt that we can learn much from even the greenest thumb. We value direct communication, consistency, punctuality, hard work, laughter/fun, and camaraderie amongst the staff and community that surrounds us at TCF. One of our favorite parts of working at the farm is our weekly staff meal, prepared mostly with ingredients from the fields! 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will primarily be involved in the day-to-day physical operations of the farm, including, seed propagation, transplanting, weeding, cover crop establishment/management, drip irrigation installation and management, harvesting, washing/packing/delivering produce, small machinery/hand tool operation (BCS walk-behind tractor, mower, weed whacker, stirrup hoes, shovels, etc.), compost production, chicken care, record keeping, and various other tasks related to the smooth operation of the farm. Occasionally, Apprentices may support other staff in activities such as field trips, workshops, or tabling at farm stands/farmer’s markets/events. In addition, Apprentices have the opportunity to engage in aspects of the non-profit side of the farm, such as supporting fund-raising events like our annual harvest celebration or community nights facilitated by local businesses. Much of the farm management aspect of the farm such as crop-planning, seed ordering, and budgeting is done during the winter months, so exposure to learning experiences in these areas will be limited, though time can be set aside to discuss these aspects if desired. Since we are not a typical “market” farm, experience in the retail, direct to consumer aspects common with many small farm operations such as farmers markets and CSA programs won’t be provided, though our farm-to-table program will provide experience in setting up a farm stand and interacting with other nonprofits serving the community. 

Typical start time is between 8-9am Monday-Friday, depending on the required task, and will generally end by 4:30pm, with Monday/Wednesday/Friday being harvest days and therefore requiring the most support. We do not generally work more than 8 hours on any given day. The majority of a prospective apprentice’s time will be spent supporting harvesting, washing, weeding, and transplanting crops. Essentially, every day is a “training day” in the sense that through repetition and working side-by-side with the Farm Operations Manager, the Apprentice will gain a thorough understanding of the day to day operation of the farm. Detailed training in other aspects of the farm will be determined through our regular check-ins and identifying gaps in knowledge or proficiency in real time. Questions about processes and techniques are encouraged to ensure work can be done safely and efficiently, and that the Apprentice ends the season with as comprehensive an understanding as possible. 

Time off requests will be granted within reason and with 2 weeks advance notice, to ensure the workload can be covered by existing staff. At this time, we are unable to offer paid time off, and will need to limit time off to sick days and shorter duration absences. However, we are flexible and happy to work with prospective Apprentices to find a consistent schedule that works for everyone. 

Occasionally, Apprentices may be asked to support staff during other activities that occur during irregular work hours, such as weekend volunteer days, evening events, etc., or in non-farming related events such as community workshops or field trips. These activities are an important part of TCF, and are integral to our function as a non-profit, educational farm serving the surrounding community. 

Most instruction and learning will be through hands-on application of farming techniques in day-to-day operations. Support such as reading materials in specific areas such as soil test interpretation, low/no-till techniques, etc., will be provided throughout the season when appropriate. Regular check-ins with the Farm Operations Manager and/or our Executive Director will help narrow in on prospective areas of mutual growth and development, and additional support and time to focus on filling knowledge gaps will be provided. Depending on hourly availability, Apprentices may attend weekly staff meetings to stay engaged with overall operations when appropriate. Drew will be working closely with Apprentices on a daily basis in the field, so there will be ample opportunity to ask questions, explore and deepen technical abilities, and work together to ensure all learning goals are met. Regular evaluations and feedback will be provided on a mutual basis, both formally and informally. 

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

We can offer $16/hour and access to food from the farm. We would also reimburse for RFC tuition. 

Local housing options in case a placement is coming into the area and needs housing: Rentals in Portland are fairly expensive and can be difficult to come by, and would require a commute of 30 minutes to an hour, depending on location. The surrounding community of Boring may be somewhat limited as well due to its smaller size, but nearby Gresham may provide more affordable options and a quicker commute. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Generally, a farm apprentice here at TCF needs to have a strong work ethic, good communication (direct and respectful), be punctual, and have an ability to be flexible and self-motivated to jump in and support wherever they are needed. An ability to work outside in various weather conditions, as well as tolerate days consisting mostly of physical labor and some repetitive tasks are essential. Consistency and attention to detail, as well as a desire to learn through trial and error are a benefit, and a desire to support our under-served community members is essential. A good sense of humor and ability to have fun while we work is one of the core values here at TCF, as well! 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Equity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission at TCF. Every aspect of our physical farm and learning garden space was created with accessibility in mind; From our semi-raised, permanent bed systems in the row crop area, to the permanent raised and ADA accessible beds and traversable paths in our learning garden, we’re making continuous improvements to ensure access for everyone. As collaboration is a key aspect of our organization, we treat each person we come in contact with as a potential partner/teacher and valued voice in the co-creation of our farm and the greater food system we inhabit. Our mission to increase access to free/affordable, healthy food for low-income, underserved communities is the guiding principle that ensures we are making the greatest impact on food justice and security that we can as a small organization. Partnerships with local schools and organizations that are already working to support these communities increase our potential to help create a strong and lasting network that can bolster existing efforts towards these goals. Undergirding everything is a sense of humility and openness to new ideas, perspectives, and educational opportunities. As a staff, we’ve incorporated weekly readings and film screenings in order to educate ourselves about the current and historical issues facing the various cultural communities that make up East Multnomah County, especially issues related to food systems and agriculture. We use what we learn in these weekly discussions to shape our programs, design our educational curricula and crop plans, inform our relationship-building efforts with community partners, as well as our team recruitment efforts, and more. Finally, we acknowledge that lived experience is a crucial component in an individual’s desire and ability to contribute to the work of food justice, and weigh it equally with other considerations when reviewing applicants for all positions within our organization. 

Drew

www.thimbleberrycollaborativefarm.org

Saur Farming

SAUR FARMING

• POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP 

• FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: mid April - mid Nov

• LOCATION: Hood River (Portland Area)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Strongly preferred.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English.

Anastasia and Ben started Saur Farming in 2011 just outside of Hood River, Oregon. After four seasons we moved up the valley to Parkdale, where we have been farming since. We farm on 10 acres; 2 acres in veggie production, 2 in pasture, and 5 in forest. We provide produce and cut flowers to our local thriving Farmers Market, a small CSA, and to many restaurants and wholesale customers in the area. 

Our goal has been to build healthy community through healthy soil and food. We farm using organic methods but are not certified. Cover crops, compost, and ecological habitat projects help to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

We use draft horses for many tasks around the farm including soil preparation and cultivation, compost and manure spreading, forest management, etc. We also use a BCS walk-behind tractor for mowing and final bed preparation.

Our fields of veggies are farmed intensively using much hand work. We are a detail oriented farm crew that strive to do good work; we value clean rows and high quality crops. In order to make a living farming, us and our crew must be efficient in all we do; working intently, smartly, and quickly is the name of the game. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Our crew members will be doing nearly everything on the farm, including  soil and bed prep, transplanting, trellising, weeding, harvesting, manure management, wash & pack, etc. We do not require previous experience, but we do require that staff come with an attitude that is ready to learn and continually progress in their skills and tasks. You will learn a ton about organic systems, small scale efficiency, and the thousand day to day tasks it takes to run a small vegetable farm.

Our staff does not work with the horses on a daily basis, but they do interact with them at times throughout the season. 

The work will be full time during the main season (May through mid November), with possible part-time work before and after. Expect lots of manual labor: lifting, carrying, bending, shoveling, etc. Staff needs to be able to lift and carry 50lb bags repeatedly. We work outside all day long throughout the season, so being able to work joyfully in all weather is essential. We are a small, tight crew where each member is a large part of what makes this farm function and if staff doesn’t show up for work the entire farm suffers. We can accommodate some time off requests, but that should be the exception not the rule, come ready to work.

Training and teaching will consist of daily morning meetings, in field instruction, as well as weekly check-ins to ensure the apprentice is understanding the week’s work. You will be learning from the farmers as well as our crew leader. There will be monthly ‘classes’ for bigger picture teaching that will address the seasonal dynamics of the farm and general organic farm practices. We love to teach and encourage our staff to ask questions and be inquisitive. 

We also have seasonal employee reviews where we give feedback on job performance as well as provide time to listen to each staff member. 

We take ‘field trips’ throughout the season to either do something fun or to go check out other farms in the area. We work hard but laugh a lot and have a great time. You will feel like family by the end of the season.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

Starting wage is $15.50/hr with reviews and probable raises throughout the season. We also offer bonuses throughout the season based on performance, and an end of year bonus for those who finish out the season. 

No housing offered. Housing in this area can be challenging (expensive), but we do know a lot of people in the area and can help to find something.

QUALIFICATIONS

Apprentices must have good communication skills, stable mental health, the ability to follow directions and take feedback (not always positive). Attention to detail, good physical abilities, and an overall pleasant demeanor and good attitude is mandatory. You must work well with a team and show up everyday with a desire to learn and do good work. 

Communication is a key component for how our farm is run. We communicate our expectations and instructions and expect our crew to be communicating with us. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Farming on a small & sustainable scale often attracts people from different backgrounds and marginalized communities, everyone is welcome here.

Anastasia and Ben.

Saurfarming.com

Tumbleweed Farm- FULL FOR 2024

Tumbleweed FaRM-FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: 5/1 - 10/27

• LOCATION: Parkdale (Portland Chapter, Columbia River Gorge)

• ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English.

Taylor and Andrea Bemis have owned and operated Tumbleweed Farm since 2012.  We learned how to farm on Taylor’s family’s 60 acre organic vegetable and fruit farm in Massachusetts.  We started out on our own on leased land up the road from us, then purchased this land in 2013 and have been farming here ever since.  Our strongest farming value is to add more to the soil than we are taking.  Our goal is to continue to produce/sell more on the same amount of land each year.  We strive to achieve this by improving our strategies, infrastructure and equipment to make things easier, simpler, smoother and faster.  Off the farm our interests include raising two wonderful girls, cooking, skiing, trail running, golf, pond hockey and whackin’ a few beers whenever the opportunity presents itself.  

We are on a 6 acre parcel on the North side of Mount Hood.  We cultivate 2.5 acres of that.  We have one propagation house and 2 unheated hoop houses (20x96 and 30x96).  The East Fork irrigation canal is our Eastern property line and our irrigation source.  We are a 6 minute drive to Parkdale and a 15 minute drive to Hood River.  Lots of recreational opportunities nearby.  The Mount Hood Parkdale community is fun, welcoming and supportive.  

We grow a diverse array of vegetables (along with melons and strawberries) for our 140 share CSA and the Hood River Farmers Market.  Though we have not pursued certification we grow organically and are committed to a zero spray policy.  For pest control we use row cover and crop rotation.  For soil health we incorporate 150 yards of compost and 6 tons of chicken manure every Spring.  For field prep we use a spader and rototiller behind a 23 horse power tractor.  For final bed prep/stale bedding we use a BCS 853 with a power harrow.  For weed control we use scuffle hoes, trapezoid hoes and tractor mounted basket weeders, finger weeders and sweeps.  We do 75% overhead irrigation, 25% drip.  Our farm crew is typically made of four members on harvest days and 2-3 on other days. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

The primary tasks our crew members are responsible for are propagation, planting, deploying row cover, hoeing/weeding, harvesting, washing, packing and the farmers market.  Irrigation, some BCS work, flame weeding and direct seeding are tasks that can be explored.  Additional duties arise throughout the season including thinning carrots/beets and cleaning garlic and onions.  

Start and end dates are flexible within 2-3 weeks.  The work day is generally 7-4 with a one hour lunch break.  The focus of work is on quality initially and speed once quality is understood.  Crew members are expected to be able to carry and stack heavy crates.  Time off is ideally avoided but is allowed for crucial circumstances.  

We will be working alongside the crew a lot of the time but not always.  We always include the crew in the full picture of what is going on and what is happening to the field before and after the crew’s roles.  There is always time to ask/answer questions and to accompany the pre-harvest field walks.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are most excited by applicants who are enthusiastic about farming and motivated to work hard and fast.  Previous farming experience is not required.  Previous experience working in fast-paced and sometimes stressful situations is preferred.  

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

Compensation is $15/hr plus any and all produce you’d like to bring home.  

On-farm housing offered for both Apprentices in a 2 bedroom ADU on 4th Ave in downtown Parkdale. It’s a 7 minute drive from the farm (5 miles away), and an extremely short walk to the grocery store, laundromat, coffee shop, and restaurants. For employees of the farm rent is $300/room, utilities included.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Anyone willing to put forth their best effort is welcome here.  We stay in constant communication with crew members directly as well as our crew leader about how everyone is getting along and will address issues as they arise.  We have employed a crew for five seasons now and have found farming to be a great uniter.  

Taylor, Andrea, and kids

https://gotumbleweed.com

https://www.instagram.com/tumbleweed.farm/

Witte Flower Farm- FULL FOR 2024

Witte Flower Farm-FULL FOR 2024

• ​​POSITIONS: 1 Apprenticeship

• 1 FULL TIME (30-40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: March 1-April 15 to Oct 1-Nov 30

• LOCATION: Salem (Willamette Valley, Portland Chapter)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? No, but there is no public trans to the farm

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred, but not imperative.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English.

Witte Farm is located on 25 acres in South Salem, Oregon. The farm has beautiful views of a pond, our neighbor’s vineyard and the Cascades. We grow cut flowers for weddings, events and the Portland Flower Market on 2+ acres with the remaining acres in pasture. Our crops include a wide variety of flowering shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals – with flower crops blooming from March through October. The farm connects to walking/riding trails along the ridge line. We are just 4 miles from town, 10 minutes from the Willamette River, 45 minutes from Portland and an hour from the ocean. It is a beautiful spot, and we love sharing our farm with others.

The Farm has a diversified sales approach that includes wholesale flowers delivered to our local grocery and the Portland Flower Market, direct sales to the public and bulk orders direct to floral designers for weddings and events, as well as on farm workshops.

We provide subscription floral arrangements to local restaurants, businesses and homes, as well as floral design for events. We host a large dahlia tuber sale in the spring and a large bulb sale in the fall with local and shipped products. We grow many heirloom varieties of blooms and dry volumes of seed heads and flowers for winter sales. 

Although not certified organic, we use organic practices and a no-till biodynamic approach to build healthy soil and ecosystems. We are pollinator certified. We arrived on this land 10 years ago. A former Christmas tree farm, the soil was depleted and lifeless. Much of our work has focused on healing the ecosystem. We have a deep interest in rehabilitating farmland to create diverse habitats, healthy soil biology and water retention capabilities. 

Our farm crew consists of two owners, a farm manager and two farm hands.  Apprentices are involved in all aspects of farming, and receive mentorship in sourcing seed, soil health, growing, harvesting techniques, and developing wholesale and retail sales. We supplement our farm income with agritourism and farm stays. Apprentices will help us with hosting and sharing our farming activities with guests in the summer.

Kristin is a 4th generation farmer, starting with her great-grandparents’ homestead in the late 1800s. She has been growing flowers for decades and started this flower farm 8 years ago. She has a deep interest in rehabilitating farmland to create diverse habitats, healthy soil biology and water retention capabilities. Mike was a builder before farming, and he has an amazing collection of tools and the knowledge to build or fix anything. He loves working with interns to share his building and mechanical skills and there will be many hands-on projects throughout the season.  In an earlier life, Mike owned a bakery in Corvallis and he loves to share his creations.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices receive training on all aspects of cut flower farming: seed sourcing, propagation, planting, cultivation, irrigation (overhead and drip), harvesting, processing, floral design, wholesale and retail sales, agritourism including glamping guests and workshops, construction, livestock fencing, honeybee hives care (if interested), and general farm maintenance.

 Weekly planning sessions and daily mentorship with our farm manager will give you a broad introduction to a market garden style of farming. Expect to work in most weather conditions and occasionally lift/carry 50 lbs. The farm is open 7 days a week and we can accommodate most work schedule preferences as long as the schedule remains stable during the season. 

QUALIFICATIONS

A kind person who has a passion for growing flowers, an interest in learning no-till and biodynamic farm practices and habitat creation, as well as a strong desire to share this world with the public through on farm workshops and activities.

We love our farm, and we want to share it with happy people who will collaborate to make this a wonderful place to live and work.  You need a strong work ethic, a creative approach to solving all manner of challenges and a love of working outdoors. It helps to have a strong body that can manage bending and kneeling, good stamina, and the ability to lift 50 lbs. occasionally.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$15/hour, step increases possible on quality and quantity of production work.

We have excellent cell service and internet on the farm. Free and fast Wi-Fi provided.

Apprentices can share our veggie garden and there is additional space to grow crops if interested.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We welcome all races, orientation, gender and spiritual beliefs on the farm. We strive to be a safe and positive space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA folks and a welcoming community for workers and visitors alike. We strive to be a kind, joyful and supportive place to work. 

Kristin

https://www.instagram.com/wittefarm/

https://www.witteflowerfarm.com/

Our Table Cooperative- FULL FOR 2024

Our Table Cooperative- FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 1 FULL TIME

• APPROX START & END DATES: May 1-September 30

• HOUSING NOT OFFERED 

• WAGE: $16.50/hr or DOE

• LOCATION: Sherwood (Portland Chapter) 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? NO

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, some Spanish

Our Table is entering its twelfth year of production in the Portland area. We farm on 58 acres of land about 20 miles south of Portland. We raise a variety of crops, including vegetables, blueberries, strawberries and apples. A year-round creek, a large pond, varying topography and a lovely view of Mount Hood. Our Table has the unique perk of operating an on-site grocery store and kitchen, which provide locally sourced food to the surrounding community and a venue in which to host events like farm dinners and stone-fired pizza happy hours. The farm has easy access to both town and country. Nearby are the towns of Sherwood and Wilsonville, with parks and restaurants, and also the sprawling vineyards and hills of Yamhill County. The farm crew consists of six to seven people between annual and perennial productions, and the store/kitchen employs another ten. 

We grow vegetables intensively on 3 acres, with an additional 3 acres cultivated in annual cover crops. We use no-till, raised bed practices in the production fields, 4 hoop houses, and 6 caterpillar tunnels. The perennial side of the farm includes fruit and nut trees, 8 acres of blueberries, 4 strawberry tunnels, and beekeeping. We supply produce weekly for a seasonal CSA, and our other sales outlets are through stores (including our on-site store) and restaurants in the larger Portland metropolitan area.

TRAINING & EXPECTATIONS

Apprenticing at Our Table includes an all-encompassing vegetable farm experience. Candidates can expect to be involved in the entire life cycle of growing vegetables, including bed preparation, seeding in the propagation house, transplanting, direct seeding, cultivation, harvest of over 70 varieties, and washing/packing of produce. The apprentice would participate in practices of tarping, composting in several forms, mulching, and other methods involved in regenerative soil practices. The Apprentice would have the opportunity to be trained and to use equipment such as a BCS, front-loading tractors, flail mowers, a JANG seeder, irrigation risers and pump, among others. The Apprentice will have access to the seasonal planting plan, as well accounts, sales, and farm financials for a comprehensive understanding of the logistical side of farming. Finally, the Apprentice would be responsible for tending the CSA pick-up tables for our members on Wednesday of every week. 

Our Table is offering an Apprenticeship from May 1 through September. We have some flexibility on specific start/end dates. A work week will average 40 hrs a week. Daily start times vary seasonally and according to daylight, but a typical day begins at 6.30 a.m. and ends when the work is done, usually by 3 p.m. On Wednesdays from June-September, the Apprentice will work a slightly later shift (10.30 a.m.-6 p.m.) in order to staff the CSA pick-up on farm.
Because Our Table runs a relatively small production, members of the annual crew are often working side by side. Andrew and Karen are farm co-managers and oversee different aspects of the business. Candidates can expect to work alongside Andrew on a daily basis, learning core concepts and daily functions. If the Apprentice has a desire to master a particular skill or to gain responsibility in specific areas (irrigation, cultivation, compost, etc), we welcome that sort of ownership. There are constant opportunities to ask Andrew, Karen or any of the other crew members questions pertinent to the farm operation or planning. Over the years, Andrew has developed a love for studying soil science, integrating both humor and efficiency in daily workflow, and mastering a comprehensive knowledge of systems he encounters on the farm.  Karen holds a wealth of information about the cooperative model, the CSA, sales, and the history of the farm. The crew holds regular check-ins as a group. Reading material will be provided and encouraged.

COMPENSATION & ACCOMODATIONS

We are able to offer an Apprentice a wage of $16.50/hr or more depending on experience, as well as a few other benefits such as discounts from our on-site grocery store/kitchen and produce and fruit from the farm. Apprentices will accrue paid time off hourly.

Opportunities are available to participate in farm events, educational activities, and various other projects at the Cooperative. 

We are five minutes from Sherwood, OR, a town of 20,000 people, and within easy driving distance (20 miles) of the greater Portland metropolitan area. Apartments, rooms, and shared housing options are plentiful in the area. 

No vehicle is required to fulfill an Apprenticeship at Our Table, but an apprentice would be responsible for their transportation to and from the farm.

QUALIFICATIONS

Our Table is seeking an Apprentice who is detail oriented, enjoys working in a group, and is motivated to streamline learning and workflow. Communication and cohesion in our crew are highly prioritized, as is the ability to listen to one another. The work is mostly physical, but requires a sharp mind, good judgment, and a great sense of humor. We would prefer to welcome someone with prior vegetable farming experience and a general interest or commitment to this kind of work beyond a single experience. The Apprenticeship involves daily lifting (up to 50 lb.), bending, walking, etc, with almost all of the time spent moving or on your feet.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

At Our Table we are dedicated to impartiality in processes and relations in all aspects of the cooperative. We value an atmosphere of belonging and ownership devoid of any judgment. We encourage open communication, speaking up, regular morale check-ins, and desire to foster a space that is not only all-inclusive and comfortable, but one that allows both individuals and the collective to thrive.

Our Table Cooperative farm crew

www.ourtable.us/

Peachwood Orchard

PEACHWOOD ORCHARD

• POSITION: 1-2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• PART TIME (up to 40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: 6/1 - 9/15

• LOCATION: Hood River (Portland Area)

• ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Spanish.

Peachwood Orchards is an organic peach orchard located in traditional lands of Wasco, Wishram, and Chinook- known as Hood River, Oregon. With a stunning view of Mt. Hood along a small creek are 3.5 acres of peaches and our home. We’re about 5 miles from downtown Hood River and a short drive to many hikes, swimming holes, and waterfalls. An eBike is available for trips to town or around the valley. Our house is on the property as well as a large shed for tools, cold storage, a shop for woodworking and repairs, and a small greenhouse/shed. There is an outdoor common kitchen and shower, next to a parked ¾ size school bus. Indoor bathroom with storage.

David and Alma live and work on the farm with their sweet dog Whoopie. Alma and Whoopie dog work in the orchard full-time in the summer, while Dave works in the local hospital full-time but somehow manages to put in full-time work in the orchard as well. Alma is first-generation Xicana, her passion for agriculture launched her into orcharding for the past 4.5 years. As a child, she watched her grandfather work in his milpa in Zacatecas, Mexico following through the fields and always asking questions– wanting to emulate him. We like to host family and friends in our house in the summer and Alma loves to cook traditional foods and share meals whenever there’s a chance. Alma is involved in social and environmental justice organizations in the community and is on the board of a food access non-profit. Typically we host between 2-4 volunteers through WWOOF and other organizations. The orchard is largely run by us, we may have support from 1-2 part time employees during the busy parts of the season. 

We have been certified organic through Oregon Tilth for the past 5 years. There are about 300 peach trees on the property along with 20 blueberry bushes, Tayberries, plums, and several 25x15ft garden plots. We sell at farmer’s markets, through a local farmer’s cooperative, restaurants, grocery stores, to CSAs, and breweries- even had a beer named after Alma this season made with our peaches! We particularly enjoy being part of the Portland BIPOC market and welcoming other people onto the farm to learn. Opportunities for growing seed for saving heirloom varieties. We make donations to several food banks, and many other groups/organizations.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

We expect an Apprentice to be respectful of the land and community we work with. We expect you to be on time and keep your commitments. Work week will be an average of 40 hours, 5 days a week, including Saturday. Expect to work between 8-10 hours during the peak time in June, and August with other times of the season to average between 6-8 hour work days in July. We ask that you be available to help with Saturday farmer’s markets each week during August and September.

June through September will have plenty of opportunities to thin fruits and learn how to harvest peaches at peak ripeness. There are opportunities to learn about accounting, record keeping, and account management. Alma typically cans, freezes, ferments, dehydrates peaches and is happy to share her knowledge. 

June-July: Thinning fruits, management of orchard floor. This is a time to learn irrigation repair and maintenance for the rest of the seasons. July will be focused on gardens and seed-saving projects, as the peaches ripen. We work on the small gardens and experiment with no-till management. 

August-September: Peach harvest, packing, record-keeping, and managing sales/accounts. Preparing for market and other sales. Preparing and running farmer’s markets. Processing harvest. 

Optional: Restoration projects along the creek that runs through our property include: mitigation of opportunistic plant species, establishing pollinator habitat, and planting of native shrubs. 

We intend to work alongside Apprentices, there will be specific demonstration and training at the beginning and we will make ample time to be available and work together to allow for questions to come naturally. Independence of work will be gained with experience and based on the comfort developed with each task. The extent of supervision will depend on experience and on the nature that we’ll often be working together.

QUALIFICATIONS

Some experience working in agriculture is preferred. We’re looking for people who are interested in and/or already engaged with orchard work. Good work ethic is important for long days of work as well as ability to work well in a team, and clearly communicate. We ask that you are open to working with people of diverse races, gender, sexual orientations, and cultures. A phone call and visit to the farm are required prior to placement, we are open to doing a Zoom tour in case you’re not able to physically visit. Some flexibility on dates if communicated clearly and early. Ability to lift 50lbs and be on your feet for hours at a time.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

We are still determining our exact wage for 2024, which will take into consideration cost for on-farm housing.

Housing is in a ¾ size school bus parked on the farm with light and heat provided, next to an outdoor communal kitchen and shower. There is an enclosed bathroom with toilet and potable water. Kitchen has a propane stove, hot water kettle, sink, food storage, and small fridge. There is cell service and access to WIFI and our laundry/dryer. A list of basic food staples will be provided and resupplied throughout the season as well as access to food grown in the garden and all the peaches you can eat. No smoking, please be responsible about drinking. Visitors may be welcome but please check with us and others living on the farm beforehand. We love to share meals but are limited to our availability/schedules.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and aim to nurture an environment of respect and dignity for all individuals. Our farm welcomes aspiring farmers of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and cultural backgrounds.

Alma Gaeta

https://www.hoodriverpeaches.com/

https://www.instagram.com/peachwood_orchard/

Quackenbush Farm- FULL FOR 2024

QUACKENBUSH FARM- FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: April 1 - Oct 31 (option to stay through November)

• LOCATION: Eagle Creek (Portland Chapter)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred, no required

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Basic Spanish.

Quackenbush Farm is located in the beautiful Clackamas River Valley, about 30 minutes southeast of Portland.  Our focus has primarily been diversified, organic, fresh market veggies. The farm is a thriving business with our main markets being our weekend farmer’s markets, wholesale (school districts), restaurants, and a small on-site farm stand.

Our production methods revolve around intensive, sustainable annual crop production.  We are certified organic and utilize a variety of conservation practices to minimize our impact on the land and soil, including cover cropping, crop rotations, reduced tillage, pollinator plantings and hedgerows, and more. 

The farm family and crew this year will include Jennifer and Matt, our assistant farm manager, two to three farm crew members and apprentices, 2 market crew, and our team of weekly harvest volunteers and workshares.

Quackenbush Farm started in 2013 as a partnership between 4 friends. We were young, motivated, and wanted to grow a business based around community health and vitality. Each of us contributed a thousand dollars as startup, or seed money, and kept our day jobs. We found a rental with property with a brave landlord and within a month of signing the lease, we plowed the field. 

Over the years the farm has evolved, growing and reaching new markets and customers. In 2017, the farm found a permanent home when Matt and Jennifer purchased 18 beautiful, flat acres of pasture and oak savanna in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Through all the changes over the years we have stayed committed to our ideals, and remain idealistic in our hearts and actions.

Our focus is on producing high quality produce for small and mid-scale markets, with an emphasis on heirloom and old-world varieties where flavor is more important than shelf-life.

Training AND Expectations

We are looking for two full time apprentices to commit to the full season from early April to the end of October or optionally through November. The flow of a typical farm year for our staff follows the 3 seasons of spring, summer, and fall:

Spring (April, May, early June) – The focus of this season is greenhouse work, field preparation, building/refurbishing farm infrastructure, and planting.

Summer (Late June, July, August) – This is the time for our biggest markets, big harvests, weeding, pruning and trellising, and more planting.

Fall (September, October, November) – The pace starts to slow a little here, with planting mostly over, our focus now is harvesting, weeding, marketing, farm projects, and eventually turning the fields over and planting cover crop.

By the end of the year, we will provide exposure to virtually all aspects of farm operations, including all steps between the seed and the plate.

These are full-time positions, typically 40 hours per week with some flexibility for longer days in the peak season (July/August) and shorter days in the shoulder seasons (April/October), 5 days per week with two days off. Work days typically start at 8am and go to 4:30pm, with a lunch break mid-day. Farming is physically demanding work, so we expect our staff to manage the demands of frequent lifting, stooping, repetitive motions, and to be able to work in all weather conditions.

Working directly with the farm owners in all aspects of day to day operations, you will gain an in-depth understanding of growing for farmer's markets, local restaurants, and our surrounding community. With 4 acres in production of annual vegetables and the remaining 14 acres managed for grazing, wildlife habitat, and other projects, our apprentices will have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded sustainable agriculture work experience.  Overall duties include field work, irrigation, small equipment work, farmers market sales, seeding/propagation, planting, animal husbandry, volunteer coordination, and record keeping (to name a few).

Qualifications

An ideal candidate would be one who is seriously considering a career in agriculture, either working for another farm or starting their own, and is actively pursuing these opportunities.

Farm work experience is preferred, but NOT required.  However we do expect a willingness to learn. We value clear and open communication and expect that our staff are actively engaged with questions, comments, and input on the farm operation.

Demonstrated experience doing repetitive manual labor and a strong physical and mental work ethic IS required.

While we do not require an in-person visit prior to making a placement offer, it is highly recommended.

Compensation / Accommodations

Compensation for our apprenticeship starts at $15/hr and includes a CSA share for the season.

We are not offering housing this year.  The Estacada area typically has affordable housing available, or we are a 30 minute drive from Portland.

Equity AND Inclusion

We believe healthy, organic food should be accessible to anyone, regardless of their economic status. We are very conscious of fair pricing, both to ourselves and to our customers, and provide other opportunities to make our produce affordable, including SNAP discounts and benefits, Pay What You Can pricing, and donations to several local food banks. 

We recognize the long and troubled history of exclusion in the world of agriculture and land ownership. Equity and inclusion on Quackenbush Farm means that your value as a farmer and co-worker are irrespective of your race, color, gender, sexual orientation, bank account balance, or accent. We welcome all hard-working bipeds to apply.

Matt & Jennifer (& Edwin)

quackenbushfarm.com