Wild Child

WILD CHILD

• 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (40  hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: April -December

• $16/HR
  
  

• LOCATION: Noti (Willamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 5

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  New Host Farm

• PRACTICES: Certified Organic

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 5 

• Fruits, Vegetables, Seed Production, Poultry, Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English

• Women-Owned/Operated

Production on our farm is seed-to-seed and loyal to the soil at every turn.
With a dedication to regenerative farming practices we aim to build up the health and life of the soil under our feet.

https://www.soworganicseed.com/

https://www.facebook.com/soworganicseed

@soworganicseed

FARM OVERVIEW

We reside and farm on 16 acres of mixed fields and woods nestled into the foothills of Oregon's Coastal range. The farm is 15 minutes from Veneta and 40 from Eugene. We are a family of 5 on the farm: Alva(32) Osana(33)and our three kids. (Ages 6-13). There are two barns, several greenhouses and 5 acres of production land. 

On certified organic land we raise fresh market crops of fruits and vegetables for sale at Farmers Markets and wholesale outlets. Being able to vend throughout the growing season gives the farm the income needed to follow our second, deepest passion, Seed Farming. For years we have been growing and breeding open-pollinated heirloom seeds on contract for well known seed companies and starting soon, we are launching our own packet line.

Many of our employees are heading off to start a farm enterprise of their own and we are heading into the year ahead with plans of cultivating relationships with some new farmers who are looking to walk their own farming path with firmer footing. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

The exposure an Apprentice will receive on our farm is aimed to be the most well-rounded farming experience we can offer. Producing a high diversity of crops on a small scale, each member of our team will be exposed to every aspect of the farm throughout the seasons.
From tasks like seeding, planting, cultivating, trellising, selecting, harvesting, to washing & packing, and the proper use and management of the equipment needed to accomplish all of these tasks. 

Interns will additionally be trained in record keeping for both general farm management and Oregon Tilth Organic Certification requirements. 

Marketing of our fresh produce crops is done primarily at the local farmers market, with in depth training on sales, presentation and marketing.

Working side by side with the Osana and Alva will allow good time for instruction, clarification, and reassurance. We are expecting interns to commit to approx. 40 hours/week per week plus the RFC training sessions. Participating in the growing season in that manner will allow a participant to gain a well rounded experience and a better understanding of farming seed to seed.

**This job requires lots of physically demanding manual labor and the ability to comfortably lift 40+ lbs. Sitting, Standing, Crouching for extended periods of time, exposure to sun, heat, rain and cold and all the weather in between.** 

We will demonstrate and work alongside Apprentices and explain core concepts, ideas and skills. There will be time for questions and check-ins throughout the season.
Please note : There are no tobacco products or tobacco use permitted on the property. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Please share our passion for agriculture, local food systems and commitment to your community, understand and value organic and sustainable farming practices, and have a genuine passion for working with the land, plants, animals, and natural processes.
Apprentices should be interested in learning new farming techniques, gaining knowledge about crop management, soil health, and farm operations and have the physical ability to perform tasks that require manual labor and work in varying weather conditions.
We ourselves take great pride in the following attributes and seek them from our farm crew and friends:

Dependable: Shows up on time and consistently completes tasks to the best of their ability.
Motivated: Takes initiative and is proactive in completing farm duties without needing constant supervision.
Collaborative: Works well with others and contributes to a positive, productive team environment.
Respectful: Treats colleagues, customers, and farm plants and animals with respect, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere on the farm.
Flexible: Adaptable to different roles and tasks, understanding that farm work can vary based on the season or the needs of the crop at hand.

Previous farming experience is noted and appreciated, but never required. 

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

The wage for the season is $16/hr with the potential for raises throughout the year. 
As on many food production farms, we regularly get to feast on the freshest and highest quality produce around. We offer apprentices and employees access to as much fresh produce as you can eat throughout the growing seasons.
There is an end of the season bonus for Apprentices who complete the agreed upon season.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At Wild Child Farm we are committed to honoring diversity and promoting equity in every aspect of what we do. We actively seek to create an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds are valued, supported, and empowered. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, we aim to foster a farm crew that reflects the richness of our community and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Alva, Osana, and family.

Winter Green Farm

WINTER GREEN FARM

• 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (40 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: March - November

• $15.25/HR

• LOCATION:  Noti (WIllamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 44 years

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  1

• PRACTICES:  Biodynamic, Certified Organic, Mechanized/Tractor Farming

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 25 

• Vegetables, Fruit, Culinary Herbs, Meat Production, Hay Production

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Spanish 

• Women-Owned/Operated

Mission Statement:

A productive farm in harmony with the earth, humanity, and ourselves.

www.wintergreenfarm.com

FARM OVERVIEW

Winter Green Farm is owned and operated by Chris and Shannon. Our farm is nestled in the foothills of the coast range about 25 miles from Eugene and 40 miles from the Oregon coast. The farm is about 100 acres, and we lease 34 acres down the road as well. The closest town that offers basic amenities is Veneta which is five miles away. 

Our farm enterprises include a CSA (500 members), 3 farmers markets a week, direct wholesale to stores and restaurants, plus wholesaling to schools, Organically Grown Company and a small grass-fed lamb operation. We grow 22-25 acres of mixed fruits and vegetables a year that are certified organic by Oregon Tilth. We also use biodynamic farming methods. We practice a six year rotation where our ground is mixed vegetables and forage production for our animals for three years, and then a beef herd managed by neighbors is on the farm for 3 years. We make all of our own compost on-farm which is our main source of fertility. We have an average of 20-25 people on payroll during the year. 

Apprentices would work closely with harvest managers as the primary mentors, rather than the farm owners. We grow a variety of fresh market vegetables and most are hand harvested, although we do have specialized mechanical harvesting equipment. Most of our tillage and cultivation is mechanized and done with tractors. 

Winter Green Farm was founded in 1980, has been certified organic since 1984, has had a CSA since 1992. Chris came to the farm in 1995 with no agricultural experience, a degree in biology and a commitment to help make the world a better place. His initial role on the farm was to help process medicinal herbs. He then went on to become the irrigation person. As his passion grew and knowledge base broadened, he was given more and more responsibility on the farm. In 2008 He and Shannon were given the opportunity by the other owners to partner in the farm and in 2015 they purchased all of the assets and secured a long term lease to run the vegetable operation on the farm.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

We are looking to teach people production agriculture. They will take part in planting, harvesting, and processing of fruits and vegetables. Depending on experience and aptitude they may also get to take part in tractor work and other equipment operation. Depending on experience and desire to learn, Apprentices will be exposed to record keeping, fertility management and food safety protocol.

Apprentices will be given all the training they need for tasks that they are asked to do. Ideally they would work on average 40 hours a Monday through Friday. If someone is interested in doing farmers markets, their schedule would be adapted so they would work on Saturdays and still average 40 hours/week. 

Farming is hard work. An Apprentice should be able to work hard at an efficient pace during all types of weather. Time off is honored if scheduled in advance (unless for urgent needs). Apprentices will get paid sick time as well. We provide instruction by explaining, showing and working with the skill being instructed on. The people learning the task are given goals and techniques that we have worked on over the years to make the job more efficient , safe and less taxing on the body and mind. They will be given the chance to ask questions and work on their own after hands-on instruction is given. We follow up a couple of times after the training to make sure that the skill has been acquired and that the person is reaching their fullest potential at that skill.demonstration, gaining independence, offering time for questions or field walks, regular check-ins/meetings, evaluation sessions, etc.):

QUALIFICATIONS

People with previous farm experience would be ideal but not necessary. We appreciate: outdoor work experience, a commitment to organic agriculture, attention to detail, good communication and listening skills. Will need a car.

 It would be nice but not necessary to meet in person beforehand.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

We start all crew workers at $15.25 an hour. Workers are given a 50 cent raise after 250 hours of employment and then raises are given based on hours accrued after that on July 1st and January 1st. Bonuses are given at the end of the year if the farm is profitable. 

Every employee is given paid sick leave (up to 40 hours a year) and if necessary can get paid family leave as well.

Apprentices will receive a 1⁄2 share of our CSA and are able to access other farm produce as well.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We believe that workers have the right to meaningful work, fair treatment, and decent compensation. We are eternally grateful for the love and care that our employees invest in our farm. In a very real way our farm is the manifestation of the energy of our workers. Many deep relationships have developed over the years at the farm, among workers and between workers and owners. We see our workforce as our farm community and look forward to supporting this important aspect of our farm. Just as Winter Green Farm’s ecosystem exists within a global ecology, so does our social activity exist within a broader community and societal context. We believe that supporting local community organizations, specific cause related endeavors, and certain agricultural organizations are important. Similarly, we believe that by opening the farm as a place where members of the community can support us, we help strengthen the bonds of community and help heal the rural/urban divide.

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“It is [a great farm] to learn about larger scale production.” - 2024

Shannon and Chris.

Sunbow Produce

Sunbow Produce

• 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• PART TIME/FULL TIME  (March-May: 18-28 hours/week, June-October: 28-40 hours/week, November-December: 15-20 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: March -December

• $15/HR

• LOCATION:  Corvallis  (Willamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 9 

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  1

• PRACTICES: Certified Organic

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 8

• Vegetables, Fruit, Culinary Herbs, Seed Production

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Spanish 

• BIPOC-Owned/Operated, Immigrant-Owned/Operated, Women-Owned/Operated, Public Education 

We practice a model of stewardship regarding soil, water and land use. Much of our field work is done by hand but we do use tractors for field prep, mowing, harrowing, tillage (spading, rototilling), spreading mulch, moving compost, and some weeding. We teach and encourage ergonomic practices to keep our bodies in good working condition. We do not employ mechanical harvesting, it’s all by hand with the exception of potatoes. Our fertility program includes deliberate rotations, cover cropping, mulching with leaves, and using minimal purchased inputs.

https://sunbowproduce.com/

@sunbowproduce 

FARM OVERVIEW

We grow certified organic fruits, vegetables, pulses, and herbs through a customer direct e-newsletter and online store. We sell at the Philomath Farmers Market and provide weekly distribution through Linn-Benton Food Share through two channels. Our farm crew consists of Yadira and Nate plus two to three part-time employees and occasional work-trade helpers who are compensated with our farm currency, Sunbacks. We have a comprehensive liability insurance policy and carry workers comp insurance. Our business is licensed in Oregon, we do not distribute out of state. 

We have two locations. The main one is at Sunbow Farm, a 14 acre property located on the outskirts of Corvallis and Philomath. We farm between 3-5 acres at Sunbow depending on the year. There are fields, 5 high tunnels, an orchard, a lot of wildlife habitat, a few old barns and some old crumbling out-buildings. There’s a house, a bathroom building, a market room and a pack/wash area as well as a cob structure. Four people reside here, including us. 

The other location is in Philomath in a residential area. It’s approx 3 acres that are gated and fenced and is part of a larger residential plot managed by the owner. Our leased zone includes a greenhouse and access to the fields.

Sunbow Farm was established in 1972, we took on management and created Sunbow Produce in 2015. We’ve both been farming between 10-12 years including some volunteer work and internships/apprenticeships. Before we became farmers, Bea worked in a social justice/social services agency and Nate worked for the State of Washington. We came to this farm independently and met here. We’re devoted to organic and regenerative practices, and are certified by both Oregon Tilth and the Real Organic Project. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

● All-season growing techniques in high/low tunnels: bed prep, annual crop planting, harvesting, and maintenance of crops and infrastructure. 

● Perennial crop harvesting and maintenance 

● Soil conservation and water management; irrigation techniques; water catchment 

● Dry farming techniques 

● Wildlife conservation and coexistence; pest management in an organic operation; agro-ecological practices 

● Field work: weeding with tools and by hand; harvesting; prepping beds for transplanting; transplanting, planting; clearing beds; setting up protection (low tunnels, bird netting, etc.); installing, maintaining, moving, and removing irrigation; seeding cover crops 

● Highly diversified crop production, identification, and management 

● Consumer-direct marketing techniques and farm stand/farmers market work

Time management/efficiency/work pace

● Harvest, wash and pack skills

● Food safety standards and management 

● Possible tractor operation depending on the person 

● Small equipment operation (weed whacking, root washer operation, water pump problem solving) 

The first 8-10 weeks will be hands-on training with one or both of us. Independent tasks may be assigned after a successful training period. The work week will change with the seasons but is likely to start with two days/week and expand to up to 5 days/week. Lunch times will be 30-60 minutes depending on shift length.

Slower season: exertion is expected to be medium high with decent pace. Labor is medium. Harvest, wash, pack and deliver orders twice a week; field work two to three days a week. Minimum of two consecutive days off can be expected during the slower parts of the season. 

Busy season: exertion is high with a fast pace. Labor is heavy, a lot of repetitive work and heavy lifting. Farm managers work 6 days/week. 

Harvest, wash, pack and deliver three days a week; field work three days a week; farmers market and farm stand once a week. During the months of August-October harvesting becomes part of daily field work and is performed by all crew members. All crew members are expected to be present for all shifts during the busy season with the exception of illness. 

On excessively hot days, there will be unpaid time off during the hottest part of the day. Schedules will be adjusted in order to avoid heat stress but still get work done. This may mean early starts and late endings.

Evaluation will be based on performance, engagement, consistency, availability, and reliability. We will provide hands-on training, engage in frequent discussion, and provide opportunities to practice. Daily feedback will be given during the training period. In-person check-ins will be done as needed but minimally, at three and six months. We encourage Apprentices to let us know when they need to discuss progress, interests, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Enthusiasm, eagerness, and self-respect. Curiosity, resourcefulness, and grit. Drive, desire to learn, desire to excel, attention to detail, investment in the operation (emotional, not financial), food systems interest, food, land and social justice. Excellent communication skills, good boundary setting. 

• Applicants must be able to: 

• Lift 50 pounds safely and regularly 

• Follow directions 

• Ask questions 

• Spend extended periods of time doing repetitive work such as standing, crouching, kneeling, etc. 

• Understand how to work safely around a tractor, within/around old buildings and crowded spaces. 

• Be willing to get dirty, wet, cold and hot (sometimes all in the same day!)

• Use equipment as directed and utilize suggestions for best ergonomic practices Respect all crew members 

• Problem solve and discuss possible solutions before acting

• Avoid using violence, both physically and verbally 

• Avoid using alcohol, drugs (including marijuana) and cigarettes during work shifts. 

• Arrive sober, free of any intoxicants and fully functional to all assigned shifts. Arriving incapacitated in any way will not be tolerated as it could be a safety issue.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

Apprentice will receive an hourly wage of $15/hour. We also offer up to $30 of our produce, weekly. Increase in pay will be considered after the first 90 days. See Sunbow Handbook for details on pay increase considerations. We may offer additional increases or bonuses based on consistent, excellent work performance. Lunch breaks are not paid, 10 minute breaks are paid. RFC hosted events, community building events (Grange meetings, potlucks, social time) and elective educational workshops/meetings are not considered payable hours. An end of year bonus may be issued based on the farm’s success that year and the Apprentice’s performance, reliability, and willingness to return the following season. The pay period is the 22nd of the month through the 21st of the following month. Paychecks will be issued no later than the 28th of each month for the prior payroll period and can be picked-up at the farm.   

Occasional crew meals and gatherings will be offered but are not mandatory.

We’re happy to grant access to personal growing space as long as there are no conflicts with time and resources (watering schedule, tool use, etc.) 

The farm will pay for up to $100 for local workshops per Apprentice.

Successful completion of the Apprenticeship could lead to a management or crew boss position with us. 

We provide basic equipment (tools) required for work and have loaner rain gear and rubber boots depending on shoe size.

No on-farm housing is offered, but we are more than willing to help find affordable housing within our community (with people we know and trust). 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We welcome everyone, and do our best to engage with people positively and directly. We’re an equal opportunity employer, and are reasonable people who respect others and expect the same. 

We host Growing Ancestral Roots, a BIPOC organization of growers, providing them a high tunnel to further their efforts and grant them access to other parts of the farm during the main season. We connect people who have been disadvantaged and are looking for land access to resources and opportunities whenever we can. 

We provide hands-on job training to young adults who have disabilities through a school district program. 

We acknowledge that Oregon was home to Indigenous people well before white settlers arrived. 

We often find ourselves having open discussions about the intersection of race, class, history, policy and access. 

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciated how often my host farmers would stop to explain why and how things are done at Sunbow. Nate especially really seemed to enjoy sharing his knowledge and thoughts about whatever task we were working on at the time. I also appreciated that when I shared that I needed to talk with them about something, they found the time to listen.” - 2024

Yadira and Nate.

FOOD For Lane County Youth Farm

FOOD For Lane County Youth FarM

• 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• PART TIME (28  hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: March - November

• $17/HR

• LOCATION: Eugene (Willamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 29

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  1

• PRACTICES: Organic Practices (Not Certified)

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 5

• Vegetable Production, Culinary Herbs, Fruit, Nursery Stock, Cut Flowers

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? No, we are located close to public bus line

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Basic Spanish

• Urban, Public Education, Non-Profit Farm

We are a program of FOOD For Lane County (FFLC), the regional nonprofit food bank in our area.  FFLC is a well respected and innovative organization with the mission of “Reducing hunger by engaging our community to create access to food”.  The Youth Farm has been in operation for over 25 years, serving the community healthy food while creating opportunities for youth, beginning farmers and volunteers. We have worked with and trained well over 100 interns over the years. Many are still involved in agriculture, including some as farm owners.

www.foodforlanecounty.org/gardens 

https://www.facebook.com/fflcyouthfarm/

@fflcyouthfarm

FARM OVERVIEW

On the Youth Farm, we  cultivate 5 acres of diverse vegetable crops as well as approximately 70 mature fruit trees (apples, pears, Asian pears, plums), strawberries, thornless blackberries and a young blueberry patch. We are not certified organic, but we use all organic methods. We have two small tractors that we run on biodiesel that we use for discing, tilling, bed shaping and mowing.   Most other work on the farm is done by hand, including transplanting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.  Approximately half of our produce is delivered to the FOOD For Lane County warehouse for distribution through our network of partners to those experiencing food insecurity in our county.  The remainder we sell through a 180-member CSA, and an onsite produce stand on Saturdays.  We also grow vegetable, flower and herb starts for two very large plant sale fundraisers each spring.

Our primary farm crew consists of a Farm Supervisor, Education Coordinator, Field Coordinator and Youth Crew Coordinator, who work from mid-January-early December.  During the main growing season, we hire 14  teens to participate in a part-time work experience and job skills program where they attend classes and are trained to do farm work as well as operate our farmstand.  Some of our stellar youth are in leadership positions and return for up to 4 consecutive seasons. Our Gardens Program Manager oversees the program.  We also host numerous volunteers and volunteer groups at our farm each year, which creates a dynamic and unpredictable element to our crew size on certain days of the week. Overall, our crew each day can range from 4-25 people, depending on the time of year.

The Youth Farm is located on a 10 acre site within Springfield city limits.  The land is owned by the local school district and is surrounded by single family homes, duplexes, apartment complexes and a city playground.  We share the land with a separately managed community garden as well as a garden project connected to Springfield School District. The only facilities on site are storage sheds, including several shipping containers, roofed, open-air structures, two walk-in coolers, and several high tunnels with over 16,000 square feet of growing space.  We are close to city bus lines and bike routes, and both downtown Springfield and Eugene are a 10 minute drive away.  The neighboring town of Eugene is a large college town with plenty of entertainment and recreation opportunities, including bike paths, close-in hiking trails, lakes and rivers for boating.

In 2024, we purchased a new 25 acre farm, which is located just outside of Eugene City limits and 15 minutes away from our current farm. This will become our new, permanent home! We are actively developing the new site with plans to be farming there exclusively in 2026. This is a very exciting new development and will create an incredible opportunity for Apprentices to take part in developing a new farm.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will be trained in various aspects of the operation including orchard care (pruning, thinning, pest management), nursery and greenhouse management, and growing a wide variety of annual produce (over 40 crops). Work will include seeding, planting, cultivation and weed management, fertilization, harvesting, wash/pack, irrigation set-up and watering, composting, CSA and market set up and distribution, and use of small farm equipment (barrel washer, salad spinner, vacuum seeder, walk behind tillers, flame weeders and lawn care equipment).

Apprentices will also have the opportunity to help run our onsite produce stand, including set-up, take down and customer service.  They will be involved in packing boxes for our CSA customers, which we do 2 times per week for a 25 week season.

Depending on interest, Apprentices will have the opportunity to lead volunteers and youth participants once they are trained.

We would like Apprentices to begin on  March 4th, four days/week (Tuesday-Friday),  with some additional weekend duties on occasion.  8:30am-4:00pm is a typical work schedule.  An early start to the season will give Apprentices the opportunity to learn pruning on some of our fruit trees.  They will also be integrally involved in preparations for our two plant sales, including seeding and tending starts, and organizing for the sales that occur in April and May. The Apprenticeship will end on November 25th. Apprentices can request up to two weeks off, and will earn vacation time and paid holidays.

Our staff works alongside Apprentices, and we train as we introduce new tasks.  We hold morning check-in stretching circles as well as frequent crew meetings.  We take monthly field walks, and will do  our best to address topics that Apprentices are interested in. Our Apprenticeship educational program consists of lectures, occasional field trips, hand-outs, and mostly hands-on learning.  We have a curriculum of educational topics, including composting, nutrient management and soil testing, plant propagation and nursery management, orchard management and fruit tree pruning, crop planning and rotation, winter farming, greenhouse management and construction, irrigation, cultivation and weed management, food preservation and cover cropping. These on farm classes will supplement Rogue Farm Corps online Educational Event Series and weekend intensives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Passion for organic farming, gardening or outdoor work

Previous experience in working with plants outdoors, agriculture, landscaping, etc. (Prefer 1-3 years experience)

Interest or experience in working with youth and community members

Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical farm tasks in adverse weather conditions

Excellent attention to detail

Good communication skills

Organized and reliable 

Share FFLC’s values of Compassion, Inclusion and Collaboration  

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$17/hr for 28 hours/week. Vacation time accrual, sick time, and holiday pay are included. Apprentices receive 2 paid 10 minute breaks, and are required to take a half hour unpaid for lunch.  RFC events are not part of payable hours.

Shared housing as well as apartments and studios can be found in both Eugene and Springfield. Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to get an idea.

Pay will be by check, directly deposited, into your bank account every two weeks.  Vacation time accrual, sick time and holiday pay are included. Details are in the FOOD For Lane County Employee Handbook. Reimbursement of RFC tuition is included if you complete the full season. Farm Produce and starts are provided as available.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Inclusion is one of the values of our organization, FOOD for Lane County.  We are all invested in and strive to create a  safe, open, productive work environment for everyone involved, and prioritize community building, straight forward communication, and validation and appreciation.

FOOD for Lane County has an Equity Manager, and all of our staff take monthly trainings which include: understanding privilege and inherent biases, microaggressions and how to interrupt them, racism and other forms of oppression, intersectionality, how to celebrate diversity, and creating equitable and inclusive workplaces.  In addition, our supervisors have received training in conflict resolution and neurodivergence.      

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“The mentors are both teachers and farmers. There are many opportunities to learn new things and be in leadership roles with volunteers and youth farmers.” -2024                   

Youth Farm staff.

Camas Swale

Camas Swale

• 3 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (26-40 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: May - October 

• $15/HR

• LOCATION: Eugene  (Willamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 16

• YEARS HOSTING: 1

• PRACTICES: Certified Organic

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 14 acres

• Vegetables

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, some staff competency in Spanish Women owned/operated

We focus on healthy soil, high quality crops, and staff wellness. We keep a close eye on soil organic matter percentages– we use reduced tillage practices and return plants to the soil through cover cropping, working past crops into the field, and through applying compost. We are certified organic with Oregon Tilth and have always grown with awareness of organic because we value and enjoy the use of natural materials. We also grow habitat for beneficials– on the farm you’ll find hundreds of perennials in our hedges. Synthetic chemicals and GMOS are never used on our farm. Crops are grown using a mix of human power and tractor power. We use four specialized tractors to get the work done, for hauling, pallet lifting, spading, harvesting roots crops and more. However, most of the harvest work is done by hand, with hoes, knives, wheelbarrows etc. Come work out with us!

www.camasswalefarm.com

@camas_swale_farmer

FARM OVERVIEW

Camas Swale is owned by Amber and Jonah and located in Oregon’s Southern Willamette Valley Our farm grows vegetables, culinary herbs and some fruit for wholesale (grocers, restaurants, food hubs, distributors) and for our Community Supported Agriculture (250-300 CSA families per year) program. With about 14 acres in rotation– about 10 acres are producing food at any time during the main season. 

We are grateful to be located just 1 mile north of Coburg and 15 minutes from the university town of Eugene. On both sides of our farm are other small farms selling produce, nursery crops and/or flowers. You can see the Coburg hills from our fields and a big open sky. Migratory birds and birds of prey frequent the farm as well as small animals– some friend, some foe of the vegetable crops. We are a few miles from swim spots on the Mckenzie River. Owners Jonah and Amber along with their two children live on the farm, staff commute (sometimes together) from Eugene or Springfield. 

Jonah and Amber started farming on a small-scale farm, following bio-intensive methods of production yielding a high value per acre but it was intense on our bodies. Utilizing a mix of human power and tractor power has worked better for our staff and our bodies over the last ten years, while also meeting soil health goals. We keep a close eye on soil organic matter percentages, using our tillage implement minimally and returning plants to the soil through cover cropping, working past crops into the field, and through applying compost.

During the work week six to ten employees work on the farm from 8:00 - 5:00. In addition, about four volunteers are on the farm two mornings per week. The farm has a family friendly environment while also maintaining work efficiency to meet our production goals. There tends to be common interests amongst staff including appreciation for music and outdoor sports, and always a respect for one another regardless of race or gender identity. Diverse skills and people are very welcome. We often find that passionate workers have super strengths in at least one important area and we match skills with the task as possible – such as seeding or CSA packing.

Camas Swale Farm sprouted in 2009. The farm has operated from this location since 2015. Jonah and Amber both started farming about 20 years ago, as employees for other organic produce farms.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Everyone learns planting, cultivation, harvesting, washing/packing, and use of relevant tools. Rogue Farm Corps Apprentices will also get exposure to seeding. Depending on strengths and interests of the Apprentice and the farm’s needs, staff often have the opportunity to take on special duties once adapted to the farm. 

We prefer full -time employees over part -time, but there is a place for part-time work. For this Apprenticeship we think that our typical full time schedule would best meet the needs of the program. Our full time employee schedule during the months of May - October is M-F, 8am - 5:00 with a 30 min- one hour lunch break daily. Training will be woven into the work day and we will make a schedule for dedicated training check-ins and trainings with specific experienced staff.

We will provide mentorship and training by teaching core concepts/skills, working alongside participant(s), demonstration, opportunities to gain independence, offering time for questions or field walks, regular check-ins/meetings, and two evaluation sessions. Apprentices will also be given the opportunity to log what they learn via a weekly form that we provide to assist with integrating on and off-farm learning.

Training will be coordinated by co-owner Amber and multi-year employee Miranda. Some elements are best taught by owners Jonah (field management and maintenance lead) or Amber (business management and harvest lead). Others will be delegated to one of two experienced staff, Miranda (4th season) and Jason (12th season). The mentor team approach collectively offers a well rounded experience for an Apprentice while not pulling any one person away from their regular duties on the farm. We look forward to meeting you.

QUALIFICATIONS

We expect all employees to come to work on time and be a good listener during morning meetings and during training, to ask questions as needed and to stay focused on the goals of the day. Respect, kindness and good communication are very important as are the ability to learn and do the job efficiently. Our product is certified organic local produce that looks and tastes good and is very fresh. Providing this product requires good attention to detail balanced with efficient methods of production and harvest. If you take pride in doing a good job and love working on a team outside – this could be a good place for you. There is often an acclimation period, that's understood - and we are extra supportive during the onboarding time. But, we expect to see progress and to see that there is an interest in being an effective employee and apprentice.

 As for experience, we know that experienced employees come in the door with more dexterity in their hands and more understanding of what a good bunch of turnips looks like. Experience in related jobs or personal experience with vegetables should also be valued and expressed. We’ve had employees demonstrate plenty of transferable skills from working in restaurants and produce stores, for example.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

The wage for a first yearApprentice will be $15/hr. There is a potential for an increase in pay over the course of the season. Our benefits include a gear stipend of $200, PTO, reimbursement of half of the RFC Apprenticeship fee amount if/when they complete the season, any farm-produced food). Scheduled time off is allowed and encouraged to promote a healthy balance of work and play but we define what is reasonable in our work agreement. Time off should be requested well in advance and approved and added to the staff calendar once approved. A reasonable amount would be 1-2 occasions of taking 1-2 days off per occasion in a coordinated fashion so that vacations do not overlap with other staff. 

No housing is offered. We are 10 minutes from Eugene and Springfield. Seasonal workers in the past have had good luck with finding housing via the traveling nurses portal and finding rooms in houses in Eugene where there are college students coming and going.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We make our policies known in a document called Employee Work Agreement, this document includes how evaluations are done, time off policies and benefits and our process for making wage adjustments and hazardous work environment procedures and more.  Job roles are presented to all staff in a document called the Command Tree and via job descriptions. 

Staff and owners are welcoming to each other every day at work. As owners we try to model communication that is kind, necessary and true. On the farm we  foster community among workers including Wednesday staff lunches and occasional events. We aim to  keep our produce accessible to all income levels – including weekly donations to Burrito Brigade, a non-profit that makes thousands of burritos per week for the houseless in Eugene and Springfield; taking SNAP benefits for CSA payment; providing  a scholarship fund for low-income; and via our  Working CSA Member program. 

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“The environment at Camas Swale is so welcoming, and the roles are ever moving, so you get a taste of all [the] pieces of the farming operation. “ - 2024

Amber and Jonah.

Goodfoot Farm

GOODFOOT FARM

• 1-2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (32-40 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: Mid April-end of November

• $18/HR

• LOCATION: Kings Valley/Philomath  (Willamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 13

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  1

• PRACTICES: Biodynamic, Certified Organic 

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 2 vegetable, 1.5 berries, 0.5 tree fruit, plus forage

• Vegetable Production, Fruit, Nursery Stock

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English 

• Women-Owned/Operated

The farmer and farm philosophy is aligned with biodynamic agriculture and sociocracy. Goodfoot Farm’s goal is to implement an agricultural model that is ecologically sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.

www.goodfootfarm.com

@goodfootfarm

FARM OVERVIEW

Beth is the primary operator of Goodfoot Farm. We grow mixed vegetables year round; some tree fruit, mostly apples and asian pears; blueberries. Sales outlets include Farmers’ Market plus CSA that we run as a farm credit with market pickup. Certified Biodynamic and Organic. Some tractor cultivation; but the farm is mostly people powered. Animals are incorporated into the biodynamic farm organism; layer hens for egg production and a few pet sheep that mow the grass. A resident horse and neighboring beef cattle provide the foundation of our composting/fertility program. Farm crew (in addition to primary farmer) is 1-4 depending on time of year. Total farm crew hours (minus primary farmer) are about 5000 hours per year.

Rural community 30 minutes outside of college town; farm owners live on the farm (grown children are gone). Apprentices will have access to forest and river. There is some farming in the local community; lots of neighboring parcels are in forestry.

Beth, the primary farmer has been farming or on the land most of her life in some capacity. Her assorted educational background includes a graduate degree in Plant Pathology. The farm has been at market for 12 seasons.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will be trained in almost all aspects of the farm production system; limits would be in 4 wheel tractor use (training/use in 2 wheel tractors) and irrigation. Farm operations are conducted with a management system called holacracy which supports a high degree of autonomy and ownership.

Training is pretty comprehensive and rigorous as farmhands are expected to work with a great deal of independence and autonomy and are also expected to be able to delegate and coordinate others when needed to complete their roles/tasks. Training methods are well rounded with verbal instruction, modeling/demonstration, and written resources. Management system is based on holacratic principles. Check-ins and field walks happen regularly.

QUALIFICATIONS

No prior experience necessary, but we do need to understand the interest/commitment of potential applicants. Goodfoot has a desire to work with individuals who are seriously exploring farming as an occupation.  

Preferred qualities include a high attention to detail, ability to manage competing priorities, being self-organized, a strategic thinker and systems thinker, having a high degree of professionalism in work and person, excellent communication skills, and an interest in meeting people where they are at.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$18/hr.  

32 hours paid vacation for full season work; unlimited sick PTO. Apprentices will have access to free produce from the farm and an opportunity to trade at market. Most work gear is provided. There is a potential for partial reimbursement of RFC fees.

No on-farm housing is offered. Corvallis is a college town 30 minutes away; other communities are also about 20-30 minutes away. There are limited local, rural opportunities for housing.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We do not have traditional hierarchical labor systems; the farm operates on principles of sociocracy. We pay fair wages. 

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciated how available and communicative the mentorship was, and the focus on comprehensive training to inspire confidence and autonomy. I also appreciated the conscious choices around how we practiced farming, and I understood that there was a solid reason for why we did everything the way we did--always with room for experimentation and new ideas.” - 2024

Beth Hoinacki

Lucky Crow Farm

Lucky Crow Farm

• 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (40  hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: April - October

• $15-$18/HR

• LOCATION: Monmouth  (Willamette Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 7

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  2

• PRACTICES: Dry-Farming, Mechanized/Tractor Farming, Organic Practices (Not Certified)

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 3

• Vegetable Production, Fruit, Culinary Herbs, Nursery, Cut Flowers

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? No, but reliable transportation to work is required

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English

• LGBTQIA2s+-Owned/Operated, Women-Owned/Operated

Eden’s mission is to feed her diverse, local community delicious, nutrient rich food seasonally. She is driven by her investment in environmental sustainability, social equity and economic profitability. As a young, queer, female farmer, she embraces her responsibility to set an example and to create a  working model for sustainable food production and thriving rural business within her hometown and beyond.

https://www.luckycrowfarm.com

https://www.facebook.com/luckycrowfarm 

@luckycrowfarm

FARM OVERVIEW

We grow mixed vegetables for a 75-member CSA, the Independence Farmers’ Market, local restaurant accounts and our online store. We do some of our bed prep at the urban farm manually, while our larger farm location utilizes tractor implements much more frequently. Though we are not certified organic, we employ natural farming methods and do not use synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. Our small farm crew is made up of Eden (owner/manager) and 2-3 other employees. 

Lucky Crow Farm operates a 1-acre urban farm in the heart of a small neighborhood in Monmouth, OR. Adjacent to the neighborhood (past the urban growth boundary) is the 60-acre, rural farm where our greenhouses, pack shed and cold storage is located. We spend the majority of our time alternating between these two locations.

Eden’s family has been farming in the Willamette Valley for six generations. She went to Scripps College in Claremont, California to pursue a degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Policy. After school she managed farmers’ markets in the Bay Area and worked on livestock/vegetable/tree farms in California and Washington. She started her own operation in 2017 on family land.

The farm in Monmouth is within a five-minute drive to downtown Monmouth and Downtown  Independence. They are both small towns with populations of about 10,000. There are plenty of outdoor activities available in the nearby area including hiking and kayaking on the Willamette River, which runs right through Independence. Monmouth houses Western Oregon University so there is a college town feel. A trolly was recently acquired to shuttle residents between both towns (for free!) The farm crew members live nearby and commute to the farm each day. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will receive training/participate in: bed preparation, harvest, planting, wash/pack, farmers’ markets, CSA distribution, customer interaction, marketing, pest management, nutrient management, and propagation. Eden does most tractor/machinery work.

Full-time employees are expected to work 40 hour weeks from the beginning of April through the end of October. Spring days are generally shorter (with an average of 20-30 hours per week, depending on weather). Employees are not expected to work more than 40 hours in a week, even in the height of summer. Taking vacation days (unpaid) is permitted with advanced notice.  

As we switch tasks regularly, training takes place throughout the day as needed. Apprentices are regularly required to sit, kneel, stand, bend, climb and reach; regularly lift up to 50 pounds  without assistance; have the ability to work outside in all weather conditions, often for long durations; be capable of performing repetitive tasks with endurance. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Appropriate gear is required for all weather conditions. 

Beyond our scheduled training sessions, Apprentices will work one-on-one with either Eden or an experienced staff member every day. We are committed to teaching as we work and having impromptu training sessions when needed. We provide regular check-ins and can make time for meetings/questions if requested. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required:

• Detail oriented and fast learner 

• Self-motivated and able to streamline workflow 

• Ability to work efficiently alone or in a group 

• Experienced/licensed driver 

• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills and willingness to work with a diverse group of people 

• Ability to keep clear, handwritten and electronic records 

• Positive attitude in all types of weather 

• Commitment to work entire season (with potential for unpaid vacation time)

• Organized and thorough

• Ability to show up on time and ready to work

Preferred: 

• 1-3 years of prior farm work 

• Strong love of food, nutrition and healthy local economies 

• Manual transmission operation 

• Basic mechanics 

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

Hourly rate $15-$18, depending on experience.

Each employee receives a CSA share.

The farm does not offer Apprentice housing. As Monmouth is a college town there are plenty of seasonal, diverse housing options depending on the time of year. Past employees have lived in their own studio apartments, campus housing and in a house with roommates. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Eden is queer-identifying farmer who strives to empower those who are not  historically/fairly represented in agriculture. Lucky Crow, first and foremost, is a safe and inclusive space for anyone interested in farm business and local food economies. We believe a more diverse and equitable food production system is imperative in our work towards a sustainable future.

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“The work environment was comfortable, supportive and educational. Eden always took the time to come over and help any of us when we had questions, I don’t recall any time she didn’t drop what she was doing to give us advice and guidance” - 2024

Eden