Little Wings Farm

Little Wings Farm

• POSITION: 2 APPRENTICESHIPS 

• FULL TIME (32-40 hrs/week) 

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

• LOCATION: Eugene (Southern Willamette Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English.
  

Little Wings Farm has been thriving for 6 years and is operated by partners Rosie and Adam. The farm is Certified Organic and grows a wide range of vegetables and fruit for two primary market channels. These include a 200 member CSA (Cropshare) and a vibrant Wholesale market consisting of natural food stores, restaurants and local food hubs. There is a mix of both tractors (gas and electric) and hand work for cultivation and the farmers take care during soil prep to minimize tillage to what is necessary while using alternative and creative means in the process. The farm does not use single-use plastic mulch in its production.The crew consists of 7 folks with half of them part-time. 

The farm is located 6 miles North of Downtown Eugene just outside of the Urban Growth Boundary at the end of a gravel road. It is bordered by the Willamette River where they swim almost every day of the Summer. Little Wings grows on about 12 acres on 3 different pieces of property all adjacent to one another leasing ground from two of their neighbors who have grown to become like family. The area around the farm offers easy access to hiking, boating, fishing, biking, etcetera. It is a convenient commute for employees who want to live in town while working on the farm.  

Rosie has been farming for nearly 18 years, having worked for 5 different farms where she gained the knowledge and experience to run her own successful farm business. Throughout this time, she has organized and managed various farm crews, learning how to maintain a smooth flow of productivity while still having fun. Her passion is growing high quality food and building community on and off the farm while doing it.

Adam has been farming for almost 10 years, working for two other farms before starting Little Wings. His focus has been on soils, cultivation, irrigation, and pest and disease management.  He is stoked to be honing skills such as plumbing, wiring, welding, and carpentry and taking on projects like designing irrigation systems and modifying farm equipment to improve the farm operation. He also thrives on working with a team of positive hard working people.    

“Often, we reflect back on why we started our own farm, rather than continue to work for others and it came down our desire for a positive work culture (which puts the humanity back into the workers) and an environmental ethic that we felt was missing on other organic farms (namely the growing practice of single use plastic as a primary tool for weed suppression). We knew that if we wanted to work on a farm that carried these two principles we would have to start it ourselves.”  

Going into their 7th season, Rosie and Adam have also come to realize that running a successful and profitable farm business was also a very important ethic that is often overlooked when thinking about producing organic vegetables. After working 12-16 hour days during the first 5 years of farming, it became essential to value their own time monetarily. They also see how important it is to pay their employees competitive wages so that they feel motivated to work hard and stay engaged in farming. So, the farm’s profitability is something they are constantly reassessing.  However, it isn't their only metric of success. They also look at their lives and the lives of their workers to determine: Is the work interesting and fun? Do we have enough time off to enjoy our lives off of the farm? Are we growing anything that is exceptionally hard on our bodies that we can give up? 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

We are a highly diversified vegetable and fruit farm which means the work is always changing. Because of our smaller crew size each person on our crew ends up doing and learning a little bit about everything going on. We approach each job as a learned skill and have proper and efficient techniques for each job on the farm. It is exceptionally important that our crew maintains an openness and curiosity for learning and mastering each skill we teach. 

The job entails sowing seeds and caring for plants in the propagation house, preparing beds for planting, fertilizing, planting beds, weeding and plant care (like trellising or pruning), irrigation (drip and overhead), harvest, and washing, packing wholesale orders and personalized CSA boxes, sharpening tools, general tool care, and organization and storage of materials on farm. 

There will be opportunities for Apprentices to learn how to use some crucial equipment on our farm as well. This includes: BCS walk behind Tractor, Kubota 50 HP Tractor, Flame Weeder, Jang Seeder, and Vacuum Seeder. 

Each week brings new crops harvested, new tasks to be performed and new challenges based on weather conditions. The work can be physically difficult at times but in general it is more about building stamina and the ability to move quickly. It is important that an Apprentice is able to stay alert and be mentally present with the task at hand, the rest of the crew and their general surroundings. 

We offer days off to our crew members throughout the season. We ask that they schedule these at least 2 weeks in advance and coordinate with the rest of the crew so no 2 people are off at the same time. Apprentices will be able to accrue 1 hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked. 

We will begin each task with Apprentices with a tutorial on how we want it to be done, the skills that will be needed, the end goals, and tips on how to perform the task most effectively. We will then check in regularly to see if anything has come up for them or if we need to make any adjustments. It is essential that the apprentice is open to receiving and applying our feedback on any and all tasks and that they can effectively communicate their questions and concerns about the task. Apprentices will be working alongside the owners at times as well as alongside other experienced employees. During these work sessions we will encourage questions and dialogue about the project. We will also be conducting regular check-ins with each Apprentice. Our hope is that each Apprentice will gain skills and independence to be able to work without supervision and will be able to take on new skills and responsibilities as the season progresses. 

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

Compensation includes: 

$15-17/hr. 

Paid Time Off - Accrual Rate of 1 hr for every 40 hrs worked 

Farm Produce 

Other Perks for Fun: 

Themed Dress-Up Days 

Mid- Season Crew River Float 

End of Season Pizza Party and Awards

No housing offered. We are located very close to Downtown Eugene. There are a lot of rental options in and around Eugene. 

QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking a motivated, positive, and hardworking person. They should have the following: 

1. A basic understanding of vegetable crops and have a familiarity with growing them. Although formal farm experience is not required, it is preferred. 

2. Has experience with and has thrived when doing physical activity in both a work setting and in recreation.

3. Openly communicates and maintains a curiosity when receiving constructive feedback or directions. Our farm has a culture of clear and consistent communication. Each crew member gets a hand held radio to use throughout the day to ask questions, make decisions, and clarify directions. 

4. Has experience and loves working in a team setting. This means having an awareness of others around them and seeking to assist others with tasks when appropriate as well as knowing when there are “too many cooks in the kitchen” and it’s time to personally move on from a task. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We foster a welcoming and open culture on our farm where we encourage communication and dialogue. We have regular check-ins to ensure each crew member is having a positive experience and can have safe spaces to communicate their needs. We will be offering a physical dropbox on the farm (which can be anonymous) for any comments or questions that the farm owners will review regularly and address. 

When possible we donate food to local nonprofits in town and pop-up fundraising events. We also accept EBT payments for our CSA program. 

Adam and Rosie.

www.littlewingsfarm.com

@littlewingseugene

Winter Green Farm

WINTER GREEN FARM

• POSITION: 3 APPRENTICESHIPS 

• FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: May - November

• LOCATION: Noti (mid-Willamette Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Video conference is acceptable.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Conversational Spanish.

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 primary mentors. 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 his wife 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. 

Chris helped teach the Urban Farm at the U of O in the late 90’s.  He has run farm crews, led field trips for Trout Unlimited, and taught and trained employees on a variety of tasks on the farm. Shannon was an Apprentice at Horton Road Organics in 1999 and then stayed on to help with their Apprenticeship program for 3 years afterwards.

TRAINING & 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.

COMPENSATION & ACCOMMODATIONS

We start all crew workers at $15.00 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. We give paid time off after the first year of employment. 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 ½ share of our CSA and are able to access other farm produce as well.

We give each employee three pairs of work gloves when they start. They are also assigned rain gear, a harvest knife, and shears for the duration of their employment at the farm.

No housing is provided. Our farm is pretty rural so finding housing in the immediate area is difficult but not impossible.  We are aware of some rentals in our area and if we hear of openings we will share with folks.  A large part of our work force lives in the Eugene area and carpool to the farm.

Cell service is spotty on the farm. We do have Wi-fi at our office on the farm if needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

People with previous farm experience would be ideal but not necessary. 

Someone with the attributes listed in the ‘Training & Expectations’ section above would be a huge plus.  

EQUITY & 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.

Shannon and Chris.

www.wintergreenfarm.com

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/

Guyon Springs- FULL FOR 2024

GUYON SPRINGS -FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 1-2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• PART TIME (30 hrs/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: 4/1 - 11/1

• LOCATION: Dayville (Eastern Oregon)

• ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Elementary Spanish. 

We grow a variety of produce focusing heavily on three crops: garlic, peppers and chiles, and purple corn. We also grow lettuce and will make this one of our main crops for the summer of 2024. We also grow a variety of other produce for market and a small CSA and market, plus flowers and herbs. We have a 1/3 acre field that supports 36 beds, standard 50’by 33”. We hope to expand to 52 beds. This field, as well as the hay field, is watered by hand lines off the irrigation ditch. The flower and herb beds are in a different field and are watered by the well using drip irrigation.

We sell our garlic and chillies to customers in our community who pre-order and buy from our store or markets. We have many value-added items such as roasted chillies, pickled vegetables, jams, garlic braids, dried and fresh flowers, chili ristras, etc. We will be selling lettuce to two local restaurants for the summer of 2024. We have a goal of a 10 person CSA for the 2024 season. Previously we have had five subscriptions. We attend 4 markets a year, and sell from our store for other outlets. 

We are no-till and biodynamic. We use hand tools for most of our farming. Twice a year we rent a tractor to manage compost made by our two donkeys and two horses. We use cover crops, mulch and black plastic covering to manage our beds. 

Our farm crew has been two part time people (20 hrs. A week each) May-October. 

We are on the confluence of Conner Creek and the South Fork of the John Day river. Our fields are in an alluvial plain and we have five irrigated acres. Our property encompasses 120 acres, and it is  very dynamic in terms of topography. The top of the property is 1,200 ft. above the farmed portion. We live on an off-grid property that sits on the hillside above the farm and has a shared property line. There are numerous springs on the property, and a pond and a creek. Most of the 120 acres is steep hillside with wide ridges. Juniper and sagebrush cover the upper regions.  The farm has a house, barns, farm store and kitchen. Housing is available for interns in the farm house. 

Dayville is a community of 120 people. The closest, largest population center is John Day, 30 miles up river. We live three miles from public land on the South Fork of the John Day river; one mile from the confluence of the main stem. The river is our main recreation outlet, along with hiking and biking trails.

Jim and Kerri have been farming off grid on our property above the farm for 10 years. We live on a spring (no well) and use holding tanks for water. We acquired the property below in March of 2020, and have built and managed it for production since then.

Jim is a science, agriculture, and Computer Technology Engineering teacher in high school and has knowledge of no-till systems. He is also interested in native plants, and growing for government reforestation projects. 

Kerri is the business owner and also a high school English teacher. She grew up on a farm and enjoyed learning alongside Jim how to grow food in this desert environment. We both value community and growing produce that has as little impact on the land as possible while producing nutrient dense food. We have been in operation since 2021, expanding a little each year. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Tasks to be done include but are not limited to: bed building, compost management, planting, transplanting, cultivating, harvesting, washing packing, delivering, processing value added products, animal care, mowing living pathways in our vegetable plot, and managing water and irrigation. We train and work alongside employees several days a week while our teaching schedules allow. 

We expect employees to work five days a week, six to eight hours a day on all areas of the farm. We divide our time on hot days into 2 shifts: a seven a.m. to noon shift, then a five to seven shift.

We meet in the morning to assess needs and decide what tasks to be accomplished. In the early season this is bed prep, planting, cultivating etc. We discuss longer projects and make sure we are tending toward the steps of production and sales. We demonstrate best practices with the goal of training for independence. Apprentices will grow into working solo on the farm for several days out of the week, as we teach until June and go back to work in late August. 

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$15/hr. Also, of course produce and community camaraderie as perks! 

There is on-farm housing. We ask $500.00/month for rent for a bedroom in the farmhouse.  

We purchased the farm below us in 2020, and it has a nice house with two bedrooms. The house actually has four bedrooms, but we use the back part of the house for the business. For example, we have an office and a room that has freezers and some benches for starts, and another room where we store our furniture from the wall tents we use as seasonal Airbnbs. The front of the house has two bedrooms and a bathroom and kitchen.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for someone who loves the process of farming and being outdoors, with good communication / listening skills, willingness to learn, good mechanical skills, a commitment to agriculture, and lastly someone who enjoys animals and small communities.

An ability to thrive in a remote, rural, high desert environment and work independently is required.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

On our farm we all share in the work. This means we take turns doing all jobs understanding some are more fun than others. We are big on communication, assessing progress, and making sure everyone is heard. We have a great community that welcomes and includes everyone. For example, we host a weekly potluck where we feature our produce and a wood fired oven. For us, in this region, social justice looks like giving space for everyone, not just those who look or think like us. That being said, we are not always supportive of the industrial cattle ranching out here that depletes the beautiful John Day river each year. Likewise we do not support government efforts to subsidize Juniper cutting for rangeland habitat. We try to provide education for this unique environment. We are the only commercial organic growers in Grant and Wheeler counties, and we want to show that we have an imagination when it comes to growing food in this beautiful but challenging climate.

The Latshaw Family.

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

Sunbow Produce- FULL FOR 2024

Sunbow ProducE- FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 2 APPRENTICESHIPS 

• PART TIME (20-25 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: March/April-December

• LOCATION: Corvallis (Willamette Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Yes.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Spanish, English. Fully fluent in both. 

We grow certified organic (OTCO) 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. 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. 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, 6 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, Yadira 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 

● Equipment and infrastructure maintenance 

● Possible tractor operation depending on the person 

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

● Seed saving 

The first 4-6 weeks will be hands-on training with one or both of us. Independent tasks will 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 60 minutes regardless of the time of year.

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 7 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, 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.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$14.20-$16/per hour to start, depending on prior experience. A weekly produce stipend of $30, plus additional access to produce seconds when available 

Occasional farm-ily meals and gatherings will be offered but are not mandatory.

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). 

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 old buildings and crowded spaces. Be willing to get dirty 

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

• Problem solve 

• 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.

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. 

Yadira and Nate.

www.sunbowproduce.com

Rainshine Family Farm

Rainshine Family Farm

• POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP 

• FULL TIME (32-40 hrs/week) 

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

• LOCATION: Outside of Philomath (Willamette Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, basic Spanish.

Rainshine is owned and operated by Elias and Rachel. We have farmed for 15 years, and have been certified organic through Oregon Tilth for the past four. We generally grow 4-6 acres of diversified row crops with emphasis on root crops and greens, and also manage 6 acres of apples and a 30 head flock of meat sheep. Our veggies and fruit are marketed through our 100-150 member CSA, to local restaurants, at the Corvallis Saturday market, and Willamette Valley grocery stores. Most work is done by hand (i.e. harvest, planting, transplanting, weed control) but we do have some small scale labor saving tools (mulch layer, potato digger, rototillers,  manure spreader, etc).  We incorporate 1-2 acres of summer cropped areas, and pulse grazing our sheep throughout different cropping areas during the growing season and off seasons. At our current production level, 6-7 full time employees are required for the farm.

We live 17 miles outside of Corvallis in the foothills of the Coast range. We’re quite rural with a car being essential for transportation to town, and just about anywhere. There are several other people living on the property, some are working on the farm and would be working with potential apprentices. Our property is 102 acres, with an additional 100+ acres in community trust that can be enjoyed for recreation. We have river frontage and plenty of space to camp for additional recreation.

Elias manages vegetable production and has a finger in most things.  Elias’ passion for farming came from several merging interests.  His first interest was in politics and social justice, then came an interest in the natural world, and finally health and nutrition.  And… you put all these things together and you better just start growing your own food!  Rachel and Elias started growing food as a hobby in 2003, did their first formal apprenticeship in 2006 and started Rainshine in 2008 as a 24 member CSA in a one acre backyard in the Corvallis area. Elias is fascinated by what just plain works, and also how complicated farm systems are.  All of our income is made from our farm property, and one longer term goal is to continue to make it more soluble and profitable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Rachel manages the orchard spaces, which include 4 acres of red fleshed specialty apples, 1 acre of mixed apples, 1 acre of mixed cider apples, and some asian pears.  She also manages the flock of sheep along, manages the office, runs the farmer’s market booth and also wears many other hats!

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will work alongside other employees.  Both head farmers work hands-on 3-6 days a week with staff.  All aspects of small scale farming will be covered such as sowing, transplanting, irrigating, soil prep, minor construction, marketing (farmer’s market help), weed management, harvest, post-harvest handling, etc. Apprentices' own interests will help determine which areas to focus on. Along with most other employees, a first year Apprentice will spend the majority of the season planting, weeding, harvesting, and washing/packing.

We expect applicants to work 7-9 hours per day (depending on the time of year), and 32-40+ hours per week.  Regular, moderate lifting is expected.  Applicants with prior chronic injuries should consider not applying for this job, as regularly being unable to participate in the work week is a major challenge for the small farm.  We generally give one week off to employees in the summer season, but also schedule random days off for morale boosting.

Every day on the farm allows for a lot of one on one time with the farmers.  We’ll also have at least 2 returning employees, each with 2+ years’ experience on our farm.  In the past, we’ve offered individual farm plots of employee experimentation, as well as tailoring skill learning with the interests of each individual as best as we can.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$15/hr starting wage

All the farm fresh food you can eat.

No on-farm housing is offered. Generally the closest housing is located in Philomath or Corvallis.

QUALIFICATIONS

We need applicants to be open minded and ready to work.   Previous experience is usually a good thing, but not always.  Having a lot of energy, good stamina, and a positive attitude make for FUN days.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Our Priority is that all employees are treated fairly and given equal opportunities to excel. When we observe that an individual has a good attention to detail, and is careful, we offer them tractor training.  When we observe someone being more organized and clear in their communication, we try to offer them opportunities to lead others, and help make day to day decisions. Not everyone comes with the same baseline of strengths, but hopefully everyone will leave having been challenged and grown considerably. 

Elias and kiddo.

https://www.rainshinefamilyfarm.com/

@rainshinefamilyfarm

FOOD For Lane County Youth Farm- FULL FOR 2024

FOOD For Lane County Youth Farm- FULL FOR 2024

• POSITION: 2 APPRENTICESHIPS 

• PART TIME (30 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: March - Nov

• LOCATION: Eugene (Willamette Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

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

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred. Will make accommodations if required.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Several of the staff speak some Spanish, but none are fluent.

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”.  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 by hand, including transplanting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.  We grow winter cover crops, and create our own compost.  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 170-member CSA, and an onsite produce stand on Saturdays, which includes an on-line store.  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 (20 years on staff), a Field Coordinator (11 years on staff), an Outreach Coordinator (4 years on staff) and an Assistant (1 year on staff), who work from mid-January-early December.  During the main growing season, we hire up to 16 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 volunteer groups and individuals 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, fairly close-in hiking trails, lakes and rivers for boating.

Ted has been the farm supervisor/manager at the Youth Farm since 2004. He began his farming journey 25 years ago as an intern at Hey Bayles! Farm in Lorane, OR. After 2 seasons at Hey Bayles!,  he then participated in the Apprenticeship Program at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology.  He then returned to Hey Bayles! as a farm manager for 2 years before beginning at the Youth Farm. Ted is always seeking ways to improve our growing practices and systems while creating space for new leaders to develop and thrive. He really enjoys teaching the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators. The other staff at the Youth Farm will also play a pivotal role in training and teaching Apprentices. As we like to say, “Team work, makes the dream work”.

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.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will be trained in various aspects of the operation including orchard care (pruning, fertilizing, thinning), 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 (root barrel washer, salad mix 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 5, four days/week, either Tuesday-Friday or Wednesday-Saturday with some additional weekend duties on occasion.  We work from 9-5 or else 8-4, depending on the time of year.  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 between November 15-November 22.  Apprentices can request up to two weeks off, and will earn vacation time and paid holidays.

Our staff works alongside interns, and we train as we introduce new tasks.  We also 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, cover cropping and food insecurity. These on farm classes will supplement Rogue Farm Corps online Educational Event Series and weekend intensives.

Our Apprenticeship educational program consists of lectures, occasional field trips, hand-outs, literature review and mostly hands-on learning.  Our staff will work alongside the Apprentices, training as we introduce new tasks, and will be available for questions as they come up.  We do short daily morning check-in stretching circles as well as frequent meetings.  We do field walks monthly, and will do  our best to address topics that Apprentices are interested in.       

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$17/hr for 30 hours/week.  Vacation time accrual, sick time, and holiday pay are included. Reimbursement of RFC tuition if complete the season. Farm produce and starts are provided as available. 

No housing is offered. 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.

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  

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.                                                                                                                                                                                   

Youth Farm staff.

www.foodforlanecounty.org/gardens 

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

https://www.instagram.com/fflcyouthfarm/

Harbinger Farm- FULL FOR 2024

HARBINGER Farm- Full for 2024

• POSITIONS: 1-2 Apprenticeships

• 1 FULL TIME (30-40 hrs/week) or 2 PART TIME (20-30 hrs/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: April - October

• LOCATION: Myrtle Creek (Umpqua Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

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

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. 

Harbinger Farm is located about 10 miles (15 minutes) outside of Myrtle Creek. Property owners, Matt and Lucie, are the sole residents, operating the farm business out of their home. The property itself is 12 acres in total with 2 acres currently in crop production. It has about an acre of cultivated space dedicated to annual row crops, the rest being a fruit tree orchard and other perennials which were planted when they bought the property in 2020. North Myrtle Creek runs through the property, leaving about 500 ft of creek frontage–the creek runs year round and is a great place to cool off in the summertime. As of 2023, the farm also began leasing a field from a neighbor down the road, increasing production space by another half acre.

The farm currently raises annual vegetable, fruit and herb crops–a versatile assortment of 70+ items over the course of the growing season. Value-added products are also produced when time and quantity permits, including cottage foods, vegetable ferments and dehydrated goods.

Harbinger Farm vends at two farmers markets, offers a 25-week CSA, and wholesales to a local restaurant.

The only time mechanization is utilized is during bed-prep when a walk-behind tractor does some mowing, shallow tillage and bed-shaping. Otherwise weeding, cultivation and harvest is all done by hand. Field blocks are cover cropped over-winter and crop families are rotated between seasons. All transplants are started from seed in a propagation nursery on-site and a total of 6,500 sq.ft. of field tunnel space will be utilized for row crop cultivation in 2024.

Matt and Lucie serve as the core farm crew. An apprentice would fill an assistant position to them in almost all necessary field tasks. A handful of volunteers and/or work traders may join for harvest days or big projects during peak season.

Matt and Lucie share over a decade of previous farming and marketing experience combined and were duly inspired by the rewarding nature of the lifestyle, enough to find their own land to tend. Harbinger Farm was founded in March 2020 and the couple immediately began breaking ground and creating growing space. They joined the winter market in Myrtle Creek that November and have continued marketing while expanding their business ever since.

Harbinger Farm’s main goal is to successfully grow a wide variety of seasonal foods without the use of pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. We believe that our environment shouldn’t suffer from our cultivation of this space, it should only benefit and flourish because of it. Our intent is to let the seasonal changes in our natural surroundings signal our actions, allowing the earth’s cycle to determine the unique timing for the growing season. While keeping permaculture methods in mind, we wish to find balance between stewarding the land with thoughtfulness and care while also maximizing its growing potential so we can serve more outlets within the local community.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

An Apprentice would receive a relatively well-rounded hands-on experience, encompassing most aspects of small-scale produce farming. The bulk of their hours logged will be spent on field production-related tasks, including but not limited to seeding, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, washing/packing and taking inventory. Heavy equipment usage is limited; however, an apprentice would certainly be trained to use the BCS walk-behind tractor, if interested. Farm business management methods will be conveyed when it comes time for decision making regarding crop planning, weather and climate, seasonal production trends, market demands, etc.

Being that we are operating a newly-established farm, there is much value to be gleaned from learning the progression of a small-scale farm in “real-time”. An apprentice would have the opportunity to actively engage as we grow our business, develop new systems, problem solve and overcome challenges for the first time, capturing a unique involvement that can only be enhanced by our varied previous farming experiences.

An Apprentice should expect to work maximum hours in the given range (depending on full or part time) per week during peak season (May-September) and closer to the minimum hours in the range per week on the front and tail ends. Ideally, hours per day and days per week would be flexible depending on fluctuating needs. However, if a set schedule is preferred, that can also be arranged. On average, one should expect to complete 8-hour workdays. During peak season, the expected daily start time would be 8am. Time off should be requested as far in advance as possible, but at least two weeks prior. No more than three consecutive days off will be allowed during peak season (unless an exception is agreed upon during the interview process). All time required for RFC training/events off-site, including commuting, will be gladly accommodated.

Introduction to the farm will take place initially, including lay of the land, basic farm practices and principles, familiarity with mentors, and general expectations. Detailed training will occur with each new task, even if the Apprentice has prior experience. Guaranteed demonstration of assigned duties and continually working alongside the apprentice until both parties are confident in adequate completion of the task at hand. The teaching of core concepts will take place over appropriate periods of time, with mentors helping the apprentice hone their skills and become comfortable in their position as they acquire more knowledge and experience.

Questions and constructive feedback will be welcome at all times. Field walks will occur each week after days off. Check-ins will take place monthly. Evaluation sessions will be scheduled at the end of the 30-day trial period and again around the end of September.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants with previous farm experience preferred, but not required–as long as the desire to learn and motivation to excel is clearly present.

• Outdoor physical work experience is a must–our summer daytime temps average between high 80s and low 100s.

• Ability to comfortably lift and carry 50 lbs is required, accompanied by repeatedly bending, kneeling, squatting and standing throughout the day.

• Adeptness at learning new skills while pertaining the ability to override previous learned experiences with newfound direction.

• Exhibits attention to detail and thoughtful predictability.

• Exercises strong listening, comprehension and communication skills.

• Ambition to pursue a demanding lifestyle and arduous career path within an industry struggling against countless social and environmental challenges.

• Appreciation for and respect of natural science and organic chemistry.

• Practices a favorable attitude and a pragmatic outlook; is flexible, adaptable, open minded, down-to-earth and easy-going in nature.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

$14/hour to start with opportunity for increase over the course of the season according to performance, plus access to ample farm-produced food (seconds) to take home each week.

Housing is not provided. Opportunities are available for rent in our neighborhood, Myrtle Creek and the surrounding area, including Roseburg.
There is no cell service within about 5 miles of the property; however, wi-fi connectivity is available within 20ft of the private residence. 

Introducing an apprentice to other local farmers in the area is absolutely intended–especially to some who are raising livestock and/or different crops, such as cut flowers. They would certainly be welcome to attend local farmers markets and other networking opportunities and, depending on their scope of interests, we will assist in making connections with persons involved in the local food system.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Folks from all walks of life are welcome to join our farm crew–as long as we share the same drive and determination for the work, how we got here doesn’t matter. We strive to treat every person we encounter with dignity and respect, with our only expectation being to receive the same from them in return. Simply put, discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.     

Lucie and Matt Day with doggo Zevon

https://www.harbinger-farm.com

https://www.facebook.com/harbinger.farm

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

Lucky Crow Farm

Lucky Crow Farm

• POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP

• FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

• APPROX START/END DATES: 4/1 - 10/30

• LOCATION: Monmouth (Portland Chapter , Mid-Willamette Valley)

• NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? No, just reliable transportation.

• ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Yes.

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English.

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 with an occasional trip (about once a month) to an urban farm plot we manage in Salem.

The farms in Monmouth are 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. Independence has a bustling downtown. 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. 

We grow mixed vegetables for a 75 member CSA, two farmers’ markets (Corvallis and Independence), restaurant accounts and our online store. We do some of our bed prep at the urban farm manually, while  our larger farm 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), 1 market employee, one full-time employee, and 1-2 part-time employee(s). 

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. 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.

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 around 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 

Preferred: 

• 1-3 years of prior farm work 

• Strong love of food, nutrition and healthy local economies 

• Manual transmission operation 

• Basic mechanics 

Apprentices are required to have their own transportation.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

Hourly rate starts at $15, 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 farming and local food economies. We believe a more diverse and equitable food production system is imperative in our work towards a sustainable future. Eden is committed to maintaining open communication with all employees to ensure they feel safe and heard.

Eden

https://www.instagram.com/luckycrowfarm

https://www.facebook.com/luckycrowfarm

https://www.luckycrowfarm.com

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/