Cut Flowers

Valley Flora Farm

VALLEY FLORA FARM

  • POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP 

  • FULL TIME (32-40 hrs/week) 

  • APPROX START/END DATES: 4/1 - 12/1

  • LOCATION: Langlois (Southern Oregon Coast)

  • NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

  • VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

  • ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Yes.

  • LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Spanish.

Valley Flora Farm is a diversified produce farm located 2 miles outside of the small town of Langlois (population 300) on the southern Oregon coast. We own 90 acres in a beautiful, quiet river valley, 4 miles inland from the Pacific. Of that acreage, 40 acres are upland forest, 30 acres are in pasture, and the remaining 20 acres is rich river bottomland where we cultivate over a 100 varieties of annual and perennial vegetable crops, berries (strawberries, blueberries), grapes, herbs, flowers, and an extremely diverse orchard (apples, pears, plums, Asian pears, quince, cherries). The farm is nestled in a special microclimate where cool-weather crops thrive, but where we also have warmth enough to grow eggplant, sweet corn, peppers, and tomatoes outdoors - in spite of our proximity to the ocean.

We’re surrounded by natural beauty, with numerous coastal rivers running undammed from the coast range to the sea; uncrowded beaches; wild dunes and forests. The farm is 20 minutes from the picturesque coastal towns of Port Orford (to the south) and Bandon (to the north). We’re five miles from Floras Lake, an epicenter of kite and wind-surfing. There is also nearby mountain biking, surfing, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Floras Creek, which runs the entire length of the farm, offers numerous summertime swimming holes and wintertime salmon spawning grounds.

Valley Flora’s production is highly diversified, and so is our marketing. We distribute our food via four distinct sales channels:

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): we operate a 130-member CSA from June through December during our main season, and a 60+ member winter CSA January to May.

Farmstand & U-Pick: We have a bustling onsite farmstand that’s open from May to December, and a busy strawberry and flower u-pick that’s open to the public from June through October.

Direct Sales: We harvest and pack orders for local stores, co-ops, and restaurants year-round.

Foodbanks: Thanks to an Oregon Foodbank grant and some awesome local partnerships, we distribute produce to four local foodbanks and community fridges every week.

The farm is deeply dedicated to ecological farming principles and practices, and strives to be as climate-forward as possible. We adhere to all the standards, rules, and principles of organic production but are not third party certified. We practice reduced tillage, have an unbridled passion for cover crops and biodiversity, and we do everything we can to minimize our carbon footprint and avoid waste. We’re a mixed power farm, relying on a combo of tractor power, human power, and draft horse power (Jack and Lily are Zoë’s team of Belgian/Morgan draft horses who work in harness on the farm). Our farm infrastructure is powered by a 12kW solar array that sits on the roof of our barn and runs our greenhouses, walk-in coolers, irrigation pumps and more.

We typically have six folks on our crew during our main season (some part-time, some full-time), from late April through December. In the winter, we work a scaled-back schedule, employing 3-4 employees who stay with us year round but reduce their hours in the winter months.

Zoë has been farming for over 20 years, first as a hired hand on farms in Massachusetts and California, then as the crew manager at Sauvie Island Organics near Portland. In 2008 she returned to Floras Creek, where she was born, to start her own farm business in collaboration with her mother (Betsy) and sister (Abby), who both grow produce on the same family land. Abby grows salad greens and melons and manages the orchard. Betsy focuses primarily on greenhouse production of peak-of-summer crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil, zucchini). Zoë and her crew round out the rest of the production, from artichokes to potatoes to strawberries to broccoli (and much, much more). Together they market collectively as Valley Flora. With fifteen years in business, the farm is thriving and ever-evolving.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Every person at Valley Flora is a crucial, invaluable part of our team. We all work hard, often 8-10 hours per day during our summer peak. The Apprentice(s) usually start in April/May and work full-time through October with us. By the end of October things ease up a bit and we reduce hours slightly for November and December. 

We “train-by-doing,” so there is training built into every day, particularly when new employees are diving into a task for the first time. We always try to ensure that our crew members feel confident and capable before being set loose solo on a project, so new employees spend a lot of time working alongside our seasoned crew and mentors first. 

Because our farm is so diverse, we rarely get stuck in a single task for too many hours, which helps mix up the physical and mental demands of the job. That said, it is very physical work, with certain seasonal peaks (for instance, harvesting the heavy storage crops of fall, or the intense weekly transplanting of spring/early summer). To help build strength and physical health, we train our employees not only in farming techniques, but also in proper body mechanics (we rely heavily on a set of body weight exercises called Foundation Training to keep our backs healthy and strong). 

The Apprentice will work as a member of the field crew on all manner of tasks involved in operating a diversified produce farm:  

Daily harvest for our 130-member CSA, farmstand, and direct sale accounts. The farm grows over 100 different crops, each requiring its own technique, tools, and skill set for harvest. Valley Flora has a long-standing reputation for putting out high quality produce and we strive to uphold that. We’re sticklers for quality and consistency, so Apprentices are taught standard bunch size, standard weight, and quality control for every single crop in ever-changing conditions. Simultaneously we need Apprentices to achieve these standards while moving as efficiently and quickly as possible, ultimately aiming to meet our established baseline harvest rates (which we have established for every crop on the farm through many years of data collection). It is a steep and challenging learning curve that requires keen attention to detail, fast and nimble hands, and a willingness to accept and integrate constructive feedback throughout the season. We are at core a commercial operation (not a hobby farm) and hustle is part of every single day.

Post-harvest handling: Washing, processing and packing the 100+ crops we grow and harvest, for four distinct sales channels, including CSA, farmstand, direct sales and foodbanks. Similar to harvest, the wash/packout process is distinct and unique for each crop and changes with each season, as well as with daily weather conditions. Apprentices will learn post-harvest handling skills that rely on our dunk tank, wash table, sorting tables, dry curing room, and two climate-controlled walk-in coolers. You’ll learn to use various scales, different wash techniques, specific packout techniques, and be trained in the selection of appropriate packaging materials, standards, and organization. Everyone receives annual food safety training.

Weekly Fieldwork: These tasks include transplanting, fertilizing, trellising, mowing, weed control, pest management, irrigation, and plant care. Apprentices will be trained in operating the equipment necessary to perform these tasks safely and efficiently, including mowers, weedeaters, wheel hoes, oscillating stirrup hoes, collinear hoes, Japanese hand weeders, drop spreader, bed shaper and mulch layer, flame weeder, pressure washer, hand truck, manual transmission flatbed pickup, and utility trailer. 

Weekly Delivery:  The Apprentice will be trained in the safe driving and upkeep of our Sprinter van to deliver produce to wholesale customers and CSA pickup sites. They will learn how to pack the van efficiently and strategically for deliveries, ensuring that the produce is transported safely and can be unloaded in the proper order. 

U-Pick Management. The Apprentice will be responsible for overseeing flower and strawberry u-pick operations one or two days/week. This includes setting up the u-pick stand, communicating and interacting with customers to orient them to the u-pick system, answering questions, and being a public-facing farm ambassador.

Farmstand Management: The Apprentice will manage our biweekly farmstand, including packing orders, setting up the farmstand display, selling produce, and tending the till. Our farmstand manager is a very public-facing role, involving lots of interaction with the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

Our ideal applicant will:

  • Have previous outdoor physical work experience

  • Be reliable, honest and kind

  • Have strong communication and listening skills

  • Have a keen attention to detail

  • Have a strong awareness of efficiency and know how to hustle.

  • Have a good sense of humor 

  • Be equally comfortable and productive working on a team or independently.

  • Be calm and adaptable in the face of the unexpected.

We don’t require previous farming experience but a passion and deep curiosity about sustainable agriculture is very useful. Applicants should be in good physical condition, capable of safely lifting 50 pounds, and able to squat, bend and kneel for prolonged amounts of time over an 8-10 hour work day. Ability to drive a stick shift is VERY helpful, since our primary farm truck has a standard transmission.

We strive to be a warm, fun, welcoming workplace where our sense of team is paramount. To that end, it’s super important that new employees are team-oriented, but they also need to be able to work independently and productively on their own (there are plenty of tasks that crew members tackle solo throughout the week).

We are all constantly striving to improve ourselves, our efficiency and the farm’s productivity - so good problem-solving skills, innovative creativity, humility, and critical thinking are exciting traits in a Valley Flora applicant.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

The starting wage is between $13.50 and $15/hour, DOE. We work closely with our local Small Business Development Center, which offers a three month On-the-Job Training wage subsidy for new hires. Applicants who qualify for that program will start at $15/hour. Otherwise, new hires typically start at the local  minimum wage (currently $13.50/hour), with a wage reevaluation after 6 weeks to assess the possibility of a mid-season performance-based raise. 

Additionally, all employees have access to farm produce, and between June and December get a weekly CSA share from the farm, valued at $950+/season. Employees also have unlimited access to “house” produce (seconds or grade B produce that doesn’t meet our sales standards), as well as gleaning opportunities throughout the season. For employees who complete the entire season we always aim to give an end-of-year bonus, calculated based on the farm’s profitability and the number of hours worked. The farm will also cover half of an Apprentice’s RFC tuition if they complete the season.

We do not currently have housing available at the farm. Local housing options are somewhat limited, however we are well-networked in the community so it’s very possible that we could help a new employee find housing. 

There is limited cell service, depending on the cell carrier. There is Wi-Fi that is available to everyone on the farm.  

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Since its inception our farm has been a bilingual, diverse workplace. We speak in English and Spanish, and make a concerted effort to ensure that language never leaves anyone out of the loop. We are owned and managed by women, and we make our absolute best effort to give everyone on our team opportunities to take ownership of various aspects of the farm and to feel appreciated for their invaluable contribution to the farm. Tasks are typically divvied up on the crew based on what people are excited to work on and never along gender-biased lines. We actively solicit input and feedback from the crew to make sure that the farm is being managed in a way that feels good, fair, inclusive and respectful. 

Being a small farm, our crew is very familial, which gives us a lot of opportunity to grow and learn together in wonderful ways. Valley Flora is committed to open, non-violent communication and does not tolerate any form of bigotry, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or discrimination, ever.

Valley Flora farm crew.

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

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.

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.

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

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