Looking for a farm apprenticeship on Vancouver Island for 2018? Check out Amara Farm in the Comox Valley!
About Amara Farm
Amara Farm is a 26 acre certified organic farm located about 6 km north of Courtenay, BC. We have two cleared fields surrounded by a buffer of forest. We grow 1.25 acres of vegetables, 1 acre of blueberries for harvest and U-pick, and 0.25 acre of asparagus. We utilize five hoop houses—two of which are movable—for year-round vegetable growing, seedling propagation, and hot crop production. Our produce is sold through a 150 share CSA, at farmers market, and to restaurants. The farm is secluded and quiet but is only a 30 minute bike ride or 15 minute drive into town. We are also very close to a large forested park along the coastline. Amara Farm is a hub within the organic growing community in the Comox Valley. If you are considering moving to this region, interning at our farm is a great way to experience the area. Our goal is to grow nutritious food, connect with our community, and educate the next generation of growers.
Find Amara Farm on Facebook: facebook.com/AmaraFarm/
And on Instagram at @amara_farm
Desired Qualities
The ideal candidate:
- has a desire to learn the basics of farming,
- enjoys working hard in all types of weather,
- can take direction and be self-motivated to complete a task,
- is a team player, likes to have fun, and has a sense of humour,
- has good communication skills and is able to give and receive feedback,
- is physically fit and able to carry out tasks that involve bending, squatting, and lifting.
Job Details
Contract duration: March 5th, 2018 – November 2nd, 2018
Weekly hours: 30 hours (M-F, 9am-4pm) with a 1 hour lunch break.
Interns will work alongside our experienced Farm Manager to complete weekly tasks include seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, processing/packing produce, and record keeping. Once confident, Interns are expected to be able to complete jobs without constant supervision. We do much of our work with hand tools and utilize a walk behind BCS tractor for larger tasks. Interns will have the opportunity to be involved with the sale and distribution of our produce through farmers’ markets and CSA pickup.
Amara Farm Interns are involved with all parts of the farm’s vegetable production and distribution. Interns will work alongside our experienced Farm Manager to complete weekly tasks include seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, processing/packing produce, and record keeping. Once confident, Interns are expected to be able to complete jobs without constant supervision. We do much of our work with hand tools and utilize a walk behind BCS tractor for larger tasks. Interns will have the opportunity to be involved with the sale and distribution of our produce through farmers’ markets and CSA pickup. We aim for a weekly classroom learning sessions to support the daily learning that happens in the field. Occasionally, this becomes a bi-weekly activity when things are very busy on the farm. We aim to cover all the basic knowledge needed to run a mixed vegetable farm. This includes soil basics, crop planning, food safety, weed identification, greenhouse management, and more. Class topics can be influenced by the Interns’ interests and opportunities to take advantage of local conferences, workshops, and guest speakers will be utilized. In addition to farming activities, Interns can develop skills in food preservation, fermenting, and cooking. We make products like garlic scape jam for sale and kimchee/sauerkraut for on farm use. Once per week, during the school year, we volunteer at the local school to prepare a fresh lunch for 150 students.
There is a small library on the farm. Interns will also meet other farmers who belong to our coop.
A separate house is provided with shower/bath, living room, kitchen, laundry facilities, and individual bedroom. Vegetarian food is provided. We can accommodate dietary restrictions. Rotating chores include closing gates, closing greenhouses, and maintaining a clean intern house.
$300/month stipend, increasing by $100 monthly with experience up to $500/month
To Apply
Email a short cover letter and resume to Farm Manager, Scott Bell (scottfro@gmail.com) that includes:
- Why you would like to intern at Amara Farm
- Other farming experience you have
- What areas of farming you have specific interest in learning
Applications must be received by January 12th, 2018 and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. Due to the number of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
