—- POSITION FILLED! —-
Amara Farm in K’ómoks Territory (Courtenay, BC) is seeking a farm intern for the Fall season this year—learn and grow on an organic farm is also a member of the Merville Organics Growers’ Co-operative.
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 vegetables on one acre and have one acre of blueberries for harvest and U-pick. We utilize five hoop houses for year-round vegetable growing, seedling propagation, and hot crop production. We keep a small flock of laying hens for eggs. Our produce is sold through a 120-share co-operative CSA, at farmers markets, 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.
We are an intensive, small-scale, certified organic farm. We want to leave our land better than we found it while growing lots of nutritious food on a small acreage.
Find Amara Farm on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmaraFarm
Instagram: @amara_farm
About the Internship
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. Caring for our chickens and collecting eggs are also part of the Interns’ responsibilities. 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 120 students.
Intern Qualifications
An ideal intern:
- 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.
Education & Resources
There will be weekly classroom learning sessions to support the daily learning that happens in the field. 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.
There is a small library on the farm. Interns will also meet other farmers who belong to our coop.
Accommodation and Compensation
The accommodations are in a separate house from the farm owners. It is shared with the farm manager, other interns, and short term farm help (WWOOFers). The house includes shower/bath, living room, kitchen, laundry facilities, and individual bedrooms. All vegetarian food is provided. Breakfast and dinner are prepared individually and lunch is prepared by a different person each day and eaten together. We can cater to dietary restrictions.
Position details:
- September 4, 2017 – October 31, 2017
- 30 hr/wk
- $300/month stipend, increasing by $100 monthly with experience up to $500/month
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Scott Bell at: scottfro@gmail.com
