Learn about all aspects of organic vegetable production with this farm internship at Amara Farm.
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 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.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2017
Start Date: March 1st, 2017
End Date: October 31st, 2017
Farm Internship Position
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.
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.
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.
Farm Internship Details:
- March 1st, 2017 – October 31st, 2017
- 30 hours per week, generally Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
- $300/month stipend, increasing by $100 monthly with experience up to $500/month
- Accommodations (shower/bath, living room, kitchen, laundry facilities, and individual bedroom) and vegetarian food provided
Equipment Needed:
- Rubber boots
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
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
To Apply
Email a short cover letter and resume to 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 15, 2017 and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. Due to the number of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.