Golden Ears Farm is looking for one more full-time intern for the 2016 season to complete our crew of four interns plus Tristan and Michelle.
About Golden Ears Farm:
The internship would be from April 4 to September 30, with a possible extension into October depending on the fall harvest and storage needs. We’re situated next to the South Thompson River in Secwepemc territory, close to the village of Chase.
Although the farm sits on 34 acres, the market garden and perennial zone occupy 8 – 16 acres, depending on the season. We also have pigs, laying hens, and cows. The farm has been in the family for three generations and is well-known for sweet corn, squash, raspberries and strawberries – and the annual Corn Roast in September, a shindig not to be missed. We are transitionally certified organic with North Okanagan Organic Association and should be fully certified this season – hooray!
A second family with a 2.5 year old daughter also live on the farm and look after the cows, help with food preservation, run the local paper (the Chase Sunflower), and vend at the Chase Market. We are actively involved in the local agrarian community where there are regular gatherings, work parties, and potlucks.
Housing is a truck-top camper nestled into a hedgerow, so it is adequately shaded from midday onward. Meal times are shared and cooking duties are rotated amongst the group throughout the week. Compensation is a monthly stipend – food and accommodation are included.
Job Description:
You will work alongside us during the season with tasks such as weeding, bed prep, transplanting, seeding, harvesting, CSA packing, market preparations, and market support once a month, and other daily jobs around the farm (such as collecting and cleaning eggs or feeding animals). We conduct a weekly walk-around to monitor crops and set the to-do list for the week. There are also weekly focused learning sessions, a weekly CSA program, and one larger harvest day for our main market on Saturdays. Selling at the market will rotate, so there will be the opportunity to go to market once a month.
Desired Attributes:
We are looking for an intern who has some previous experience or knowledge of organic farming (particularly tractor work, bed prep, and compost tea preparation). A good work ethic and the ability to sustain hard physical work for weeks on end, in all weather conditions, is a must. Candidates need to be flexible and willing to adapt to changing schedules and plans as things shift at the farm. Because we have a toddler in tow, we are looking for someone who is able to work with little direction (once fully oriented) and can be self-motivated when it comes to completing tasks. Attention to detail and excellent customer service are also necessary.
How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and experience in organic agriculture to Michelle Tsutsumi at goldenearsfarm@gmail.com
Deadline: February 29, 2016
Mountainside view of Golden Ears Farm (2014).