Position: Organic Farm Intern
Type: full-time internship with accom., monthly stipend, more (see below)
Organization: The BeetBox Market Garden http://thebeetbox.ca
Location: Buckingham, Quebec
About the Farm:
Located 3 minutes from Buckingham, QC, The BeetBox (La Boîte à Bettes) is a burgeoning certified organic, small-scale, intensive market garden only 40km from Ottawa/Gatineau. In this second year since launching, we are expanding and hiring two farm interns. Both interns will be working alongside David Mazur-Goulet, The BeetBox’s owner and farmer. One intern will have room and board provided for while the other intern will commute to the farm by their own means. Interns’ monthly stipend will vary accordingly, see below.
For 2015, production will be concentrated to 1.2 acres in a picturesque setting. Our permanent raised bed system is achieved primarily a walk behind tractor. We grow about 20 different types of vegetables which are sold at two farmer’s markets in Ottawa’s core, area restaurants and grocery stores.
Why join our team? The BeetBox is offering an immersive experience in the operation of an organic market garden.
Our promise to you is:
- Thorough training of all farm tasks
- A safe and welcoming environment
- Opportunities to learn from other farmers with different systems
- Opportunities to attend farmer’s markets
Interns will benefit from a structured learning program which will include talks and lessons covering these subjects and more:
- Crop planning
- Financial planning
- Calculating fertilizer needs
- Marketing strategies
- Business plans
- Crop rotation
- Cover cropping
Compensation
In exchange for a 40 hour work week at the farm, the interns will receive a stipend of up to $1500 a month starting at $400/month with monthly increases and a bonus at the end of the season. The farm will contribute to the provincial workers’ compensation program.
Accommodations
The accommodation consists of a furnished private bedroom in a two bedroom apartment located in Buckingham, QC only 3 km from the farm. The selected intern will share the living space with the farm owner and partake in the making of meals. Accommodations include a washer and dryer and high speed internet. Use of a vehicle for personal use could be negotiated; however, Buckingham is accessible by public transit from Ottawa/Gatineau. The central location of the lodging makes most of life’s necessities accessible by foot including pristine natural environments.
Who are we looking for?
An ideal BeetBox intern is someone who is dedicated to learning the trade and has a strong work ethic. An ability to handle extreme weather, long hours outside, and repetitive tasks is also an important part to growing vegetables. A keen interest in organic/natural farming is a must although prior experience on a farm is not necessary.
Ready to apply? Please send a brief description of why you are attracted to this position and your resume to David at: dmg
thebeetbox.ca
