An apprenticeship at Salt & Harrow Farm is for individuals with a serious interest in gaining the skills necessary to grow food for market or those who are interested in exploring farming as a career. The program provides each participant with the opportunity to spend a season working on an organic farming operation. Most of the education will be through hands-on experience and the skills learned will be focused on organic agriculture and marketing.
We have a diverse, innovative farming operation which requires a wide range of skills: greenhouse seedling production, field planting, weeding and harvesting, produce deliveries, building and repairing infrastructure. We work in a rural community. Be prepared for physically and emotionally demanding work.
About Salt & Harrow Farm
Salt & Harrow Farm is a 37-acre, certified organic farm. 14 acres are devoted to vegetable production, producing over 50 varieties of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and herbs. This is the newest project from the Co-Founder of Sole Food Street Farms and the Young Agrarians.
Salt & Harrow sits along French Creek and the historic E & N Railway on Vancouver Island, BC. Nestled in the shadow of Mount Arrowsmith the farm receives more sunshine than most of Vancouver Island. This has lead to many locals referring to this area as the “banana belt.”
Apprenticeship Specifics
Work Schedule
The apprenticeship begins May 1st and ends October 31st. We cannot make commitments for work beyond the end of October.
Your time commitment is approx. 40+ hrs/week, 5 days per week, with some room for flexibility if help is needed at the farmers markets or with weekend chores.
The midseason work schedule starts at 6:30am with one-hour lunch breaks. We aim to end by 5 or 6pm every day. The exception may be on harvest days or for special projects.
We will go over the duties, classes, and chore schedule at the beginning of the season.
Be punctual; be prepared to work at the designated time, with the necessary tools, and proper clothing. Closed toed shoes are required at all times on the farm.
Two weeks advance notice are required for vacation breaks.
Compensation
- You will receive a salary amounting to $11.00/hr.
- Paydays are the last Friday of the month.
- When appropriate we will help you obtain university/college credit.
- If you live on the farm you are expected to pay room and board ($600/month) and first year apprentices will be charged for workshop/education hours.
- All meals will be provided and we will eat as a crew once a day.
What you will need
- Rain Gear
- Rubber boots
- Sunhat
- Water bottle
Who are we looking for?
While some exposure to commercial agriculture is preferred, it is not required as long as one has a good attitude and work ethic.
Our ideal candidate has:
- A serious interest in farming as a lifestyle and/or livelihood
- Physical ability to carry out farm tasks
- Lots of energy and highly motivated
- A mind for efficiency
- Open and positive communication skills
- Open to learning
- A friendly personality and willingness to spend time with customers, chefs, and CSA members
- Sense of humour
To Apply
Please answer the following questions as part of your application:
- How does an agricultural experience such as this program fit in with your future plans?
- Why do you think an internship program is good for you?
- What previous agriculture experience do you have?
- What physical limitations do you have to perform farm tasks?
- Can you commit to six months?
- What other relevant skills do you have?
- Tell us any details about yourself, including allergies, etc.
Please email a completed application and resume to:
seann(at)saltandharrow.com
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.