Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain experience on a certified organic vegetable farm in one of the most beautiful places in B.C. ? Are you wanting to learn from seasoned veggie growers ?! 4 Elements Farm is offering an apprenticeship; join their team!
About the Farm
4 Elements Farm is a 15 acre certified organic farm located in Oyama, BC. Situated between two lakes, and backing onto a wetland, our climate is favorable to all types of crops. Currently producing a variety of vegetables for local farmers markets and a small CSA. We use a variety of tools, both tractor and hand. These include undercutters, mowers, tine weeders, rototillers, flame weeders, whippers, double wheel hoes, and loop hoes. The farm has approximately 3 acres of annual cultivation and ¼ acre asparagus and 1.5 acres newly planted fruit/nut orchard.
4 Elements Farm has been in production for 15 years. As a certified organic farm, we strive to create balance between our farming practices, and the surrounding environment. Leaving large buffer zones and places for wildlife to inhabit. We practice minimal tillage using a vertical tillage power harrow to incorporate crops, use netting and vegetative barriers to prevent insect damage, cover crops and chicken tractors for pest control and fertilization. We are always working toward an optimal efficiency, utilizing our time and physical efforts in the most economical, and environmentally sensitive ways. We endeavour to steward this land with respect to the ecology, and the organisms who were here before us and will continue to be here long after we are gone.
About the Apprenticeship
An apprentice would be an integral part of the farm— a constant contributor alongside Sarah and Michael during the farm season in the field and all daily operations.
The apprentice will work and receive training doing the following tasks : (plus many more!)
- transplanting, mechanical weeding, operation of hand held power tools
- hand weeding, harvesting, picking, pruning and washing and processing
- orchard work includes pruning, weeding, budding and picking
- sales at markets (optional)
Work is variable depending on the season, and there is an opportunity to work in many aspects of the farm. We run a small scale operation and both owners work hands on in the field. Working alongside apprentices we share knowledge of pest management and nutrient management strategies utilized throughout the season.
As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across BC who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with this group at each host’s farm.
Skills this farm has to teach:
The following skills are being offered by this farm. While you’ll get exposure to many of these areas, it is likely that not all will be covered. Apprentices will work to identify the skills they want to develop through a learning plan with the host farm.
| Certified organic vegetable production | DIRECT MARKETING |
|---|---|
| garden + field prep | trellising + pruning |
| soil ammendment | harvesting/washing/packing produce |
| seeding + transplanting | winter vegetable storage |
| irrigation | winter field preparation |
About the Mentors
Sarah and Michael have extensive knowledge of both the marketing side of farming and the technical details involved in organic growing. They both have been directors on farmers’ market boards, and Sarah has been a long member of the North Okanagan organic certification committee. This committee check’s compliance of permitted organic substances, pest management and best nutrient management practices, thus member gain a broad understanding of acceptable organic practices. Sarah and Michael have been farming with their 3 kids for 15 years!
Housing, Wage and Duration
On farm accommodation is in a RV, with a covered outdoor kitchen, and composting toilet. Shower and laundry are inside the house and available for shared use.
$18/ hr starting wage. $300/ month accommodation. Free access to veggies and seconds. Other food is not provided.
Apprenticeship runs May till October.
Apprentice Requirements
Ideal candidates must be hard-working, focused, dedicated, enjoy being outside, and putting their hands in the earth. Must be physically fit, able to sit, stand, kneel and squat. Lift about 25lbs. Ability to visualize patterns and have a good numbers sense is an asset. Above all, must be keen to learn, and have a positive attitude. Related outdoor job experience is an asset, but not required.
About the Community
Oyama might be the dreamiest location to farm in Canada. The farm is located just above the lake on the right of the photo below, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the syilx / Okanagan people.
Located in the Okanagan Valley in the heart of Lake Country, between beautiful Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake, Oyama is a small town known for its pristine lakes where water activities abound. Like the other communities that make up Lake Country, Oyama is comprised mostly of orchards where you can buy local fruit and vegetables.
Be sure to check out 4 Elements Farm on social media and the world wide web!
More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply
Application deadline January 31, 2025.
Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Apprenticeships being offered in 2025 here.