Organic Farm Intern
We are seeking an intern on a non-certified organically-managed polyculture farm in the South Okanagan.
Our ideal applicant will have some background (formal or lived) in sustainability, agriculture and/or biology. We work together much of the time, with instruction and guidance provided consistently, but applicant must be able to work independently once tasks are mastered. They will be professional (e.g. respect, politeness, promptness and focus on task), and we will reciprocate. We work outside in all weather, although we try to avoid the hottest parts of the day during peak summer. Work is physical; applicants must be able to lift and move around the farm.
Work hours and days are flexible, and we are willing to accommodate applicants with other part-time jobs. Position dates are flexible; suggested May 19 - August 31. This position is for 10-25 hours each week, at $20/hr. Ideally, interns will live on the farm, as much learning happens in moments of observation when not working and over meals, but we will consider applications from those who wish to live off-farm. We can offer a private room, with all utilities and internet, with use of the rest of the house and property. Board includes sustainably-sourced meals (plus snacks, and drinks); $1500/mo for room and board. We can accommodate a vegetarian diet and most food restrictions. Our household is two adults, two children, one lab-mix dog and varying numbers of wwoofers and other visitors in a large, historical farmhouse that is the heart of the farm.
Our intern will have the opportunity to learn hands-on farming techniques and assist in the planning, development, marketing and implementation of all aspects of a sustainable farm. They will gain a knowledge of how to run their own farm as well as sharing the summer with a vibrant household.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Assist in day-to-day tasks in market garden, e.g. harvesting, wash-and-pack, mulching, weeding, planting and seeding, irrigating
- Market farm produce at the farm gate, the Penticton and/or Summerland farmers’ markets, and other locations
- Learn and master produce preservation techniques, e.g. drying, canning, pickling, fermentation
- Care for farm poultry, from egg incubation and chick/duckling care, through to preparing eggs for sale, housing and rotational grazing
- Monitor tree health and fruit development for apple, pear and soft fruit crops
- Investigate and help improve farm ecosystem
- Other related tasks, as needed
