A Blue Mountain Farm

Last Updated On: noviembre 18th, 2019 at 10:59AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
6432 Quartz Mine Rd
Mountain Ranch, California , 95246

Primary Contact: Kristen Smith
Primary Phone:
    Type: --
    Number: 209-419-6088
    Email: abluemountainfarm@gmail.com

Website: www.abluemountainfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: A Blue Mountain Farm, is a certified farm located in the foothills of Northern California’s Sierra Nevada. A large assortment of mostly heirloom fruit, vegetable, and culinary/medical herbs are grown along with raising honeybees and chickens. Various permaculture practices are used in addition to some use of tools like tractors in specific garden areas. The farm is in a rural area near the edge of BLM and National Forest land. There are lots opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and skiing. The farm has two sites off the same road. One site completely off grid at the top of the canyon with mixed forest and panoramic views of volcanic lava caps nestled in front of the Mountain. The 2nd farm site is in the lower part of the canyon has more shade, and lays between two creeks. Can usually swim in the larger creek between June and July. The creek is adjacent to the garden with big old oaks at it’s edge. It is about 30min -1hour drive to the various surrounding towns. The closest town, Murphys, is about 30 minutes drive and has lots of wineries, restaurants, and shops.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: Full time positions available now for farmers. Internships positions available starting April 2020
Internship Ends: Full time positions for farmers can are long term or through the Fall 2020 season. Internship positions available till October 2020.
Number of Internship Available: 4
Application Deadline: Positions open until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: one month

Internship Details:

Now Seeking 2 Experienced Organic Farmers & 2 Farm Interns. Ideal candidates will have integrity, great attention to detail, problem solving skills, physical stamina and strength. Farmers and Interns will take part in all farm operations, including seeding, transplanting, seed saving, greenhouse production, field preparation, cultivation, careful efficient harvesting for maximum crop quality, pruning the orchard, washing and packing, distribution of produce, and interaction with customers at market.

Can expect 20-40 hours a week during late fall, about 20 hours a week in the winter, 20-40 hours in early spring, and 40 hours a week during the rest of the year. Work on the farm during the warm season is about 6 hours a day 5-6 days week. Usually about 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon or late afternoon. Breaks usually sometime between 11-3 for 2-4 hours depending on work to accomplish each day. Market day is an 8 hour plus day that rotates between famers and interns each week.

Position Requirements:

-One season previous farm experience preferred but not necessary
-Must work well independently and with others
-Have passion for life and the work they do
-Excellent work ethic
-Have a valid drivers license
-Have good communication skills
-Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
-Be in good physical shape with ability to bend, lift, and kneel frequently
-Due to location of farm, having a personal vehicle is usually necessary
– Willingness to fully commit to the farm for the season or agreed upon time for interns

Internships are available ONLY from mid April through October for a minimum of 1-2 months up to the maximum of 7 months. Only 2 internships available at a time.

Educational Opportunities: Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the workings of a small farm, operation and functions of tractor implements, and gain a greater understanding of soil fertility, composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, companion planting, beekeeping, fungi culture, viticulture, orchard care, plant immunity, natural disease and insect control, and irrigation.

Skills Desired: One season previous farm experience preferred but not necessary. Full year farmer position available to those with experience and or training and skills that would allow them to learn and contribute in their position quickly. Internships are available to those wanting a career as a farmer or want to gain valuable training that would contribute to their field of study.

Meals: Meals are Workers and Interns Responsibility. Produce from the field and eggs from chickens are available, some food staples provided

Stipend: First year farmers earn $15 an hour for farm work, and $20 an hour when working at market. A second year farmer can advance to a farm management position that pays $20 for farm and market work. This person is able to independently manage much of the farm work with interns on his or her own with little direction. Interns receive a $100 weekly stipend.

Housing: Use of cottage or RV, One month interns may camp with access to shared kitchen, bathroom, and weekly on site laundry facilities. Wifi, Land Line, Cell Phone (in some places on site)

Preferred method of Contact: email