Apple Seeds Farm Apprentice

Last Updated On: enero 30th, 2023 at 07:22AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
2648 N Old Wire Rd
Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701

Primary Contact: Cale Nicholson
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 501-294-9504
    Email: cale@appleseedsnwa.org

Website: https://www.appleseedsnwa.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: Apple Seeds is a nonprofit organization based in Fayetteville, Arkansas that works to educate and excite children about fresh fruits and vegetables while increasing access to healthy food. Our mission is to inspire healthy living through garden-based education. Apple Seeds offers experiential garden and culinary based activities through programs on our Teaching Farm, in schools, and through virtual formats reaching over 10,000 students a year.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: Mid/March-Early April (8-9 months)
Internship Ends: Late October-Mid/November (8-9 months)
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023
Minimum Length of Stay: 8 months

Internship Details:

The Farm Apprentice will assist our Farm Director in maintaining all horticultural aspects of our farm, including leading garden volunteers alongside the Volunteer Coordinator, collaborating on garden planning with the Farm Director, and being responsible for completing all garden tasks when the Farm Director is away.

Farm Responsibilities (20 hrs/wk required) will include assisting Farm Director in:

• Implementing planting schedule and managing seasonal garden tasks
• Monitoring soil moisture, adjusting irrigation settings, and monitoring plant health
• All aspects of planting and tending to the garden including transplanting, seeding, weeding, thinning, fertilizing and organic pest control
• Pruning and compost management
• Preparing new beds for planting
• Harvesting, washing, and storing crops
• Leading/assisting garden volunteers
• Mowing & weed eating grounds
• Communicating with program coordinators about harvest needs
• Leading garden volunteers at least one Saturday morning per month from March through October

Should the selected apprentice have the skills and interest in supporting educational programs, up to an additional 5 hours per week of the role will be focused on this. Educational programs teach students about where their food comes from and excites them to consume nutrient dense foods. The apprentice will play an active part in leading and teaching groups of K-2nd grade students during their visits to the farm.

Programming Responsibilities (5 hrs/week optional):

• Facilitate Apple Seeds program curriculum to elementary school students
• Collaborate with the Program team on identifying and implementing improvements to the processes and systems of Apple Seeds programming
• Additional support will be provided as needed for program implementation including organization of materials, preparation, and clean up

Educational Opportunities: Under the tutelage and direct supervision of the Farm Director, who has 20 years of agricultural experience working on organic farms and gardens across the country, the Farm Apprentice will gain extensive first hand experience in small-scale organic agriculture and make valuable connections with professionals in the Northwest Arkansas area. They will develop leadership skills leading a wide range of garden volunteers in the garden and alongside programming staff, and work directly with and learn from our Farm Director.

Skills Desired: Farming Qualifications: ● Strong oral communication skills ● At least 1-2 years of organic farming experience ● Ability to organize and instruct people with varying levels of gardening experience ● Works well with many personality types and cultural backgrounds ● Prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, wind or shine!) ● Capable of working independently at times ● Ability to lift 50lbs ● Willingness to have fun while learning Programming Qualifications ● Positive attitude and enjoys being around children ● Strong oral and written communication skills ● Exceptional interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of students, teachers, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders ● Skill in leading and guiding students with varying levels of knowledge and skills Additional Job Requirements: ● Valid U.S. driver’s license ● Agree to and pass a criminal background check ● Willingness to work outside in hot and cool conditions

Meals: No

Stipend: $13/hr wage. Wage and hours may have the opportunity to increase after 8 month with the right person! :)

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: email