Care Farmer Training – Homesteads for Hope

Last Updated On: febrero 29th, 2024 at 08:30AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
2185 Manitou Road
Rochester, New York, 14606

Primary Contact: Chris Krivanek
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 3305020820
    Email: chris@homesteadsforhope.org

Website: https://www.homesteadsforhope.org/

Internship information

General Farm Description: About Homesteads for Hope Homesteads for Hope is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Farm growing an inclusive agritourism center offering family memberships, educational and vocational programs, classes, public and private events. The concept was founded in 2013 by a mother and daughter raising a young adult with autism. In September of 2016 a team of like-minded parents, professionals, and collaborators came together to purchase our 55-acre farm on the banks of the Historic Erie Canal in Rochester, New York. Homesteads for Hope is replicating a national model of intentional communities serving people with and without disabilities providing a place to learn, work, live, and grow. The vision is to make a profound impact in the lives of individuals and their families through community integration, collaboration, and empowerment. About the Farm - We grow on 7 acres of land, including 2 greenhouses and 3 high tunnels. - Our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program will be entering its 4th season and offers weekly vegetable shares to the public. In 2023, we had 175 full shares and in 2024 we expect to have 250 full shares. - We farm alongside the apprentices in our Ready, Set, Grow program, as well as community volunteers. At any given time, there can be anywhere from a few of us to 30 or more people out in the fields. - Our produce is grown using strict organic and sustainable practices. Many cover crops are used, and crops are rotated each year. Soil health is always prioritized. - We love novelty each week in our CSA so we grow over 30 different crops and over 150 varieties of these crops. - Our Farm Manager will be entering his 13th growing season and loves to share all the knowledge gained, as well as learn plenty of new things himself, with the crew each year.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/25/24
Internship Ends: 11/1/24
Number of Internship Available: 4
Application Deadline: 2/1/24
Minimum Length of Stay: 7 months

Internship Details:

Job Description

Begins late March and ends early November

40 hours per week

$15 per hour (plus plenty of extra produce)

Housing provided at a cost of $800 per month in our brand new 5-bedroom Farmers’ Residence

Involved in all farm work, reporting directly to the Farm Manager

Assisting with greenhouse propagation and watering, field preparation, transplanting, irrigation, trellising, weeding, harvesting, washing produce, preparing CSA shares, leading apprentices, setting up for large volunteer groups, and all other farm-related tasks

Ideally the candidate would be willing to commit to 2 seasons at the farm as it takes a full year to learn the essence of what we do before advancing to greater responsibilities, but this isn’t required (a review for the second year will take place in August)

Each farmer will have a primary responsibility and educational opportunity for the season, such as greenhouse, irrigation, equipment, CSA, etc.

Aside from farming, one will be expected to step into other roles within the Programs and Enterprises departments (classes, event setup, etc.). These are opportunities to learn more about the therapeutic side of farming and work with our apprentices in settings other than the fields.

When farm manager or farm assistant cannot be present, responsible for taking care of greenhouse, harvesting, irrigation, and weeding assignments.  Responsibilities for these days will be detailed.

This is a small-scale farm, which means not all tasks are done by equipment.  The applicant should be prepared to plant and weed on their knees, carry 40+ lb. crates of produce, and spend all day on their feet

For the right candidate, there is a strong possibility of advancement and greater responsibility

Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in farming, gardening, and physical, outdoor work

Interest in sustainable agriculture and innovative growing methods

Passion for learning to farm in a therapeutic setting

Eagerness to work alongside people of all ability levels

Reliable, self-motivated, inquisitive, respectful, detail-oriented, resourceful, problem solver

Willing to work both in a group setting and alone

Open to working in all weather conditions

Able to transition between an intense, efficient working style and a kind, patient approach to apprentices and volunteers

Being a mindful, communicative, clean, quiet, and respectful roommate

Educational Opportunities: Extensive one on one instruction in farming techniques, as well as training for a future as a Care Farmer by working with our programs department.

Skills Desired: One year experience in farming, outdoor labor, or comparable work.

Meals: Extra produce is provided, along with some meals for events.

Stipend: Yes, applicants are paid an hourly wage.

Housing: Yes.

Preferred method of Contact: Email