Shalom Farms

Last Updated On: noviembre 23rd, 2020 at 12:06PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
2676 Venita Road
Midlothian, Virginia , 23113

Primary Contact: Hannah Wittwer
Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: 804-794-2004
    Email: hannah@shalomfarms.org

Website: shalomfarms.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: Shalom Farms is a nonprofit farm project working to build healthy communities by growing and sharing healthy food. We work with thousands of volunteers from all backgrounds each year to produce more than 200,000 pounds of produce. We distribute this produce throughout the Richmond area through a variety of programs and partnerships.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: March 1, 2021
Internship Ends: November 23, 2021
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: January 1, 2021
Minimum Length of Stay: For the entire season

Internship Details:

The Farmer in Residence – Volunteer and Education Focus (FIR) is a season-long, full-time position on Shalom’s 12 acre farm in Powhatan, VA. Under the guidance of the Director of Farm Operations, Powhatan Farm Manager, and Volunteer and Education Manager, the FIR will have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of our sustainable vegetable farm operation, and will be particularly involved in working with volunteer and educational groups. FIRs will also participate in one or more of our city-based food access programs. Additionally, FIRs
participate in a robust professional development program including regular readings, discussions, and farm field trips to partner farms throughout the season to support the FIR
in furthering their education in regenerative farming and food justice.

Schedule:
The FIR will work Monday through Thursday from 8-4:30 as well as 2 weekends a month: Friday’s from 8-12:30 and Saturdays from 8-12:30 (meaning each month the FIR gets 2, 3-day weekends off). FIRs also have 1 week of paid vacation and 4 paid holidays. Workshops, discussions, and readings are all during work hours.

Primary Responsibilities:
● Manage and lead volunteers in completion of daily farm tasks .
● With assistance from Volunteer and Education Manager, lead educational programming including farm tours and lessons for visitors of all ages
● Assist with the coordination of volunteer groups, including occasional administrative/office work.
● Assist with field work as assigned. Typical tasks include seeding, planting, harvesting, washing/packing produce, and field prep/maintenance.
● Make produce deliveries to the city as needed.
● Participate in at least one city distribution program.
● Participate in implementation of crop plan.
● Help with the general organization and maintenance of all farm equipment and outbuildings.

To apply for this position, please send cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references to Hannah Wittwer at volunteer@shalomfarms.org. Applications will be accepted until January 1, 2021 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information, feel free to email, visit our website www.shalomfarms.org , or
find us on Facebook and Instagram (@shalomfarms).

Educational Opportunities: Educational Opportunities: Alongside all of the skills you’ll be learning day to day on the farm, we also offer more formal, sit-down educational experiences. Spring: Bi-weekly readings and discussions covering food access, food sovereignty, and the local food system. Summer: 4 workshops that cover topics of irrigation, pest and disease management, high tunnel operation, and crop planning. Visits to other farms in the region either physically or virtually. Fall: A four week workshop series that studies soil chemistry, soil biology, fertilizer and amendment strategy, and soil test analyzing. 8 weeks of readings that range from soil science to food security and policy.

Skills Desired: Qualities: ● Values diversity and enjoys working with diverse groups, including ability to reach across racial, ethnic, generational, socioeconomic, rural/urban and religious lines. ● Enjoys educating about food justice issues and sustainable agriculture ● Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills ● Comfortable with public speaking ● Strong desire to learn and grow as a farmer ● Willingness to work hard in difficult weather conditions ● Ability to lift 50 lbs or more. ● Ability to multi-task ● Detail oriented and organized ● Ability to work both alone and with groups ● Ability to take initiative Preferred Qualifications: ● Farming or gardening experience is strongly preferred. ● Experience in a supervisory/leadership role is preferred. ● A driver’s license and clean driving record is preferred.

Meals: No, but FIRs are allowed unlimited produce from the farm.

Stipend: Shalom Farms offers a $1,000 (before taxes) living stipend.

Housing: Housing in a tiny house that is in walking distance to the farm with lots of amenities (WiFi, heat and A/C, kitchenette, grill, and patio).

Preferred method of Contact: email