Shalom Farms

Last Updated On: noviembre 25th, 2020 at 11:43AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
2676 Venita Road
Midlothian, Virginia, 23113

Primary Contact: Seyra Whitney
Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: 804-794-2004
    Email: farm@shalomfarms.org

Website: https://shalomfarms.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: Shalom Farms is a nonprofit community 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 – Agricultural Production Specialization (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, as well as one or more of our city-based food access programs. FIRs also participate in a robust professional development program including regular readings, discussions, and 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:
● Assist with field work as assigned. Typical tasks include sowing, planting, harvesting, amending soil, washing/packing produce, and field preparation/maintenance.
● Assist with volunteer and educational groups 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.
● Will assist with overseeing interns and volunteers with field work and projects.

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

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

Stipend: $1000 (before taxes) monthly living stipend.

Housing: Housing in a tiny house that is in walking distance from the farm. Amenities include WiFi, heat, A/C, kitchenette, grill, and patio.

Preferred method of Contact: email