Vineyard & Orchard Assistant – Crawford Farms


Contact information
Farm Address:
28801 N Hinzerling Rd
Prosser, Washington, 99350

Primary Contact: Kellen
Primary Phone:
    Type:
Cell
    Number: 509-303-6388
    Email: kellen@crawford-farms.com

Website: https://www.crawford-farms.com

Internship information
General Farm Description: This is a mid-sized family farm, just big enough to manage with two owner-managers. 180 acres mostly split between winegrapes (vinifera), concord grapes, apples, and blueberries. There is a perennial stream that splits the property as well, with beavers and otters frequenting the adjacent irrigation pond. Crops are mostly hand-maintained by a crew of 10-20 throughout the year, but are otherwise "conventionally" maintained. We have a fleet of two Landini orchard tractors that carry most of the tractor load, including boom spraying in the apples and vineyards, mowing weeds, and shuttling bins around during harvest. Vinifera, blueberries, and apples are all hand-picked.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/1/26
Internship Ends: 12/1/26
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: n/a
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

About the Role

Crawford Farms is seeking a resourceful, hard-working, hands-on individual to join the farm in a training role with a path toward increased responsibility. This position is ideal for someone to gain experience in agriculture with the potential for long-term employment.

 

What You’ll Do (training provided where needed)

  • Assist with day-to-day farm operations, including irrigation and general field work
  • Operate tractors and farm equipment
  • Support harvest operations during peak season
  • Help coordinate and monitor seasonal labor
  • Assist with weed control and basic farm maintenance
  • Occasionally support farmers markets and local produce deliveries
  • Participate in improving farm systems, efficiency, and sustainability practices

What We Offer

  • Flexible scheduling with advanced coordination
  • Paid training and mentorship
  • Opportunity to use a portion of the land for a personal garden
  • Access to shop, tools, and equipment for farm projects and personal use
  • Problem-solving responsibility
  • Direct involvement in sustainability, habitat restoration, and long-term planning
  • A clear path to expanded responsibility for the right person

Requirements

  • No formal farming experience required
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Physically able to work long days on occasion
  • Must live locally
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
  • Reliable, resourceful, and responsive to feedback

Educational Opportunities: Amazing opportunity to learn about viticultural techniques, apples and blueberries. There is also ample opportunity to engage with the dozens of local wineries that we partner with, some of whom grow award-winning wines. Washington State University agricultural extension is just down the road, as well.

Skills Desired: No farming experience is required.

Meals: no

Stipend: $4,000/month starting - negotiable based on experience

Housing: no

Preferred method of Contact: email