Zajac Farms Apprentice

Last Updated On: enero 19th, 2024 at 09:43AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
63937 East Quail Haven Dr.
Bend, Oregon, 97701

Primary Contact: Kait Crowley
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 541-588-3550
    Email: training@roguefarmcorps.org

Website: https://www.roguefarmcorps.org/host-farms/zajac-farms

Website: https://www.zajacfarms.com/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Zajac Farms is a small scale, diversified vegetable operation located on the North end of the city of Bend, Oregon. The farm is about an acre in size on leased residential land and the farmer commutes daily to the farm. An Apprentice at Zajac Farms will learn how to farm on a small scale, market garden in a challenging climate. There is a lot to learn in a season of farming and it can be a rewarding experience for an aspiring farmer. Central Oregon is a wonderful place to live and farm with plenty of outdoor recreation activities and accessibility to mountains, rivers, lakes and more! The farm utilizes organic, regenerative practices with minimal tillage and permanent beds. All of the work is done by hand with various tools typical of market gardening; broadfork, scuffle hoes, wire weeders, tine rake, quick cut harvester and a BCS two wheeled tractor. There are currently two high tunnels and four low tunnels on the farm. The farm grows a wide variety of vegetables that are sold through a CSA, farmers market and a few wholesale outlets. Tyler has operated the farm with a few seasonal part time employees and volunteers. Tyler and his wife have three children that are occasionally on the farm along with their friendly dog. Tyler Zajac started the market garden in 2018 and continues to expand and experiment with a focus on the agro-ecosystem. Tyler grew up on a small hobby farm in Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State with a degree in agroecology. After working various jobs in the green industry, he moved to Bend to begin his farming career. Tyler enjoys discussing the scientific background of soils, climate, and infrastructure specific to the farm and beyond. Soil, plant and human health are a large focus of the farm. Pay starts at $15/hr, depending on experience. Apprentices will also have access to a wide diversity of vegetables grown on the farm each week. There is no housing provided on the farm at this time. The farm is very close to the North end of Bend city limits where houses, apartments or rooms may be available for rent. It is also possible to commute from Sisters and Redmond or anywhere in between. There is cell service. Sorry no wifi currently.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 4/1
Internship Ends: 11/1
Number of Internship Available: 1, full time ~40hrs/wk
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until positions are filled by early-mid March
Minimum Length of Stay: 500 training hours (~3-4 months minimum)

Internship Details:

An Apprenticeship is part of Rogue Farm Corps’ beginning farmer training program. Hands-on field training at the Host Farm is complemented by a series of classes, farm tours, discussions, and networking events organized by Rogue Farm Corps.

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Apprentices join other beginning farmers for an Educational Event Series facilitated by Rogue Farm Corps.
The satellite farm event series includes:
24 classes focused on foundational sustainable agriculture concepts, skills, and knowledge and the food system.
4-6 farm tours which showcase practical skills and individual farmers’ stories, as well as provide insight into diverse production and marketing systems. Mainly via 3 weekend intensives.
3-5 discussion circles with topics including Food Justice / Food Sovereignty, and Next Steps for Beginning Farmers.

RFC strives to make all educational events inclusive and welcoming to people from all backgrounds and identities. Classes, tours, and discussions are led by Rogue Farm Corps staff, agricultural professionals, and expert farmers. Scholarships are available.

Educational Opportunities: An Apprentice at Zajac Farms will learn the full scope of operating a market garden while working alongside the farmer. Tasks include: Field prep, weed and pest control, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, wash and pack and marketing. The Spring season consists of field prep; composting, broad forking, weeding, planting and some structural maintenance. Summer into Fall involves continuing field prep and planting with a good bit of harvesting, washing and packaging for various markets. We hope to have an Apprentice start around April 1st to November 1st. The Apprentice would work about 40 hours per week including some weekend work at a Saturday farmers market and on the farm. Typically an 8 hour day is expected. Tyler prefers to demonstrate procedures first and then work alongside Apprentices to set the pace and answer questions that arise during that task. Once the Apprentice becomes comfortable with the task, they may be expected to perform the tasks on their own. All workers will be able to perform most every task on the farm. Short morning meetings occur daily/weekly to understand the objectives for the week. Throughout the season many discussions occur about core concepts, different farming methods and other agriculture topics. Apprentices are encouraged to ask questions and make observations throughout the season. We require an in-person interview before making a placement offer.

Skills Desired: A strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and expand upon farming knowledge and techniques is expected. The daily tasks require continuous bending, crouching, lifting, shoveling and strenuous work. A level of good physical fitness is required. The High Desert climate is a challenging and at times volatile environment to work in. An attention to detail, good communication skills and commitment to the work is necessary. Candidates should be able to work and train in all elements of weather and sustain a positive attitude throughout the day.

Meals: No meals are provided but apprentices will have access to a wide diversity of vegetables grown on the farm.

Stipend: Pay starts at $15/hr, depending on experience. Apprentices will also have access to a wide diversity of vegetables grown on the farm each week.

Housing: There is no housing provided on the farm at this time. The farm is very close to the North end of Bend city limits where houses, apartments or rooms may be available for rent. It is also possible to commute from Sisters and Redmond or anywhere in between.

Preferred method of Contact: email / website