Apprenticeship at Zajac Farm

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:57PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
20067 Elizabeth Lane
Bend, Oregon, 97702

Primary Contact: Sachin
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 8058155545
    Email: sachin@roguefarmcorps.org

Website: https://www.roguefarmcorps.org

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. 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.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/15/2023 (approx)
Internship Ends: 11/1/2023 (approx)
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: Rolling (but early applications recommended)
Minimum Length of Stay: 8 months

Internship Details:

An apprentice at Zajac Farms will learn the full scope of operating a market garden while working alongside the farmer.

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.

There is cell service. No wifi currently.

We require an in-person interview before making a placement offer.

-x-

Note: All Rogue Farm Corps apprentices are offered waged employment by their Host Farm, and are enrolled in Rogue Farm Corps Beginning Farmer Educational Event Series

To learn more about this series: https://www.roguefarmcorps.org/event-series

Educational Opportunities: Field prep, weed and pest control, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, wash and pack and marketing. Composting, broad forking, weeding, planting and some structural maintenance. Harvesting, washing and packaging for various markets. I prefer 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.

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

Stipend: Apprentices will be paid minimum wage and will have access to a wide diversity of vegetables grown on the farm.

Housing: There is no housing provided on 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 may be an option to park an RV / trailer / etc if an apprentice has one.

Preferred method of Contact: Email