Early Bird Farm

Last Updated On: January 30th, 2024 at 09:39AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
4220 Gay Rd E
Tacoma, Washington, 98443

Primary Contact: Rawley Johnson
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2533552616
    Email: rawleyjohnson@gmail.com

Website: https://www.earlybirdfarmer.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: Early Bird Farm is a small, diversified, family farm growing vegetables on some world-class sandy loam soil in the beautiful Puyallup valley. We grow about 2 acres of field crops each year primarily for our 150 member CSA program. The surplus is donated to local food banks through a close relationship with a volunteer gleaning program. Our farm uniquely integrates 2 flocks of chickens in mobile coops that are rotated around the fields to both improve soil fertility and provide amazing eggs. We also cultivate some berry bushes, fruit trees, and a few hives of honeybees. Crew members get experience with all aspects of production throughout the season.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: March/April/May 2023
Internship Ends: November 2023
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: open until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: Full season

Internship Details:

A job at Early Bird Farm is for those who want to immerse themselves in all aspects of small scale, sustainable farming. You’ll be growing vegetables from seed to harvest, tending to our pasture-raised hens and sheep, cultivating fruit trees and berry bushes, and even dabbling with honeybees. Because we are a small farm, we are able to provide a diverse and well rounded experience to everyone on our crew each year. Over the course of the season, you will get hands on with virtually every tool we use on the farm, including the tractor! You can tailor the experience to your particular strengths and interests and take on leadership where you are motivated to do so. This is a full time, 5 day a week position from March/April/or May – November. TO APPLY: PLEASE EMAIL A RESUME AND COVER LETTER

Educational Opportunities: Working alongside the farm owner with over a decade of experience, you're going to learn a lot! While the internship is primarily "learning-by-doing," we dedicate one afternoon per week to an in depth discussion of a wide range of agriculture related topics following a farm-created curriculum. The internship is sanctioned by Washington State Labor and Industries and all crew members are covered by workers compensation insurance. As someone who learned to farm as an intern myself, I am passionate about leading a well rounded and meaningful internship experience. Hourly wage crew members can also participate in internship activities depending on their interest.

Skills Desired: No previous farming experience necessary. I am looking for candidates with a passion and curiosity for sustainable agriculture and a willingness to dive into any and all tasks! The internship is a serious, full-time work commitment, so applicants should be in excellent physical condition and demonstrate capability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Meals: Cook your own meals, mostly. Once per week we share a communal meal before our weekly internship lesson. Eating well straight from the fields is part of the gig--if you love cooking fresh-picked veggies, you'll be very happy here!

Stipend: Yes. Those with no previous market farming experience can apply to work as an intern with a $2,000/month stipend. Hourly wage positions from $16.50 - $18.00/hr are available for folks with relevant farming experience.

Housing: On farm housing is available in comfortable RV trailers. Or commute to the farm--we are very close to Tacoma and south Seattle.

Preferred method of Contact: email a resume and cover letter to apply