Persephone Farm – WA

Last Updated On: December 30th, 2022 at 07:50AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
PO Box 158
9828 Midway Ave
Indianola, Washington, 98342

Primary Contact: Rebecca Slattery
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 360-265-1711
    Email: persephonefarm27@gmail.com

Website: http://persephonefarm.com/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Some say that beautiful Persephone Farm grows 10 acres of vegetables and flowers on less than 2 acres! We do this by employing human scale, regenerative, bio-intensive practices. We farm because we love the lifestyle and strive to create a fun and happy environment in which to grow not only food, but community. We are driven by a sense of purpose, providing healthy food and beautiful flowers to our local foodshed. We sell mixed vegetables and cut flowers at a weekly farmer's market, through an online store, have a CSA, and maintain several restaurant and small grocery store accounts. We also share our bounty through a wonderful farm to food bank program. The farm lies in an idyllic setting within walking distance of a sandy swimming beach, miles of wooded trails, and abundant wildlife. We enjoy a lovely small town atmosphere in cool, lush Western WA. Persephone is a busy, fun and social place, always lots going on! We work hard and enjoy what we do.

CRAFT Member Farm? Yes

Internship Starts: spring 2023
Internship Ends: 10/31/23 or ongoing into 2024
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: whole season

Internship Details:

Interns/ Assistant growers: We have developed a well-rounded, respected, and, in many cases life-changing opportunity for those who come to work alongside us in our small scale veggie and flower fields. We particularly encourage couples and those interested in starting their own sustainable small farms to apply. We are eager to create one or two positions for longer term employment, with a multi-season opportunity available for someone wanting to put down roots and take on a leadership role here.
Many of our former apprentices are now successful growers, building on our creative model of niche marketing and the authenticity of our growing practices. We strongly believe that each year’s group of interns is our most important crop, as they take their season of learning with us out into the world to affect positive change.

Educational Opportunities: We offer lots of hands-on instruction and responsibility in many aspects of the farm's operation. Helpers work closely with the woman farmer who emphasizes teaching in the fields as well as lots of behind-the-scenes business aspects of running the farm, from bookkeeping to spreadsheets, accounting, social media, online store management and CSA communications. A diverse array of classes will also be offered, co-created with other farms in the area and WSU to round out the curriculum. We are part of a close and richly textured community and would love to help you make connections to develop specific areas of interest.

Skills Desired: Agricultural experience is preferred, though not required. Entry level applicants will certainly be considered. Experienced folks may receive higher compensation DOE. We are always looking for people with handy skills and the ability to assist with general infrastructure maintenance. Office skills are useful too. Qualities we seek are a positive attitude, willingness to work and try hard, self motivation, grit, stamina and hustle. Excellent physical and mental health, including strong back and knees are all key attributes here. Our team members are detail-oriented, good problem solvers, and able to follow directions well. We value a sense of humor, and a love of healthy cooking and eating. We seek helpers with strong verbal communication skills as we spend a lot of time together and enjoy good conversation as well as inquisitiveness for a participatory learning environment. We prefer a largely unplugged work day where human connections and listening to the world around us supersedes electronic gadgets in the fields.

Meals: Meals are shared with other interns in a separate kitchen. An abundance of farm fresh vegetables are provided.

Stipend: Our compensation includes on farm housing, fresh veggies and a minimum of $1,500/month stipend plus weekly profit sharing in exchange for full time work. Raises and bonuses are possible depending on skills demonstrated and the success of our crops. Our hours vary seasonally, but will be as much as 45-50 hours/week in the height of the season. Enjoy a week of paid vacation as well as the opportunity to tend your own garden plot for fun and personal expression.

Housing: Housing and utilities are provided in a cluster of cozy wood-heated yurts, a small cabin and a tiny house on our quiet farm, an hour, including ferry ride, from downtown Seattle. Yurts are electrified, furnished, and have WIFI available. There is a communal kitchen, shared bathroom and laundry.

Preferred method of Contact: Email