Sustainable Ag Apprentice – Grow Dat
Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:11PM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:150 Zachary Taylor Drive
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
Primary Contact: Leo Gorman
Primary Phone:
Type: Cell
Number: 504-616-1777
Email: leo@growdatyouthfarm.org
Website: https://growdatyouthfarm.org/apprentice
Internship information
General Farm Description: The mission of Grow Dat Youth Farm is to nurture a diverse group of young leaders through the meaningful work of growing food. At Grow Dat, people from different backgrounds come together to create a more just and sustainable food system. On our farm, we work collaboratively to grow food; educate and inspire youth and adults; and build power to create personal, social, and environmental change. Located on a seven-acre site in New Orleans' City Park we operate a two-and-a-half acre market farm. Each year, we grow and harvest an average of 50,000 pounds of fresh produce. Eighty percent is sold via our 150-member CSA program. 20% is distributed through our Shared Harvest program and to our youth participants and families. We use sustainable methods to build a resilient agricultural system. To us that means producing food by supporting natural ecological systems and stewarding natural and human resources for the future. We do not use chemical-based pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, we utilize techniques such as cover cropping, composting, companion planting, farmscaping and crop rotation to stimulate micro-biological activity and soil health.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: Rolling (Sept-May)
Internship Ends: Rolling (Sept-May)
Number of Internship Available: 5
Application Deadline: Rolling
Minimum Length of Stay: 1 month
Internship Details:
This Grow Dat adult apprenticeship program is an opportunity for adults interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in sustainable urban agriculture to learn through hands-on experience, instruction, and support from mentor farmers.
Over the course of the apprenticeship, apprentices will advance their knowledge and experience in: farm planning, sustainable agriculture theory and practice, soil bed preparation, weed recognition and abatement, soil building, mulching, composting, cover crop selection, methods and rotation, irrigation design and installation, greenhouse and seedling propagation, direct seeding/transplanting, seed variety selection, succession planting, harvest techniques, post-harvest handling, marketing, and site and campus maintenance.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to lift 50 lb. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform a variety of farm tasks. Must be able to accept constructive criticism. Must have a positive attitude and be able to work as part of a team.
12-16 hours per week for 1-9 months.
WORK HOURS
Sept-May
12-16 hours per week Tuesday through Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm, potentially afternoons
COMPENSATION
AND BENEFITS
The apprenticeship is unpaid but apprentices take home farm produce weekly and receive strong mentorship from the Farm Manager and Assist Farm Manager. It is also a great opportunity to work with a diverse team committed to building a more sustainable and food-secure New Orleans. University credit can also be coordinated.
APPLY
If you are interested in applying or have additional questions, please email your interest to Farm Manager Leo Gorman – leo@growdatyouthfarm.org. There is no written application and acceptance is rolling.
Grow Dat is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBT and gender non-conforming people.
Educational Opportunities: Farm planning, sustainable agriculture theory and practice, soil bed preparation, weed recognition and abatement, soil building, mulching, composting, cover crop selection, methods and rotation, irrigation design and installation, greenhouse and seedling propagation, direct seeding/transplanting, seed variety selection, succession planting, harvest techniques, post-harvest handling, marketing, and site and campus maintenance.
Skills Desired: No
Meals: Not regularly
Stipend: No
Housing: No
Preferred method of Contact: email