TILTH PRODUCERS OF WASHINGTON

The goal of this internship is to prepare the student to farm independently or take a more responsible position on a working farm. The intern will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of operating a diversified, sustainable farm.

Description
Dog Mountain Farm is a 20-acre diversified operation in Carnation, WA. The farm has a commercial greenhouse; a .25-acre orchard with apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, and quince; a small berry field and table grape vineyard; 2 acres of annual and perennial vegetables and herbs; a team of Percheron draft horses; Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs; dairy goats; Icelandic sheep; bees; and poultry. Most of the farm work is manual, including cleaning animal housing, planting, harvesting, and weeding; although there is a tractor for moving and lifting heavy loads, digging post holes, etc.
Experience and Educational Opportunities
In this fulltime program, interns will learn the technical and business skills needed to run a small-scale farm, including all aspects of raising crops and livestock, greenhouse management, agritourism, marketing, planning, budgeting, and accounting. Interns are expected to provide lead direction to WWOOFers/volunteers. Interns will establish learning goals and objectives to ensure maximum value from this experience. Interns will spend 8-12 hours a day, 7 days a week, performing daily farm chores, working at farmers markets, participating in building projects, and recordkeeping. A large library is available for individual study and the farm manager and owner will provide individual and group training to meet intern learning goals. Periodic, individual and group trips to Seattle and local venues for off-farm social time will be encouraged.

Living Quarters and Meals
Shared housing in a 40-foot trailer, including kitchen and shower facilities, will be provided. Camping onsite is also an option. Interns are expected to maintain the trailer in a clean and orderly state. Staples, meat, and produce are provided. An outdoor kitchen is also available for use and interns will help in the preparation and cleanup of shared meals.
Qualifications
Commitment to starting own farm business or seek additional skills and knowledge to operate a farm. Enthusiastic about experiencing a farm lifestyle and a love of cooking, eating, socializing, and sharing with others. Must be neat and organized. One to two years’ experience working on a farm doing field work, caring for livestock, or working in an agricultural greenhouse. Applicants must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs and to work long hours outdoors in all weather conditions. Basic construction or mechanical skills a plus. Non-smokers and moderate alcohol consumers only.

Dates and Stipend
Minimum of 3 months, year-round openings; $500/month

To Apply
Submit resume and three references to: Dog Mountain Farm, PO Box 17, Carnation, WA 98014

Pine Stump Farms
CONTACT:

Diversified farm operation, Goat dairy w/fresh & aged cheese, garden vegetables, cattle, horses, chickens, hay and timber.

Hours; average six hour per, five days per week.

Meals; morning coffee/tea light breakfast, large mid day dinner, sometimes evening supper. Be prepared to have own food & snacks. Abundant sharing of garden produce, eggs, cheese, meat from farm.

Housing; two bunkhouse building for residences. Electricity, running water, propane cook stove, wifi.

Other Compensation; negotiable, depending on experience and ability. Preference given to full season interns, possible stipends. Project specific wages and extensive networking with other producers in the valley.

Work; helping with all aspects of the farm from milking goats & cheese making, feeding & care of animals, tending the gardens, hauling hay, irrigation of hay fields, building and repair of fences, building of farm structures(barns etc) cutting firewood, to any number of activities that make the farm run.

Full time position working on a market gardening farm. The farm is certified organic and some restrictions apply.

The applicant will be working a minimum of 40 hours a week and often 6 days, meals and housing are provided. The intern will work in greenhouses and outside gardens. Planting starts in January and runs through the end of November. December is the time to clean-up the greenhouses and fertilize. A knowledge of machinery and tools, irrigation and marketing. We sell at 2 farmers markets and have sever CSAs. The intern will be paid a stipend and the amount depends upon experience.

Contact Carol Thomas