Food Bank Garden Apprentice

Good Cheer Food Bank has been serving the South end of Whidbey Island since 1962 and is funded chiefly through the revenues of two thrift stores. We are a choice-based food bank open 6 days a week, and focus on providing whole foods and fresh produce as much as possible. A commercial kitchen allows us to process and preserve food that is reaching the end of its life, thus limiting food waste and increasing options throughout the year. The food bank is strongly supported by the local community and we receive regular donations from local farms and backyard gardeners. Our volunteer-managed gleaning program harvests donated fruit and collects leftover produce from a farmers market once a week.
Our gardens focus on growing produce in the fall, winter and spring when donations from these other sources are at their lowest. We cultivate 1.25 acres on 2 sites a short distance apart. Our flagship garden was installed in front of the food bank in 2009. In 2016 we added a one-acre farm on unused school district property. Some of what we grow ends up in school cafeterias, school garden programs, or is distributed through other hunger-relief or social support organizations around the Island. We follow organic practices and are in the process of transitioning to a low- to no-till system. We will hopefully have a beehive in spring of 2020 and are beginning to research mushroom cultivation for the 2021 season.

We are hiring two apprentices for the 2020 garden team:
An Advanced Apprentice with at least one previous season working on a farm, or equivalent experience. Applicants for this position should be interested in learning farm management and taking on more responsibilities as the season progresses, including helping teach the beginning apprentice. Their hours and tasks will strongly mirror the work of the Garden Manager.
A Beginning Apprentice who is looking to start a career in agriculture. Previous experience on a farm is not necessary, but applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in our food system and a strong understanding of the physical nature of farming and the time commitment it requires.

Apprenticeship Term and Time Commitment:
Advanced Apprentice: Early March to October 31; Average 40 hours per week
Beginning Apprentice: April or May to September 30, with the possibility of staying into October as work and interest allows; average 35 to 40 hours per week

Please visit our website for the full job description and instructions on how to apply: https://goodcheergarden.wordpress.com/apprenticeship-opportunities/