Apprentice at Sweetwater Farm

** Now Accepting Apprenticeship Applications for our 2024-2025 season

Every fall Sweetwater opens it doors to 3-4 eager farming students that want to lear2016apprenticesn first hand what being an organic farmer is all about.  Our Apprenticeship program is a hands-on educational experience that allows individuals interested in farming to dig right in and learn the basics of sustainable farming.  While learning, and seeing the results of your hard work (wonderful fresh organic veggies) is very rewarding, be advised this is a commitment to hard work, getting dirty and following instructions.

Our Apprentices work seasonally from September/October through the end of April/May growing certified organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers for our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and our on-site Sunday Market.  Bending, lifting, and carrying bins of produce are part of the daily routine.  Apprentices will work closely with and learn from our Farmers.

Farm House front July 2013

 

 

Our Apprentices could live on farm property in our Apprentice house (which also serves as our Education Center) and receive a stipend each week and of course, plenty of fresh organic veggies.  Each Apprentice will have their own private sleeping area, and will share a common area that includes a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, and living area with an enclosed porch.  The house has Wi-Fi for internet access and all utilities are included.  Apprentices work with our Farmers 20-25 hours a week.

 

 

 

The following is a list of skills the typical Farm Apprentice will be introduced to over the course of the Season with our Farm:

  • Animal Care
  • Pest Identification and Management
  • Land/infrastructure MaintenanceRoberto on Kubota doing rows ii
  • Field Fertility
  • Market and Special Event set-up
  • Harvesting Technique
  • Irrigation installation and repair
  • Post-Harvest process and storage
  • Green House/Hardening Shed
  • CSA Share set up and maintenance
  • Seeding
  • Record Keeping
  • Planting
  • Organic Certification operations and protocol
  • Weed Management
  • Compost Production
  • Volunteer Management

 

If you are interested in applying please send your resume to programs@sweetwater-organic.org.