Apprenticeship: Farm Education at Weavers Way, Pennsylvania

Weavers Way Community Program seek Farm Education Apprentice for 2011 season Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Deadline to apply: January 31, 2011 Approximate Dates: April 7- November 15 WWCP Farm Education The farm education program consists of a 1/3 acre childrens’ garden at the Weavers Way Farm at the Awbury Arboretum, where many groups from around the region visit to participate in educational programs. WWCP also has a 1/3 acre community farm site at the Stenton Family Manor Homeless Shelter, where education and gardening is open to residents and community members. WWCP’s farm education program operates in conjunction with the Weavers Way Farm and Weavers Way Coop. The farm consists of two sites, including a 2 acre CSA farm at Saul Agricultural High School and a 1.5 acre market garden at Weavers Way Farm. The coop is a large community owned retail food market, with locations in Mt.Airy, West Oak Lane and Chestnut Hill. In 2010, over 2,000 youth and adults participated in WWCP’s farm education programs. A majority of those were school and community groups who participated in farm education or service learning activities at the farm.

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In addition to education, produce that the Farm Educator grows is sold at farmers markets, and to the Weavers Way co-op location. A major portion of the produce at Stenton Family Manor is used on-site in the shelter’s kitchen where meals are served daily to over 200 people.

Weavers Way Community Programs was created in 2007 to develop and expand the community enrichment work of the Weavers Way Co‐op. In addition to farm education programs, WWCP runs the school Marketplace program, a series of school-based mini co-ops run by students with guidance from their teachers and WWCP staff.

Farm Education Apprenticeship

This is a great opportunity for hands‐on experience with urban farm education and production. The position will offer experience with small scale, diversified organic vegetable production and the opportunity to develop skills as an educator with various groups at the farm sites. Interns will have the opportunity to work at all sites, but the percentage of time at each site will vary according to project needs. Other projects include assisting with developing the farm education curriculum and evaluation measures, as well as doing research on the quantitative impacts of our work.  The percentage of time engaged in production vs. education will vary weekly.

Qualifications
Some prior experience in gardening and environmental education preferred. Must be at least 18 years old, have a good sense of humor, strong work ethic, and willingness to get dirty. You should be able to work under adverse conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain) and be able to lift 50 lbs, preferably at the same time. Access to a vehicle is helpful but not necessary. Many interns and staff bike between sites.
Specific Tasks
Commitment is 30 to 40 hrs per week, depending on the time of the season, assisting with both farm education and production. Total hours per week will vary with the growing season.
Help lead educational group visits to the farm and summer camp and after school program at Stenton Family Manor.
Help manage volunteers who visit the farm to assist with the production farm and children’s garden.
Assist with farm production, including work in the greenhouse, planting, weeding, harvesting, and marketing.
Learn about the 100 varieties of vegetables and flowers we grow, including pest management and season extension.
Engage with members of the Weavers Way community via community outreach events
Staff a few farmers market, helping to harvest, set up for, and sell our produce.
Have fun, meet nice people, and learn a lot!

Apprenticeship stipend will be available as well as possible housing with a local family if needed, vegetables from the gardens, and membership at the coop store.

Please send resume and cover letter to:
Farm Educator
Weavers Way Community Programs
559 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
farmeducator (at) gmail.com
Email preferred!