Farm in California (Near Oregon) Seeks Interns for 2012

Ocean Air Farms, a 15-acre "mixed operation" farm located in California ten miles south of the Oregon border and just two miles east of the ocean is looking for 4 interns for the 2012 season. Ten acres of produce goes to our 70 member CSA in addition to 4 weekly local farmers markets. O.A.F. serves our northern neighbors in Brookings, OR. and our community just south of us, Crescent City. Both of which are within 20 miles from our farm fields in Fort Dick. O.A.F. grows a large range of temperate climate vegetables, culinary herbs, a dabble at fruit (strawberries, raspberries and a young apple orchard), and fresh flowers too that not only we enjoy but our honeybees do too. In the remaining acreage O.A.F. grows pasture where Icelandic sheep are raised for wool, and have a herd of milking goats. A cow (sometimes two,) is hand milked and bull calves are raised on the bottle and pasture for beef. Several hogs are also raised for pork. Most seasons a flock of meat chickens are raised on pasture to stock the freezer. And recently a small flock of laying hens were reintroduced on the farm for personal egg consumption. Not only does the farm offer a lot of diversity, so does the surrounding area. Home of the “Wild Rivers Coast” there are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, surfing and kayaking near by. The beautiful Smith River is 3 minutes away, old growth redwoods are all around our region, and the Tolowa State Dunes Park is just down the road from us. For a description of the internships and information about how to apply click "read more"

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Internship Description: Ocean Air Farms is in need of 4 interns for the 2012 season. In particular the farmsʼ living facilities would ideally host one couple and two singles, however, we’ve hosted all singles in the past without any trouble. More importantly, OAF seeks the right individuals to share the season with. OAF is looking for hard workers who are trust worthy, and have great communication skills. Self motivated folks seeking the sustainable farmer lifestyle (rather than a 9-5 seasonal job) are encouraged to apply.

Commitment and communication is key. Interns will become an integral part of the farm operation and lifestyle we have come to love. Jobs include but are not limited to, animal husbandry (a.m./p.m.); sowing seeds, transplanting, weeding, mulching; harvesting, washing and packing vegetables; setting up irrigation, making soil mixes, turning/creating compost, cover cropping, some tractor work and marketing at the farmers markets.

If you are thinking about farming as a career, and are especially interested in the relationship between row crop vegetables, livestock, direct marketing, and sustainable living, consider this internship. If you want to expand and enhance your farming, educational, & business skills, consider this position. Ocean Air Farms also enjoys the opportunity to “introduce” farming to driven people who have yet to get field experience.

As young farmers ourselves, Paul and Julie (owners of OAF) have a lot of energy, inspiration, and experiences in both success and failures to share.

Work Experience/ Skills Desired Farm experience is not necessary, but the true desire to engage in hands-on learning and willingness to physically work hard is essential. Please note any specialized experience you may have (i.e. mechanic, plumbing, wood work, cement, natural building, chef, and or direct marketing, quick books, etc). Running a small-scale farm requires the work of a Renaissance man/woman.

Compensation: Stipend; $100/weekMeals; Shared lunches twice a week, on harvest days (Tuesfay and Fri). Rotating cooking responsibilities on these days.

Food; some locally grown organic whole grains are provided to encourage home baking, grass fed meats are provided in designated amounts, all you can eat produce grown in the fields, and access to OAFʼs organic milk (goat and cow).

Housing; one 5th wheel slide-out trailer (couple occupancy or single), one 23 foot travel trailer (single or couple occupancy), loft space in the “farm house” (single occupancy), plenty of tent space. Communal kitchen, and bathhouse in the “farm house.”

Contact & Application Process: Request an application, contact Ocean Air Farms via email oceanairfarms@gmail.com , or friend us on Facebook, Ocean Air Farms.

Photo(s) and more info about the farm are available at at www.oceanairfarms.shutterfly.com and on Facebook.