Seeking Farm Education Apprentices in California

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Currently accepting applications: Farm Education Apprentices at Fairview Gardens Center for Urban Agriculture, Santa Barbara, CA

Applications received by Nov. 15th are given priority consideration. 

6 month apprenticeship starting Jan 16-June 2nd (with option to continue until mid Nov. with increased stipend/responsibility). We will also accept application in the spring for June-Nov. apprentices.

The Fairview Gardens Apprenticeship program provides hands-on direct experience in farm education, organic farming, community outreach, and sustainable food systems. Apprentice roles include organizing and leading children’s programs, curriculum/educational material development, leading farm tours, and tending to our educational gardens and 12 acre farm. Apprentices gain a variety of skills useful for teaching farm education, including developing age-appropriate, place-based curriculum, designing engaging and creative cooking, crafting, and gardening activities as well as participating in farm outreach events. This apprenticeship will play a significant role in our farming operation as we implement restorative, agriculture techniques to grow nutritious, organic, responsibly grown food with soil-building practices. Apprentices will work alongside our administrative and marketing staff, engaging in activities essential to the operation of a non-profit, educational farm. Participants are provided with opportunities to shadow parallel programs in our community as well as other professional development opportunities.

Farm Education Apprentices

The Fairview Gardens Apprenticeship program provides hands-on direct experience in farm education, community outreach, organic farming, and sustainable food systems. Apprentice roles (We accept up to 6) include organizing and leading children’s programs, curriculum/educational material development, leading farm tours, and tending to our educational gardens and 12 acre farm. Apprentices gain a variety of skills useful for teaching farm education, including developing age-appropriate, place-based curriculum, designing engaging and creative cooking, crafting, and gardening activities as well as participating in farm outreach events. This apprenticeship will play a significant role in our farming operation as we implement restorative, agriculture techniques to grow nutritious, organic, responsibly grown food with soil-building practices. Apprentices will work alongside our administrative and marketing staff, engaging in activities essential to the operation of a non-profit, educational farm. Participants are provided with opportunities to shadow parallel programs in our community as well as other professional development opportunities.

Typically we ask farm education apprentices to stay 6  months, from Jan-June and June to Nov.  If apprentices are a good match for our farm, we encourage them to stay on as second term apprentices, with increased stipend/responsibility. This commitment allows apprentices to experience the turn of seasons and allows time for in-depth learning and project ownership as the program progresses. You will generally work a 40 hour week. However, you will also be required to help with farm events, such as our Farm-to-Table, Open Houses, or other festivals on weekends and evenings, so hours will vary depending on the week, sometimes exceeding 50 hours.

To be a part of the program we ask that you:

• LOVE working with children and have experience in this area
• Are able to lift 50 lbs.
• Physically able to work long days in hot, cold or rainy weather
• Able to take instruction from a variety of people
• Be self-directed
• Able to work alone or with team members
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic educational environment

The Facility and Stipend

Farm Education Apprentices receive simple yurt housing, communal kitchen and bathrooms, and a $400/month stipend. Vegetables and herbs from the farm may or may not be available depending on the season and our particular crop plan. Apprentices also have the opportunity to work shifts at our Farmstand to earn additional income. You will have 1-3 yurtmates during your stay on the farm.

To Apply, prospective Farm Education Apprentices should visit https://www.fairviewgardens.org/programs/apprenticeships/