Farm Internship/Apprenticeship in Alaska

Posted on February 8, 2015 by in Apprenticeship, Farming, Internships // 0 Comments

FARM INTERNSHIP/APPRENTICE OPPORTUNITY – Spring / Summer 2015 at Talkeetna Grown CSA and Birch Creek Ranch, Talkeetna, Alaska

General Description: Our 35 year homestead is on the road but off the grid near Talkeetna, Alaska, with 100 acres of hayfields, greenhouses, and 5 acres of vegetables, potatoes, and berries. Our CSA is producing vegetables for share members, direct sales to restaurants, and markets. Our high tunnels will produce Alaskan sweet corn, squash and early season produce. Talkeetna is a small Alaska village popular for its access to recreational fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, and flight seeing. It is the center of fly in access for Denali National Park.

Internship Dates: April 1, 2014 - Mid October 2014 (May 15 – August 15 min. for Jr intern)

Number of Interns: 2

App Deadline: open until filled

Minimum Length of Stay: 3 months

Skills Desired: Basic experience in vegetable growing and CSA or market vegetable operation. Non smokers only. Good driving record and valid driver’s license. Growing and evolving family farm surviving on the edge of the wilderness and economic sustainability. Looking for self starter with aptitude for business and management for senior position. Possible winter caretaker opportunity at end of season.

Educational Opportunities: A variety of northern latitude growing methods are used. Several high tunnels are in production and most field plantings use mulched hills for increased soil temperatures. Greenhouse transplants are used for early planting of high tunnels and almost all field plantings. Intern will get broad experience with all aspects of CSA and market vegetable production, northern growing techniques, marketing, and assist in evaluation of operation economics. Mechanized methods are used for field preparation.

Stipend: Salary or negotiated stipend D.O.E.

Room & Board: Dry cabin or camper with cooking facilities provided with shared outhouse and sauna. Food/meals depending on stipend negotiated. Fresh produce is available June 15-September 15.

Preferred method Of Contact: e-mail – brian@talkeetnafarm.com

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 685, Talkeetna, AK 99676

Contact: Brian Kingsbury

Email: brian@talkeetnafarm.com

Website: talkeetnafarm.com

Internship Details: We are a true Alaskan homestead having developed 100 acres of hay fields, several greenhouses and high tunnels, and 5 acres of berries and vegetables. Position will work 40-60 hrs per week April 15 through October 15, focusing on vegetable production, harvest, CSA management and sales, with possible assistance with retail flower production and sales. Work as apprentice in all aspects of farm operation and management. Sr. position is great for those with a season of two of experience looking for advancement in a diverse production operation. Duties to include weed management, harvesting, sales, and cleanup. Will work around self powered and tractor driven equipment. Must be able to lift 50 lb and maneuver heavy items or power equipment. Intern will direct volunteer labor in weeding, harvesting, and tending plants and running markets. Knowledge and awareness of basic plant care and needs is required. This is a semi-remote farm with lots of surrounding natural beauty, at the end of an exhausting day, interns may choose to explore, read,

socialize with farm family and volunteers, etc. Days off are scheduled around harvests and markets.