Urban Farming Apprenticeship in Oakland, California

One Year Urban Farming Apprenticeship (approx Dec 2009-Dec 2010) City Slicker Farms, a non-profit urban farming program in West Oakland, California, is seeking qualified applicants for one year long apprenticeships.  City Slicker Farms increases food self-sufficiency in West Oakland by creating organic, sustainable, high-yield urban farms and back-yard gardens.  Urban Farm Apprentices work in all areas of the program, including farming (planning, obtaining supplies, propagating, planting, harvesting, etc.), volunteer management, farm-stand sales, community outreach, event planning, technical assistance for community members, administrative work, and record-keeping.   We will welcome the talents and opinions of apprentices in our collective decision-making process.  This is a great position for motivated people who are interested in all aspects of community food security and food justice.  We will tailor the apprenticeship to your learning needs as much as possible.

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Qualifications:
• At least 1 year experience in farming/gardening, with at least 6 months of on-farm job experience
• Able and willing to do hard manual labor and to lift at least 50 pounds
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, e-mail, etc.)
• Organizational & communication skills (record-keeping, data entry, planning, filing, managing schedules, e-mail, etc)
• Farmer’s market sales experience preferred
• Comfortable working with a diverse group of people (age, race, gender, ethnicity, economic status)
• Driver’s License and ability to drive a standard shift truck a plus
• Outgoing and friendly with the public
• Ability to stay on task while handling multiple distractions
• Comfortable directing volunteer workers
• Attention to detail (attractive produce displays, clean tool sheds, etc.)
• Experience in community outreach and/or marketing a plus
• Ability to instruct community members in gardening techniques
• Basic construction skills preferred
• Spanish language fluency a plus

Duration & Work Schedule:
• Year Apprenticeship, December 2009-December 2010 (somewhat flexible start & end dates)
• 35 hours per week, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays required
• Three weeks paid vacation in December/January plus two weeks paid vacation (negotiable)

Compensation:
• Housing is provided within walking/biking distance to most work sites and regional public transportation.
• Board (food) stipend.
• $300 stipend per month.

Application is attached, and also available for download at www.cityslickerfarms.org.  If interested please fill out an application and send your resume to:

Barbara Finnin
City Slicker Farms
1625 16th St.
Oakland, CA 94607
or
info@cityslickerfarms.org

Application deadline OCTOBER 5th

West Oakland residents, people of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.