Urban Agriculture Fellows Wanted in Virginia

Tweet

Tricycle Gardens, a Richmond-based nonprofit, is seeking a 2016-2017 cohort of Urban Agriculture Fellows for a 12 month, part-time experiential program in urban agriculture. This fellowship is ideal for aspiring urban farmers, steadfast food justice advocates and folks with a passion for growing food and building community.

Tricycle Gardens manages multiple urban agriculture sites across the Richmond area. Sites feature sustainably grown vegetable crops in fields and in hoop houses, compost & vermicompost operations, insectary plants, water catchment systems, experimental bed designs, perennial plants such as herbs and fruit trees and more. Fellows will be expected to participate in all aspects of urban agriculture, from weeding, planting and pruning, to harvesting and selling produce at market, to compost making and work in the greenhouse. Fellows will also assist with volunteer workdays and educational tours on the sites.

Fellows must be punctual and reliable, take pride in the quality of their work, and be eager to engage in work that strengthens our local food system. The ideal candidate will be positive, hard working and ready to excel in all aspects of urban agriculture. They will be looking to use their knowledge and skills gained from the fellowship to help continue to support healthy food systems. Fellows must be able to work as an integral part of a team as well as take on responsibility and work independently.

Urban Agriculture Fellows will receive a small monthly stipend, access to farm produce, and a certificate of completion after 12 months. The program will begin March 2016.

Educational Opportunities:

While working with Tricycle Gardens you will have access to all of our knowledge and experience as well as our small library. Educational and professional development opportunities for Tricycle Gardens’ Fellows include opportunities to participate in special projects, invitations to conferences and workshops, and scheduled tours with area farms and institutions.

The components of the educational program consist of:

• Agricultural Education – development of knowledge and skills in the following areas: soil health, water systems, plant propagation, food production and distribution, harvest processes, equipment maintenance, and pest management.

• Collaboration – provide participants with: support and training to encourage workforce development and leadership skills, connections with regional farmers and agricultural groups, opportunities to promote professionalism and increase awareness of the economic and social impacts of agriculture, conservation and the environment.

• Entrepreneurship – provide participants with practical business development, leadership development and entrepreneurial experiences essential for their success in future careers and endeavors in agribusiness and urban food markets.

Hours:

Fellows typically work approximately 15 hours a week from March to November and 8 hours a week December through February. Workdays will start earlier in the warmer months, and later in the cooler months. Program hours will take place on weekdays, with occasional evenings and weekends. Schedules will be determined once the cohort is in place.

Skills Desired:

Prior experience is not required, only a willingness and desire to learn and utilize the skills developed. The position requires physical stamina and cold/heat tolerance. Fellows will be expected to work outside in all weather and seasons. They will lift heavy objects and use power tools occasionally.

Must be willing to work at repetitive tasks such as transplanting, weeding and washing produce. Must be willing to work directly with the community at partner sites, distribution partners, and Farmers Markets.

To Apply:

Please send a resume and your responses to the following questions to jobs@tricyclegardens.org

● Why are you interested pursuing urban agriculture? Do you intend to pursue farming as a career?

● Which part of urban agriculture most interests you?

● Many tasks on the farm are demanding – requiring physical stamina in tasks that can be repetitive and weather that can be challenging. Are you comfortable with this type of work? Please describe.

● What is your weekly availability? Do you foresee any barriers to being able to commit to a full year of this program?