Apprenticeships at Sweetwater Farm in Florida
Apprenticeships available at Sweetwater Farm in Tampa, Florida – 2017
Sweetwater Farm is a non-profit, community-supported urban organic farm and educational center located in the Town n’ Country area of Tampa (just northwest of TIA). Through our hands-on programs, visitors of all ages practice appropriate land stewardship and master sustainable agriculture techniques. Established in 1993, we are a true urban organic farm nestled right in the middle of the city with easy access to all of Tampa’s offerings.
Our Apprentices work seasonally from September/October through the end of April/May growing certified organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers for our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and our on-site Sunday Market. Bending, lifting, and carrying bins of produce are part of the daily routine. Apprentices will work closely with and learn from our Farmers.
Sweetwater recruits 4-5 Farm Apprentices each season to dig right in and learn the basics of sustainable farming through our full-time hands-on program. Our Apprentices live on farm property in our Apprentice house (which also serves as our Education Center) and receive a stipend of $100 a week and of course, plenty of fresh organic veggies. Each Apprentice will have their own private sleeping area, and will share a common area that includes a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, and living area with an enclosed porch. The house has Wi-Fi for internet access and all utilities are included. Apprentices work with our Farmers 40-45 hours for 5 days of the week (including weekends).
The following is a list of skills the typical Farm Apprentice will be introduced to over the course of the Season with our Farm:
Animal Care Pest Identification and Management
Land/infrastructure Maintenance Field Fertility
Market and Special Event set-up Harvesting Technique
Irrigation installation and repair Post-Harvest process and storage
Green House/Hardening Shed CSA share set-up and maintenance
Seeding Record Keeping
Planting Organic Certification operations and protocol
Weed Management Compost Production
Volunteer Management
Check out our website for more information about all of our programs: www.sweetwater-organic.org
If you are self-motivated, friendly, eager to learn, have a solid work ethic, and want to pursue this n Apprenticeship opportunity with Sweetwater for the 2017-2018 Season, please email Yvette Rouse, Executive Director at office@sweetwater-organic.org for more info.
Your Privacy Choices
I would like to find an apprenticeship for cattle and chickens anywhere in Florida the only setback is I’m married and have an 11 year old son so it would have to be a family friendly opportunity. I’m interested in this so I can eventually start my own cattle ranch for raising beef cows.
Tommy,
I would start by going through the listings on localharvest.org and checking out the farms nearby. Often people have housing for apprentices and need the help.