Farm and Education Center Apprenticeship in PA

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Pennypack Farm and Education Center Accepting Applications for 20 Month Apprenticeship Program in Pennsylvania – Starting Spring 2021

Founded in 2003, Pennypack Farm and Education Center (“PFEC”)  is a 13-acre non-profit diversified vegetable farm growing with organic methods in Horsham, PA (eastern Montgomery county). Our mission as a non-profit organization is to Grow, Give and Teach: We run a 350+ member Summer CSA and 160 member Winter CSA and attend the Ambler Farmer’s Market. We run a robust Produce Giving Program, working with local hunger relief organizations to distribute high-quality, local nutritious produce to those facing food insecurity. As an education center, we focus on teaching our community about the importance of local sustainable agriculture through programming. We also teach the next generation of farmers through our farmer training programs (apprenticeship & internship). FOr more information, our website is www.pennypackfarm.org.

Apprentices will be employed full-time for the 20-month program duration beginning in March 2021 and ending in November 2022. This will be our ninth class of apprentices. 

The Apprentice Program is designed to provide the necessary training to those wishing to pursue organic/sustainable farming as a livelihood. Graduates of the apprenticeship will have the necessary skills to own or manage a farm. Apprentices participate in all aspects of farming operation from crop planning, planting, growing, harvesting, to selling, marketing, and business planning. The winter season is a key part of the program and apprentices experience summer season preparation. The second-year apprentice manages our comprehensive produce donation program and will learn coordinating and managing skills. Apprentices will also receive extensive tractor training including bed prep, cultivation, tractor repair, and maintenance. On-farm training is supported with a well-thought out curriculum, in addition to attending off-farm classes, farm tours, workshops, and conferences. 

Ideal candidates have at least one season of farming experience and have the desire and aspiration to acquire the necessary skills and experience to advance to the “journeyperson” level. Candidates must be comfortable working long hours in all types of weather. Weekend work is expected. 

Pennypack Farm and Education Center Apprenticeship Details:

• Main season Hours (April-November): Monday through Friday 7am-5/6pm or finish with hour for lunch and weekend work including Saturday farm work, Saturday farmer’s market rotation, and weekend watering duties.

• Winter season hours (November-March): Monday through Friday 8am-4pm with hour for lunch, and some weekend duties maintaining our winter crops. 

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, 

• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation: Employees will be driving tractors, farm vehicles on supply runs, and taking produce to farmer’s market weekly in farm vehicles. 

• Must pass a criminal background check and child abuse clearance: Our land hosts are The College Settlement Camp, a summer camp for kids, and they require all our staff to pass these clearances.

Compensation for Apprentices includes a stipend of $1,800 per month which increases to $1,900 per month in the second year. Benefits also include yearly seasonal produce, paid time off, a $125 annual gear allowance, and on-the-job training and educational courses that take place on- and off-site through our partner organizations. 

The farm is located in Horsham, Pa, about 45 minutes by car from Philadelphia. Unfortunately there is no easy public transit and having your own transportation is strongly recommended. 

If you are interested in applying for PFEC’s Apprentice Program, please send and email with your resume and a cover letter answering the following questions to farm manager Kirstie Jones at jobs@pennypackfarm.org.:

1. Why has sustainable agriculture piqued your interest?

2. What attracted you to Pennypack Farm’s apprenticeship?

3. Tell us about any relevant experience.

4. There are many visitors and children on the farm most of the summer. Would you describe yourself as a “people person”? Why or why not?

5. How do you think spending 18 months at Pennypack Farm will affect your future?

6. Anything more we should know about you?

No phone calls please. 

Pennypack Farm is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. PFEC encourages women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ applicants. PFEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected factor.

 

• Find more beginning farmer training programs throughout the U.S. here.

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org here.