Farm Jobs and Land in South Carolina for 2012

Lowcountry Local First (LLF), a non-profit organization and farm located in North Charleston, South Carolina is currently accepting applications for farm jobs, and offering land for new farmers through their farm incubator program for 2012. The mission of LLF is to advocate the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support of our local independent businesses and farmers. LLF’s Eat Local Initiative is our sustainable agricultural initiative designed to grow and support local food systems by connecting local farms, producers, and apprentices to the local restaurants, institutions, and people with a hunger for farm fresh food and goods. (www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org) They are currently accepting applications for 3 positions: -Apprentices (Full-time and Part-time) -Incubated Farmers -Mentors for Incubator Farms To see descriptions of these positions, and do find out how to apply, click "read more".

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Apprentice Position

Full Time: (February- November 2012)

–       20+ hours a week apprentice learns/practices sustainable agriculture techniques on local farms. Compensation may vary by farm but minimum wage or equivalent compensation is required

–       At least one day a week working alongside other apprentices on the Learning Plot at the Incubator farm

–       Educational classes

–       Lowcountry Growers Group- Quarterly meetings for local, established farmers and new farmers and apprentices in the area

–       At least one day a week, apprentices will focus on marketing the farms produce to restaurants, farm stands, and CSA’s

–       Full-time apprentices must complete a crop plan and business plan as part of the apprenticeship

Part Time: (February- November 2012)

–       4-8 hours per week on a farm. These apprentices have the opportunity to learn and practice sustainable agriculture techniques.

–       This is a volunteer positions, but there are a large amount of benefits.

Other Benefits: (both apprentice positions)

–       Opportunity to participate in the South Carolina New and Beginning Farmers Program

–       Farm tours throughout the area

–       Opportunity to participate in a Sustainable Agriculture Course and Entrepreneurship Class for Farming/Food Production

–       Potential employment on one of the farms

–       Potential land for growing/starting a farming enterprise

–       Fresh veggies!

To Apply: Please contact the farm for an application, at agdirector@lowcountrylocalfirst.org

Incubated Farmer Position

Starting in the Spring of 2012, Lowcountry Local First is partnering with Clemson University to develop an Incubator Farm that provides a low-risk incubation period for farmers interested in entering the market.

The farm is located at Clemson’s Coastal Research & Education Center at 2700 Savannah Highway. The initial 10-acre parcel (4 acres of which are certified for organic use) will be divided into 1-2 acre plots for up to 6 qualified new farmers and the remaining acreage for a Teaching Plot for apprentices, students, and the public. The Incubator Farm will provide the opportunity to share equipment and resources as well as the mentorship of a farm manager during a three-year incubation period.

Benefits:

–       Access to a farm mentor for technical assistance and resources

–       Lowcountry Local First membership, which includes marketing, networking, and training opportunities

–       On-site training and education

–       Inclusion in Lowcountry Grower’s Group meetings, which provide additional assistance which provides additional training and networking

Cost:

The annual cost will be $2,000 per farmer and includes the land, facility, and many materials. Payment plans can be arranged, as they do not want participation costs to be a prohibitive factor for farmers. Incubator farmers will also be required to carry their own liability insurance.

To Apply:

Farmers interested in applying for one of the 1-2 acre plots should submit a resume and application to agdirector@lowcountrylocalfirst.org by February 3^rd, 2012. Please contact the same email for the application.

Farmer Mentor Position

Essential Job Responsibilities:

The responsibility of the farm mentor is to oversee the operation, support, and facilitation of the incubated farm plots and one-acre learning plots at the incubator farm. The mentor provides coordination, operation, and support on-site. Coordination includes maintaining adequate communication between incubated farmers, Clemson Farm Staff, Lowcountry Local First Staff, apprentices, and groups working on the learning plot. Operation includes training/monitoring incubated farmers on farm policies, equipment, tools, hours, access, and limitations. Support includes assisting the incubated farmers in their planning and preparing of the fields, equipment, and facilities for successful farm businesses.

Minimum Education/ Experience:

Prior farming and personnel management experience is required. BS in Crop Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related experience preferred. Familiarity with Lowcountry climate and growing season a plus.  For more information, please contact agdirector@lowcountrylocalfirst.org

Compensation:

The mentor will receive a monthly stipend and access to two acres and shared equipment for their own farming enterprise.

To Apply:

Applicants need to submit a resume and application to agdirector@lowcountrylocalfirst.org with Incubator Farm Manager in subject line. Please contact the same email for the application.