PT Paid Urban Farm Apprentice 

March - June, 2021

$15/ hour ; 7-15 hours/ week

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Grow It Green Morristown is committed to actively providing a stigma-free environment for all staff, volunteers, customers, donors, Board members or anyone engaged with the organization.  As such all employees and Board members commit to a practice of inclusion, free from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, gender (real or perceived), national origin, sexual orientation, transgender/transsexual identity, economic class, educational background, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or status as a veteran or the status as formerly convicted/incarcerated person (collectively known as “Status Factors”).  We are committed to embracing a diverse community bringing people from different backgrounds in order to leverage their life experiences to create a better organization to achieve our mission.

 

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Farming is a very rewarding career and may be a job that you didn’t think was in your skill set. However farming really is learning to take care of the land and could be for you! Learning to grow your own food is a skill that will last a lifetime and has great possibilities to be a career for many different types of people.

 

Grow It Green Morristown is offering a chance to train with an experienced farmer to see what it would be like to work in agriculture/ agroecology on a farm in the local area. It could be a first stop to learn skills that are usable for other career paths. We have experience training young people since 2015 in the field of agriculture. You will have the opportunity to participate in the operation of diversified field crops, soil and greenhouse production at the Urban Farm in Morristown. Applicants will learn about sustainable agriculture practices and pest management recommendations that care for the land, air and animals. This Apprenticeship can also give you experience in time management, working with team members, physical labor, plumbing, mechanics, environmental sustainability and landscaping.

 

This short term opportunity as an Apprentice also allows you to meet with diverse community leaders from Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce, Spring Street Community Development Corporation and Foodshed Alliance to encourage and advise underrepresented individuals about the next possible steps to explore a career involving growing food, land stewardship, food justice and land ownership in the future.  In addition, there may be an opportunity for a local farm tour dependent on COVID-19 guidelines at the time.

 

The idea that you need a large space to produce a lot of produce is no longer true. The Urban Farm is a one acre, four season farm that produces 20,000+ lbs of produce a year. Applicants will learn a unique set of skills that will empower them to see how an empty lot in their community can become a food hub for all.  Applicants will work with the Director of Agriculture & Education to build these new set of skills.

 

Applicants may have the opportunity to be a part of programs at the farm that teach students about where their food comes from and the importance of eating healthy.    

 

The Farm Apprentices will be responsible for assisting in food production, and helping coordinate the distribution of produce to Grow It Green Morristown’s various constituencies. Applicants are encouraged to have a strong interest in growing food and food justice, have confidence in multitasking and be willing to work in varying outdoor conditions while having a willingness to learn new skills to fit our unique farm setting. 

 

Duties:

 

1. Assist with harvesting and vegetable production on a one acre farm.

2. Use sustainable farming techniques that improve soil health and vegetable production.

3. Assist with preparation of produce for storage, sales and donation.

4. Assist with plant propagation and seed starting.

5. Learn about tending to a small flock of hens.

6. Follow and assist with all guidelines to ensure safety of staff and visitors.

7. Read or view materials as provided or directed to on farming topics.

           

Desired Knowledge and Qualifications:

 

Hands on physical labor is necessary- the rest of skills are desired however we are willing to train for right applicant:

1. A desire to learn about year round vegetable production

2. A desire to explore about how to start a farming business

3. A desire to learn trade skills, like carpentry, plumbing, small motor machines, and irrigation setups.

 

Qualified candidates are:

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1. Dependable, organized, flexible and have a sense of humor

2. Personable and enjoy working with all kinds of people, including children and an ethnically diverse community

3. Able to work as a member of a team following all safety guidelines

4. Able to work independently, with minimal oversight, to practice what you have learned

5. Committed to learning about growing food

6. Able to lift heavy loads as part of team projects (such as soil, compost, rocks, etc.)

7. Willing to learn and share about experience at end of apprenticeship

8. Willing to find own means to get to the farm

 

Job Schedule & General Terms:

 

$15/ hour paid every 2 weeks

7-15 hours/ week ; March – June

Tuesday & Thursdays are anticipated work days. A typical work schedule may be flexible dependent on applicant’s availability. High school diploma required. Senior adults in high school will be considered.

 

This paid apprenticeship is an outdoor job and requires the ability to work in a variety of weather conditions that would be very necessary for a farmer, including very cold, very rainy or snowy, and potentially warmer, humid weather.  On days where outdoor work is impossible or hazardous, apprentice may be asked to reschedule a workday.

 

This position concludes at the end of June with no written or implied continuance of employment after the completion of the apprenticeship. Positions with Grow It Green do not include benefits and no housing is available. The accrual of paid sick leave of 1 hour for every 30 hours of work completed up to a maximum of 40 hours in a 12 month calendar year may be used after the initial 120 days of employment. Applicant would need to commit to completing the apprenticeship in the timeline set forward and complete self-certification for COVID-19 each day you are working.

 

Hourly rate is 100% funded by a grant to us as a nonprofit organization in order to make this opportunity available. The goal of the grant/ apprenticeship is to provide a unique learning opportunity to help create a potential pathway for careers in agriculture and agroecology for underrepresented candidates. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, a reference will gladly be provided.

 

Apply to jobs@growitgreenmorristown.org Interviews will be conducted by Farmer Shaun at Grow It Green Morristown. For more information about Grow It Green Morristown, please visit growitgreenmorristown.org and check us out on Instagram @gigmotown. We request for you to please state your availability, work history and be able to provide work or personal references.

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