Work Period: April 4 – October 28, 2022
The Urban Farmer Training Program offers participants the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in urban agriculture through work at Troy Farm. Working side-by-side with farmers and staff, trainees learn small-scale, sustainable farming techniques applicable to direct-to-customer sales and wholesale production systems. Trainees can expect to gain experience in every aspect of small-scale vegetable production, from planning to implementation.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- Field work to maintain urban agriculture sites, including bed preparation, fertilizing, seeding, cover cropping, weeding, mulching, trellising, harvesting & post-harvest washing and handling.
- Participate in weekly educational classes during the summer session, as well as other training opportunities throughout the season.
- Assist with seedling production in our greenhouse.
- Participate in creating and prioritizing a weekly task list for the farm.
- Customer service and sales.
- Contribute content to cross-program communication tools, including social media and weekly newsletters.
- Participate in selected evening and weekend work opportunities including, but not limited to on-farm events, Thursday evening farm stands, Sunday morning Northside Farmers’ Markets, and Community Volunteer Days at Troy Gardens and the Goodman Youth Farm.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to communicate and follow directions effectively, including the ability to problem solve.
- Ability to work on projects independently or as part of a group.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and tasks.
- Proficient use of software, email, and other technology or willingness to learn.
- Ability to lift, kneel, and do physical work.
Additional Information/Requirements:
- At times, trainees may have to work in inclement weather or may be asked to adjust their work hours to accommodate the weather.
- Provide a copy of a valid ID.
- Have reliable transportation to and from the farm.
- Ability to pass standard background check.
- Trainees must follow COVID-19 safety practices established at the farm.
Position Classification
- This position is FLSA non-exempt LTE
- Part-time (minimum 20 hours per week) and full-time (maximum 40 hours per week) positions available.
- The pay rate is $10/hr.
- Trainees receive a $30 weekly credit to use at the Troy Farm stand.
- Urban Farmer Training Program participants work with the Troy Farm Director and Troy Farm Manager.
Academic Credit
Trainees may be eligible for academic credit. Please negotiate the terms of any academic credit directly with a faculty sponsor, and discuss with your Rooted program manager prior to starting the training program.
How to Apply
Applicants may apply online or with a paper application.
Apply online here. For a paper application, please email [email protected] or call (608)-240-0409
For priority consideration, apply by March 7, 2022.
Rooted
2702 International Lane, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53704