Work Period: Week of June 8 to August 28, 2020
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 classes during the summer session, as well as other training opportunities throughout the season.
- Assist with seedling production in our passive solar 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, 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 direction effectively, including the ability to problem solve.
- Ability to work on projects independently or as part of a group.
- Experience working with productive, proactive teams, or desire to do so.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through on commitments, responsibilities, and tasks.
- Proficient use of office software, email, and other technology or willingness to learn.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Prior experience working on farms is desirable but not required.
Additional Information and 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.
Position Classification
- This position is FLSA non-exempt at 35 hours per week.
- The pay rate is $10/hr. Trainees must record their hours daily.
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
Find the online application here. Cover letter and resumes also accepted. For priority consideration, apply by March 1, 2020.
Rooted
2702 International Lane, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53704
