We have two apprenticeship positions available for the 2010 growing season (May to October), and part-time work opportunities as well. Please contact the farm for more information regarding employment in 2010.
Thanks again for your interest in our farm, and working here as an apprentice in 2010. We believe our apprenticeship is a tremendous experiential learning opportunity that will provide you with an introduction to the basics of the operation of a small diversified organic farm with direct markets through our CSA farm shares. This apprenticeship is designed for someone who is completely new to organic farming, or has limited experience in farming or gardening and wants to learn more. In most cases it is an introduction to the field, and more experience would be recommended before launching your own farm enterprise. As an apprentice at La Finca you will be completely immersed in the day-to-day operation of our diversified organic farm. You will learn by doing and have the opportunity to work in nearly all of the areas of the operation of our farm. Below I have described the details with regards to the housing we provide, monthly stipend, meals, some of what you can expect to learn, and more other important information regarding this apprenticeship.
Housing
You will be provided with a one room (120 sq. ft.) 3 season apartment located about 500 feet from our house, and just outside the main entrance to the farm fields. Your room will have one twin bed, a lamp, desk, storage space, and an electrical outlet. A composting toilet is about 250 feet from the apartment, which is the toilet that you will be expected to use when residing in your apartment. You are responsible for your personal items in your apartment, and for keeping the space clean. There is no smoking allowed in the apartment. You will have access to a shower in the house, as well as the use of a computer, the laundry room, and a living room space with a television. We have a daughter who is 3, so we would ask that you respect nap times and bedtimes while in the house.
Meals
You will be expected to prepare your own meals in the kitchen located next to the intern apartment. A gas stove as well as pots, pans, plates, bowls, and other basic kitchen utensils will be provided. You will have access to vegetables from the farm once they are ready for harvest. All of the farm workers (including us) will prepare a meal for the entire group once per week. You will be expected to cook, or in some other significant way, share in the meal preparation from time to time.
Stipend
You will be paid a monthly stipend at the end of each month. Money will be withheld from each check for taxes. You will receive a W2 at the end of the year.
What you can expect to learn:
starting seeds, growing vegetable transplants, and basic greenhouse management.
planting, weeding, and harvesting over 40 different vegetables
washing, packing, and storage of over 40 different vegetables
caring for chicks, moving young chickens to fields, feeding, watering, and basic management of free range chickens.
transporting broilers to chicken processing plant.
mechanical weeding - with tractors
preparing beds - with tractors
various types of fieldwork - with tractors
overhead and drip irrigation - when, where, and how much.
soil fertility - what we do to provide for the crops
delivery of CSA farm shares to Duluth or Twin Cites
and much more!
Work Schedule
We begin work in the morning between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM, depending on the weather and the task at hand. Most days we will start between 7:00 and 8 AM. You will be expected to work for 8 hours each day unless the weather is an issue. There may be days when you will be asked to work more than 8 hours (not exceed 45 hours in any given week, however). Most days, we will finish the workday at 4:30 PM. Most days, you will have the option of taking 1 hour for lunch. Depending on that day's workload, you may be asked to limit your lunch to 30 minutes. Lunch breaks are unpaid. You will keep track of your own hours on a daily log provided by us. You will be on call at least one weekend per month for chicken chores, irrigation, and other tasks.
What to Bring
Your living accommodations have been described above and you may bring other items that you think you'll need for your apartment. Anything that is not personal in nature (like a large stereo system) would need to be approved by us before you move in. You will be working outside in all kinds of weather, so we recommend the following : work boots and/or waterproof (rubber) boots, rain gear, long pants, a hat for sun protection, warm clothes, long underwear, wool and cotton socks, and any other apparel/gear you consider useful for outside work. Sandals are not permitted while working in the fields. We live about 20 minutes from the nearest small town with significant services, so having a vehicle would be preferable.
Schedule
You will be expected to work from Monday through Friday, eight hours per day. Due to weather or other unforeseen events, chicken care, or irrigation chores, there may be times when you are asked to work on Saturday or Sunday, or outside of our regular hours of 8 AM to 5 PM. An irregular schedule can be one of the realities of working on a small farm such as La Finca. Your final day of employment with La Finca will be October 30th, 2009.
Drug Use
Illegal drugs, or the irresponsible use of alcohol, are prohibited at La Finca. We reserve the right to terminate your employment with La Finca.
Regards,
Charlie Kersey
La Finca
lafinca@earthlink.net
218 372-8804
www.lafincacsa.com