Farm and Education Intern Watsonville , California

We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented and energetic person for this position of Farm & Education Apprentice. The Apprentice will train with the Education Director and Associate to co-lead the food, farming and nature education programming, cultivate the Farm Discovery fields and garden, and care for the goats and chickens.The person in this position will work collaboratively with the Farm Discovery team and the owner of Live Earth Farm.This position requires a collaborative and flexible individual with a high level of organization and flexibility who loves working with children and youth while being motivated to work and learn farm production. Ideally, you also have kitchen/cooking experience or are eager to learn.You will be an integral member of our team, and a youth educator. You are someone looking to build outstanding education, farming, cooking and relationship building skills, who can engage and inspire the youth we serve about multiple aspects of the food system from production to consumption to food justice. You are approachable, a great communicator, and passionate about our mission. You get the big picture, while being a strategic thinker who can dive in and get the daily work done with a strong attention to detail. You're playful, comfortable being you, and willing to share your personal magic with Farm Discovery students while creating safe space on the farm and in the kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in farm based education programs 4-5 times a week including but not limited to leading field trips (April-June and September-November), assisting in curriculum development and implementation for monthly homeschool program (September- May), full immersion in summer camp programs (June & July), and assist/lead irregular tours and community days on the farm throughout the year.
• Lead weekend activities for families and volunteers.
• Represent Farm Discovery professionally at off site events.
• Assist in seasonal and day-to-day organic farming operations with ongoing coordination with Live Earth Farm production operations including but not limited to planting, irrigation, propagation, harvesting and after harvest production.
• Maintain order and cleanliness of education barn, kitchen classroom, and restroom.
• Implement all education programs at the direction of or in collaboration with the Education Associate.
• Assist with the development and implementation of a new value-added product line.
• Work with program and administration staff to accomplish big events including Sheep to Shawl Fair, Harvest Festival and Fall Feast in the Fields, as well as smaller community building and fundraising events (Supporter's Picnic, Holiday Sip & Shop, Land Stewardship Workdays).
• Support implementation of fundraising and community events.
• Supervision of volunteers.

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in working with youth of various ages.
• Interest in developing organic farming/gardening experience including crop planning, greenhouse, irrigation, cultivation, pest and disease control, harvest and post-harvest handling, CSA/market, and cover crop experience.
• Interest in local, seasonal cooking and preservation.
• Desire to develop strong facilitation and group management skills, especially in an outdoor education setting.
• Knowledge of and experience with or awareness of low-income communities and underserved communities of color.
• Passion for building community and deep relationships through food and agriculture.
• Positive, creative, flexible, and takes initiative.
• Ability to work independently, in team setting, and in fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Completes tasks successfully and within specified deadlines: demonstrates strong time management skills implementing programs on time and on budget.
• Dependable with thorough follow through.
• Ability to handle multiple programs/projects at once; strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills: verbal, written, electronic and with a variety of audiences.
• Physically fit to meet the demands of working on farm with youth, experience/ability to dig beds by hand and with a BCS and the ability to lift 50lbs.
• Utilizes and can exemplify tools or strategies for maintaining self-care and personal well-being.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends as farm/programs demand.
• Ability to live on site or be local enough to feed animals mornings and evenings on weekends.

Preferred:

• Cultural identity and lived experience relevant to the youth we serve.
• Bilingual Spanish speaker.
• Rooted in Santa Cruz County, particularly the Pajaro Valley.
• Valid California Driver's license and vehicle for personal travel.

Position Details:

This is a 40-hour per week, full time seasonal position with paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Salary $22,800. In addition, the farm will provide produce, fresh eggs, and goat milk as available. A private yurt and communal kitchen and bath facility are available for $250/month pre tax deduction from wages. Living on site is required, due to the nature of the work.

To Apply:

Fill out the form at to submit:

• A cover letter that shares the unique skills you bring to the table and includes the date or range of timing you are interested/available to start
• A resume
• Two references (name, relation to you, and contact information)

We will begin reviewing and accepting candidate material immediately. Position can start Between February and March.