Want to build a good life (and a good living) as a local farmer? Our apprentice program is a hands-on learning experience designed to move dedicated apprentices toward establishing a small farm business.
Program Description
APOYO is recruiting two apprentices to grow produce for APOYO. Apprentice farmers will have land, water and tools, and APOYO will receive fresh, sustainably grown, culturally-preferred foods.
Denise Horton of The B Street Farm will mentor apprentices in organic, regenerative farming and in marketing. They will have first-hand experience that will empower them to develop their own sustainable, small-scale farm businesses.
Apprentices will work an average of 15-20 hours per week from mid-April to mid-September.
Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of $1,000.
Position Description
- 15-20 hours per week, Monday through Friday preferred, but flexible. If you are a student or have an additional job we will work with your schedule.
- Our apprentice program is a hands-on learning experience designed to move dedicated apprentices toward establishing their own small farm business.
- Apprentices will learn:
- plot rotation and how to succession plan
- preparing garden beds for production
- how to grow plants from transplants as well as direct seeding
- greenhouse use and technique
- crop care basics (watering, weeding, fertilizing, harvest, storage)
- direct marketing your crops
- Tools, land, water, and mentorship are provided.
- The farm provides harvest knives and daily hand tools
- Apprentices must provide their own work clothing (including hats, gloves, sunscreen, etc.), water bottle, and lunch/snacks
How does the application/selection process work?
The application is a multi-stage process. After submitting, applicants will…
- Be contacted for an interview between April 1-5 if considered a promising candidate
- After completing an interview, program managers will review all applicant information received
- Successful applicants will be contacted by phone or email by April 7.
Qualifications
In order to be considered for the program, you must:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Commit to working the full farming season (April 17-September 15)
- Be able to lift up to 50 pounds as part of daily work
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Attend orientation March 16
- Submit application by March 31
Resume
Please email your current resume to: apoyocommunity@gmail.com
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 98 MB.
Apprenticeship applications and resumes are due March 31.
Send as an email attachment to apoyocommunity@gmail.com, OR
Mail to APOYO, P.O. Box 194, Ellensburg, WA 98926, OR
Deliver to the APOYO office at 1320 E. 18th Ave.
Commitment: If I am accepted as an apprentice, I understand and agree:
- This is a part time position (about 15-20 hours per week)
- I can commit to the entire growing season (barring time needed for unexpected illness, family events, etc.), April 17-September 13, 2023
- If I decide not to complete the entirety of the program I will forfeit the stipend for the weeks not worked.
- I am 18 years or older
- I understand that farming is physically demanding and requires working in all weather conditions.