Farm Apprentice

ABOUT RED BARN:

Red Barn Farm is a two-acre urban farm market farm just minutes from downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.  We practice season extension with two (2) 34’x 100’ high tunnels and two (2) 14’x100’ low tunnels.  We are seeking individuals who are motivated by a career interest in sustainable agriculture to join our 2023 team for a seasonal apprenticeship starting in April 2023.  Previous farming experience is preferred but not required. 

Red Barn Farm apprentices enjoy hard work, are committed, honest, passionate individuals who perform all of the daily farm operations, including production, harvest and post-harvest handling.  We expect our apprentices to work and learn alongside our Farm Manager and Field Manager, embracing a team effort to achieve the goals of a lean farm operation, along with their own goals of developing their farming career through professional work experience.  Our apprenticeship program is modeled on traditional methods of learning a skilled trade through hands-on experience. 

APPRENTICE PROGRAM DATES:

April 3rd, 2023-November 17th, 2023

ROLE: 100% of the time

Apprentices’ duties include helping tend the crops, field maintenance, and harvest, as well as accomplish goals set forth by the Farm Team leadership.  This role will require a commitment to learn and follow regenerative farming practices, and to building community around a farm. 

DAILY TASKS:

• Be assistant to Field Manager and farm crew in all field related tasks
• Harvest and post-harvest processing of crops
• Implementation of a pest management plan for crops
• Assists with marketing and distribution of produce
• Recording of field data
• Be comfortable operating all equipment, or willing to learn.
• Available for retail sales during market season (Saturday farmer’s market)
• Organize small on-farm projects and tasks
• Participate in weekly distribution program
• Be available for weekend farm shifts
• Assist with tours, volunteer program, summer camps, and all other events.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school education, GED, or equivalent work experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to receive and follow instructions
• Mindful of the safety of self and others
• Maintain a dependable, accountable, and positive attitude.

Apprentices will receive a bi-weekly stipend, housing, and food as outlined below:

FOOD AND HOUSING:

Part of your stipend will be in the form of food and housing (optional). Housing is located in one of 2 private bedrooms with shared bathroom on the second floor of the Farmhouse located at the edge of the farm.  There is a common/living room area and a fully equipped kitchen. It is your responsibility to keep the kitchen living room, bathroom and all areas clean.  Parking is available. 

MONETARY STIPEND:

Stipend checks are written every 2 weeks, on Monday. The starting stipend is $500/month with a possible raise to $600 after your first evaluation (2 months). An additional $100 stipend will be paid if you opt out of lodging.  From this amount, we must withhold your share of Social Security and Medicare taxes.  You will receive a W-2 form at the end of January the following year. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Apprentices can expect to work 40-55 hours per week with some weekend and evening hours required. 

CULTURE:   

Red Barn Farm does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, including gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance, program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any programs or activities. 

Apprentices must conduct their work activities in compliance with all Green Circle Projects’ internal requirements and with all applicable regulatory requirements.  Green Circle Projects internal requirements include compliance with ethics, environmental health and safety, financial, human resources, and general business policies, requirements and objectives