Apprentices will train full-time at Pat’s Pastured in East Greenwich, RI. Hands-on learning of in-depth farm skills from farm mentors is combined with farm tours, classes, and network-building meetings. Apprentices complete the program with not only technical skills, but also a broader understanding of farm conditions and connections to resources needed to begin a farming career.
Apprentices also participate in SCLT’s beginning farmer training program. Apprentices will develop an education plan with their host farms that includes attendance at SCLT workshops (e.g. Advanced Marketing, Establishing your Farm, and livestock workshops) and participation in farm tours through the Young Famer Night or NOFA/RI CRAFT Workshops. These tours provide a broader understanding of farming situations, not just the unique circumstances of their host farm. Finally, apprentices will make connections with important agencies and businesses that grow their network in the farming community, including USDA staff and extension specialists.
The specific schedule is set by the host farm. Compensation will be determined by Host Farm and SCLT.
To apply:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a final date of March 16th . Selected applicants will be notified by the end of March.
To apply, send the following materials to [email protected] or mail to Craig Demi, Southside Community Land Trust, 109 Somerset St. Providence RI 02907.
- Your contact information (name, phone, email, mailing address)
- Your resume
- Provide answers to the following questions:
- Why are you interested in working at your identified farm this season?
- How does this apprenticeship fit into your personal & professional goals now and in the future?
- What skills would you like to learn from this experience?
- How would a past employer describe you?
- How would a co-worker describe you?
- What skills/experience do you bring to this position that you think would be beneficial?
- Anything else you want to tell us?
- Please include 3 work references – email addresses and phone numbers. (Please inform references we will be contacting them.)
- How did you hear about the SCLT Farm Apprenticeship Program? (Facebook, website, word of mouth, etc)
Host Farms Application Details:
Pat’s Pastured : 100+ acres of pasture and woodlots spread over a several pieces of land in Rhode Island. All land is managed in an intensive rotational management system with multiple species of livestock. The main farm is located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. All meat and eggs are sold through farmers markets (6 Summer, 4 Winter in 2015), Meat/Poultry CSA, restaurant sales, buying clubs and on-farm sales. The farm also operates a food truck and cart that delivers farm-to-table food at farmers’ markets and special events. The farm raises: Pasture-raised pigs, Pastured Free-range broilers, Pasture-raised turkeys, Grass-fed beef steers, Free-range laying hens, Free-Range laying ducks, Livestock Guardian Dogs. All poultry are processed on-farm in a RI Health Department mobile processing unit. To learn more about Pat’s Pastured, visit www.patspastured.com or Facebook.
Specific responsibilities include : Daily watering & feeding and pasture rotation of broiler chickens, laying hens, ducks, turkeys, pigs and cattle; Management of chick brooder; Equipment maintenance; Product delivery; Poultry slaughter & processing; Assist with sales of products; Assisting with products processing, packaging & inventory; Building fence; General carpentry and construction
Qualifications: Enjoys working with animals; Willingness to work long hours in all weather conditions; Willingness to learn; Valid drivers license; Ability to follow directions; Able to work independently or in a group; Ability to lift 50lbs on regular basis required; Good communication skills; Punctual and reliable