Seasonal Apprentice - Sprout City Farms

Sprout City Farms Seasonal Apprentice Description

Purpose:
Sprout City Farms (SCF) is looking for individuals able to play an integral role in helping realize its mission and vision: to cultivate educational urban farms that engage and strengthen communities, and establish a network of accessible farms throughout the city that nourish, and are nourished by, their surrounding community. SCF seeded its first urban community farm in 2011 in response to growing interest in utilizing social and physical resources to create healthier, more resilient local
food communities. Since that time, the Denver Green School (DGS) Community Farm has successfully transformed an acre of underutilized land into fertile ground that produces 5-6 tons of healthy food annually and nourishes thousands of people in the school and SE Denver community. In 2014, SCF expanded its efforts to a second 1-acre site, the Mountair Park (MAP) Community Farm located on the grounds of Mountair Park at the corner of 13th and Depew St. in Lakewood. We are seeking an apprentice to help implement operations and programs at both farm sites (1 apprentice per site), under the direction of the Farm Manager. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in being more involved in the local food movement, those aiming to develop a skill set while moving toward full-time employment in the field, and/or individuals who have the time and skills to commit to a developing non-profit organization. As a developing nonprofit, our small staff works closely
together to implement the goals of the organization as SCF continues to grow. We are looking for a qualified candidate to spearhead the growth needed to take Sprout City Farms to the next level!

Desired skills and qualifications:
1. Ability to work as a team player.
2. Willingness to take initiative and follow-through on tasks.
3. Strong oral and written communication skills.
4. Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, including students/youth, people of different cultures, etc.
5. Pragmatic and outcome-driven, yet positive and forward thinking.
6. Farming or gardening experience (1+ seasons) or successful completion of the SCF Internship Program.
7. Experience managing volunteers and working with children, and comfortable speaking in front of people.
8. Ability to physically work within a variety of conditions (i.e. endurance to work long days, in diverse weather conditions), and ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
9. Reliable transportation.
10. Punctuality and flexible schedule including working on weekends and nights.
11. Proficiency in data entry, Microsoft Word, Excel, Social Media.
12. Interest in helping develop a more sustainable and just local food system.
13. Preference will go to local residents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assist in planting, cultivating, maintaining, and harvesting crops and with general farm maintenance.
2. Assist with CSA, Farm Stand, Farm to Cafeteria, and Donations.
3. Help ensure that the farm and its programs are staying true to SCF's Mission, Vision and Core Values.
4. Meet all necessary volunteer requirements of SCF (see Volunteer Packet).
5. Assist in developing and maintaining farm-based educational and volunteer programs such as volunteer days, workshops, tours, farm camp, and other programs and events.
6. Assist with farm distribution programs such as CSA, Farm Stand, Farm to Cafeteria, Donations, and other
community service programs & events.
7. Assist with recordkeeping, data entry and recording.

Time Commitment
30 hours per week including some nights and weekends throughout the growing season (April 11 – October 29). Apprentices must be dedicated for the entire growing season. This position is paid through biweekly stipends totaling $7,800 for the season, and apprentices receive a share in the CSA program valued at $400. Requests for time off must be submitted for approval. Approval of requests is dependent upon staff schedule coordination, and the needs of the organization.

Contact:
To apply, please submit a .pdf of cover letter, resume, and 2 references by March 1st, 2016 to:
Meg Caley, Sprout City Farms Director of Farming Operations and Education
Email: apply@sproutcityfarms.org
Mail: P.O. Box 181396 Denver, CO 80218

For more information on SCF, please visit our website at www.sproutcityfarms.org and our facebook page at www.facebook.com/SproutCityFarms.

*Sprout City Farms follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, marital status, transgender status, gender identity, ancestry, gender, political service, affiliation or
disability. This policy applies to all Sprout City Farms employees, volunteers, members, clients, and contractors. This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, and dealings with the general public.*