Farm and Community Engagement Apprentice

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society • Philadelphia, PA

21d • $0 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) plays an essential role in the vitality of the Philadelphia region by creating healthier living environments, increasing access to fresh food, growing economic opportunity, and building deeper social connections between people. PHS Healthy Neighborhoods team delivers this impact through comprehensive greening and engagement initiatives in more than 250 neighborhoods. The PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park is located in East Norriton. Featuring 3 acres of production land and orchard, greenhouse, pavilion and community garden beds, the PHS Community Farm is an educational and production hub meant to support gardeners and growers across the region. The Farm Apprentice is an integral member of the farm team, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of diversified agricultural production. This role is designed for an individual eager to enhance their knowledge of sustainable farming practices. The Farm Apprentice works closely with the Farm Manager, Field Manager, and Farm and Orchard Specialist to execute daily tasks, lead volunteers, maintain accurate records, and ensure the farm remains a productive and welcoming space for all. This position is eligible to participate in Pasa’s Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship, a registered apprenticeship program that provides a guided path to becoming a farm manager or starting your own farm. Through this program, the apprentice will complete 2,784 hours of on-the-job training over 18 months, plus 216 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices receive educational guidance throughout their apprenticeship.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in organic vegetable production.
• Experience with sustainable farming/gardening.
• Experience with volunteer and/or community engagement work
• Ability to keep oneself organized and be proactive
• Strong communication skills and team-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Ability to follow direction, as well as comfortable with receiving regular feedback and able to quickly adapt to changes for a variety of tasks.
• Well-organized, positive and flexible in handling challenging situations or uncertainty
• Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Experience with and/or knowledge of food justice issues and the local food community a plus

Responsibilities

• Support Farm Manager and Field Manager in assessing daily needs of the farm
• Assist in execution of daily farm tasks including greenhouse propagation, bed prep, harvesting, transplanting/seeding, weeding, trellising, pruning, pest & disease management, etc.
• Work closely with the Farm Manager and Field Manager to coordinate and lead all volunteer workdays on the farm and orchard.
• Support Field Manager with ensuring Farm Records are filled out and up to date including Harvest records, Pest & Management Records, Planting dates, etc.
• In collaboration with other Farm and Community Engagement Assistant, responsible for site maintenance including mowing, trash pick-up/take out, cleaning/sanitization, water refills, hand wash refills, etc. Communicate with Farm Manager and/or Field Manager when materials/supplies are low, and an order needs to be placed.
• Work closely with all staff to help execute our weekly harvest & pack day to ensure all produce is processed, packed and recorded correctly.
• Supports Farm Education Manager and/or Farm Education Coordinator with any on-site programming needs and provides off-site “Food As Medicine” programming support as needed
• Participate in regular team and department meetings, both on and off site
• Ensure that all activities are inclusive and welcoming to people of various backgrounds, skill levels and capabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed