Farmer Training Program (Old Fort)

Fort Lewis College • Durango, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Farmer Training Program focuses on three areas: running a productive farm, providing an educational experience for Farmers-in- training (FITs), and providing a space for reconciliation and healing. As the core participants in our programs, FITs gain hands-on experience growing vegetables at high elevation. Through morning field work and afternoon classes and field trips, the FIT program provides a strong foundation for aspiring and beginning farmers. FITs work with program staff to tend about two acres of vegetables, learning new and traditional skills and techniques vital to farming at high elevation. FITs join the Old Fort staff and program partners in a network committing to supporting beginning farmers through incubator and land access opportunities, business planning, and community support. The program runs from May 12 to October 1st. FIT-AmeriCorps positions will run from May 1 through November 15th and include both the FIT program and additional service related to Food Security. These positions are approximately 40 hour per week commitment requiring 900 total service hours. Please indicate in the questionnaire which type of FIT position you are applying for. Job Description: Essential Functions and Responsibilities: FITs are expected to follow the schedule and attendance policy and show up for field work and classes. Program graduates will have completed: Six farming courses required; One additional one available Up to 240 hours of work in the fields At least eight field trips to regional farms Program Schedule: Work and class schedules require a 2 4 - hour/week commitment. In addition to the two breaks, FITs are allowed three excused absences from the field work and two excused absences from the classes. Orientation – May 12, 13, 14 (required) Session 1 : May 19– June 25 Break – June 26 – July 6 Session 2 : July 7 – August 13 Farmer Training Convergenc e – August 28- 29  ( required) Break – August 14 – August 24 Session 3 : August 25 – October 1 Current FLC students or those interested in taking the FIT courses for credit and obtaining the FIT Certificate must register for ENV 140, ENV 141, ENV 142, ENV 143, and ENV 340 (optional: ENV 144 and ENV 240). Scholarships are available and will be a later part of the process of being admitted to the program. FITs are responsible for course fees of $2,940(students) or $2,400 (non-students); full and partial scholarships are available and will be a later part of the process of being admitted to the program.

Requirements

• Interest in farming and food systems
• Interest in gaining experience working collaboratively as part of a team
• Interest in using Slack messages for farm communication

Responsibilities

• FITs are expected to follow the schedule and attendance policy and show up for field work and classes.
• Program graduates will have completed: Six farming courses required; One additional one available Up to 240 hours of work in the fields At least eight field trips to regional farms

Benefits

• AmeriCorps FITs will receive $2,769/month stipend for approximately 40 hours per week work plus an education award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term of service (900 hours)
• Non-Americorp FITS will receive up to $ 238 per work week stipend for up to 14 hours/week plus fringe benefits, which include worker’s comp and retirement.
• Separately from the hourly rate, FITs may be eligible for living stipends to support their participation in the program (up to $500/month).

What This Job Offers

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