Fruit Grower Apprentice
About The Position
The Fruit Grower Apprentice works closely with farm management to learn and support the daily operations of a diverse, integrated farm, including orchards, small fruit, vineyards, vegetables, grains, cut flowers, and livestock systems. The position provides hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, crop production, soil health, integrated pest management, livestock care, and farm operations. The apprentice assists with seasonal planning, planting, cultivation, harvesting, irrigation, pest management, soil fertility, and practices that promote farm productivity and ecological health. This role is intended for someone eager to learn, comfortable working outdoors, and interested in developing practical skills for a future career in diversified farm management. The successful candidate demonstrates initiative, curiosity, reliability, and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The apprentice takes on increasing responsibility as skills and experience develop.
Requirements
- Interest in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, regenerative farming, or a related field.
- Strong desire to learn about diversified crop production, orchard and vineyard management, soil health, and integrated farming systems.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to take direction and ask questions.
- Good communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn to operate farm equipment and tools safely, as appropriate to the position.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Commitment to safe work practices, environmental stewardship, and the organization's agricultural goals.
Nice To Haves
- Relevant education or practical experience in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, regenerative farming, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Assist with planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops across orchards, small fruit, vineyards, vegetables, grains, and cut flowers.
- Learn and apply crop-health practices, including irrigation management, soil fertility, weed control, and integrated pest management.
- Monitor crops for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and other production challenges, and report observations and concerns to the Production Controller.
- Assist with preparing, applying, and maintaining crop protection and fertility programs under appropriate supervision and in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
- Assist with farm equipment operation, tool maintenance, field preparation, irrigation system maintenance, and general farm upkeep, as trained and authorized.
- Collaborate with farm staff to maintain a safe, organized, and productive work environment.
- Follow organizational policies, agricultural safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Take on increasing responsibility as skills and experience develop, building competency in diversified farm operations and sustainable farm management.
- Perform other duties as required.
- Help others where necessary and ask for help when needed.
- Approach the role in ways that align with The Chef’s Garden’s core values: service mentality, doing things the right way, and commitment to quality.
- Develop an understanding of how the role contributes to The Chef’s Garden’s mission.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
