Seasonal Farm Apprentice

DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY INC

8d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

Connecting people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation, and advocacy. Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education programming at four sites and throughout the region, in New Castle & Sussex Counties: (New Castle) Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; (Sussex) Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. We also manage over 2,000 acres of land including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world. Position Summary Coverdale Farm Preserve features four key enterprises: four-season vegetable production, livestock/poultry husbandry and production, on-farm market, and farm-based education/engagement. The Farm Apprentice is an interdisciplinary, seasonal position involved in each of the four enterprises with a focus on vegetable production and livestock/poultry husbandry and production. The Farm Apprentice program provides comprehensive training/experience to prepare one for service to community through regenerative agriculture. The Farm Apprentice is an integral member of the Farm Team working in coordination with the Site Director/Farm Manager, Vegetable Production Manager, Vegetable Production Assistant, Program Manager, Education & Preschool Coordinator, Education Assistant, Market Team, Seasonal Educators, Seasonal Livestock Team, and Volunteers in the implementation of all aspects of whole-farm operations. The Coverdale Farm Apprentice plays a key role in our work, bringing applicable knowledge and passion to achieve our vision of building an economically robust enterprise that models farming with environmental integrity.

Requirements

Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society and Coverdale Farm Preserve.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Interest in and passion for regenerative agriculture including plant production, animal husbandry and production, customer service, and/or environmental/farm-based education.
Professional maturity and positive interpersonal skills with friendly attitude.
Organized, willing to take initiative, think and act proactively to solve problems and assess priorities, and manage a variety of tasks calmly and effectively.
Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, decision-making skills, working as part of a team.
Excellent public relations and communication skills with ease and enthusiasm for talking to individuals of all ages.
Ability to work as a professional team member in an active, changing environment.
Clean driving record with a valid driver’s license.
Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
18 years of age or older.
Ability to work outside for extended periods of time in various weather conditions.
Participate in hard physical labor for extended periods of time in various weather conditions.
Lift and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds and remain physically active throughout the day.
Ability to move around the work environment.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Ability to plan, lead, and participate in farm-based activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.

Nice To Haves

Post high school work in relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists Vegetable Production Team in all aspects of annual production plan implementation by completing daily and weekly work lists associated with vegetable production. Scope of this work will include but is not limited to seed propagation, soil maintenance, crop maintenance, planting/cultivation, irrigation management, pest/plant disease control, harvesting/washing/packing of produce, distribution, general upkeep of vegetable production spaces, on-site sales/customer engagement, etc.
Assists Livestock/Poultry Production Team in all aspects of animal husbandry tasks and adaptive grazing management plan implementation by completing daily and weekly work tasks associated with livestock production. Scope of this work will include but is not limited to general care of chickens, turkeys, cows, goats, and sheep, movement of livestock structures/materials, veterinary appointments, general maintenance of all livestock facilities/pastures, feed management, egg processing/packaging, turkey harvest and distribution, etc.
Supports and participates in farm-based community engagement activities such as weekend Pick-Your-Own project, education programs, farmer training workshops, farm tours, and special events.
Supports and participates in weekend on-farm retail market activities including farm product set-up and clean-up, customer engagement, and Market Team education.
Promotes & supports DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of audiences.
Performs other duties as requested by supervisor or leadership staff.