At the Kroka Farm, farm assistants have a unique opportunity to learn about farming and work alongside students of all ages and backgrounds while living in a robust intentional community of exceptional people that are committed to living simply and lightly on the earth.
The heart of the farm work is twofold: to provide an opportunity for students to develop relationships with plants, animals, the food they give us, and our sustainable future together, and produce a variety of vegetables, fruits, and animal products year round to feed the 1,000+ students and staff who join Kroka’s programs annually.
Our organic farm comprises 10 acres of pasture, 3 greenhouses, expanding vegetable production, and plots of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, as well as a smattering of fruit trees amidst a beautiful 100-acre campus. Our current livestock includes cows and laying hens.
Some of the things we are excited about this season include growing early watermelons vertically in the greenhouse, expanding our raspberries and other perennials, growing wheat, corn, and beans, making salsa for our burrito nights, and adding dairy goats and pigs.
Prior farming experience is much appreciated but not necessary, though a strong interest in both agriculture and community is essential.
Responsibilities
- Daily farm chores: morning and evening
- Leading educational work with students of all ages. Some examples include, making salsa from harvest to plate, planting potatoes, or pressing cider
- Diversified vegetable production: seeding, weeding, harvest, and coordinating with Food manager and camp leaders
- Rotational grazing and pasture management: fence set up and maintenance, mowing and weed whacking
- Care of animals, fruit trees, and perennial crops
- Production of value-added products such as pickles and pesto
- Maintaining farm equipment and barn spaces
Schedule
- One Full Time position from May 15th to Aug 19th
- One Full Time position May 1st to October 31st
- Our typical daily schedule is 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with hour-long breaks for breakfast and lunch
- Assistants receive one full-day-off during the summer and an extra half-day-off per week in the fall for educational opportunities, which includes visits to local farms
Qualifications & Experience
- A willingness to work with students ages 9 – 19 and staff in farm education
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proven work ethic, consistent positive attitude, attention to detail, and capacity for cooperative teamwork
- A valid driver’s license with clean record
- The ability to work outdoors in all seasons in a physically active role, good rain gear is a must!
- Prior experience on a working or educational farm is a big plus
Live in community
- Share a canvas wall tent set amidst staff village
- Develop personal living habits in harmony with natural world
- Have opportunities to participate in paddling, climbing, hiking and other adventure and wilderness skills training with Kroka guides
Compensation
- Full-time: $200 per week stipend; up to $400 per week with a minimum of 1 full season professional experience in commercial or educational organic farming/gardening
- Non-residential, full or part-time: $11-$14/hr, based on experience
- Meals shared with our seasonal community of educators and wilderness guides; access to farm products
- Shared housing is available in wall tents on raised wooden platforms
- Being part of a great community of people committed to adventure, learning, hard work, and sustainable living
- Learning best practices from experienced growers and farmers
Season: May – August or October
