Eden’s Garden CSA Farm Internship/Apprenticeship Program Outline

WWOOFer arrangements are similar, but with fewer hours as per WWOOF guidelines

Eden’s Garden CSA Farm is an urban community farm designed to empower its community by being a source of information, clean food and education serving southeast Dallas County and beyond. We offer “Real Food Grown with Integrity” to our CSA members who provide the base budget for the farm, at our local on-farm farmer’s market as well as select area chefs and other local seasonal markets as staff and production merit.

Eden’s is located on 14 acres of scenic and pastoral land yet in an urban setting just outside of Dallas, TX with public transportation access (within a short 5 mile bike ride) Events such as films, dinners, markets, classes and farm tours are scheduled throughout the year.

General responsibilities of interns/apprentices include learning directly from the owner/founder in a self directed manner daily and serving as a lead member of our csa workshare members 1-2 times a week. The work can be physically demanding and exposure to the operations of plant production, animal husbandry, public relations and various other profit centers will be included as time and resources allow, giving you a wide scope of what it takes to own and operate a sustainable, urban farm in a major metropolitan area.

This is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to learn and work gaining valuable knowledge and experience in a hands-on working farm environment. We ask for a minimum of a season-long commitment to work hard, apply oneself to the work at hand and participate with nature and the land as if this were their own property. There is an opportunity for position holders to grow crops apart from the farm’s for private sales to supplement income so long as it doesn’t interfere with primary farm work. DFW is a good market for local, non-conventional food.  The limitations of this farm are only in the amount of labor it takes to grow more.

Experience will include farm planning, administrative farm record keeping, sowing, transplanting, weeding, greenhouse work, harvesting, food distribution for the CSA, markets and restaurants, some animal husbandry, and working with volunteers. Accommodations are for two individuals or a couple in a smoke/drug free studio apartment with kitchenette and private ½ bathroom. Laundry area is shared with main house or a public Laundromat is within a mile of the farm.  Meal preparation will be both communally shared, and independently made. Schedule will be worked out weekly to help with grocery planning. Food available from the farm’s production, (weekly csa share + discounted dairy, dry goods, eggs and meat) 

General Work Schedule (flexible based on weather and other factors):

March-April 8ish – 4:00 pm with a lunch break

May-August 7ish (or before if it’s going to be super hot) 2:00 pm siesta and resume work if deemed needed by owner/farmer after 6 till dusk.

The farm is operating 7 days a week and a rotational schedule will be drawn up so everyone gets at least 1 day off per week and rotating on/off weekend evenings to allow for social events. 

Work Requirements:

-Eager to work outdoors in a variety of weather. – Must provide own rain/winter gear, Some work gear and work gloves can be purchased through the farm at a discounted price. But everyone must be properly equipped for safety and health.

-Ability to work with groups of children and adults, and alongside volunteers.

-Must be a self-starter, at times must work independently with minimal supervision and lead others.

-Lift at least 50 lbs. (feed bags and bales of hay)

-Small tractor operating experience helpful but not required

-Willingness to handle compost, soil, mud, manure, and occasionally animals such as small livestock or insects without screaming or being too squeamish.

-Terms of employment: This is a full time, residential position. A stipend is provided based on experience/skills and commission of market sales.

-There is no medical insurance provided and Eden’s Garden CSA Farm does not carry workman’s compensation or accident liability insurance. Obtaining coverage is the responsibility of the apprentice if desired. (our unwritten rule is “no bleeding or broken bones allowed. J )