Organic Farm Apprenticeship – Oz Farm

Applications are now open for our 2027 Organic Farm Apprenticeship season at Oz Farm!

Please read the description and expectations below fully before applying for the apprenticeship program. We look forward to hearing from you!

Oz Farm is an organic farm, non-profit and retreat center which has operated for over 20 years on the banks of the Garcia River in Mendocino County, California. Oz Farm is on the traditional land of the Pomo People. We grow vegetables, flowers and heirloom apples on 6 acres in production for local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and our CSA program.

We provide education in sustainable agriculture for beginning farmers, and expand local organic food access through our nonprofit, Village Oz. We also host retreats and weddings through our Retreat Center.

Our Apprenticeship is an educational, hands‑on experience in small‑scale organic agriculture on a fully working production farm. Apprentices will practice engaging body and mind in the art and science of tending the land. Working closely with the farm managers, each apprentice will have the opportunity to develop their craft in the fundamental aspects of market gardening: field and soil preparation, propagation, transplanting, cultivation and pest management, harvesting, and sales/marketing.

Apprentices may also develop skills in closely related areas such as irrigation, orchard care, carpentry, tool use, recordkeeping, and team leadership.

Committed apprentices will find open opportunities to delve more deeply into areas of interest both on the farm and in off-grid living.

Expect a serious, commercial work environment with a strong team of farmers and full days of manual labor. We provide weekly educational topical discussions and supplemental field trips on a wide range of agricultural topics and rural life skills, including soil chemistry and biology, crop planning, botany, seed saving, compost making, orchardry, cider making, farm finances, marketing, floral arranging, off-grid living, intentional community, basic mechanics, food preparation/cooking, and more.

Communal living includes shared kitchen, family-style dinners, weekly community meetings, and rotating weekend farm duties. Our Apprenticeship gives a professional, well rounded and practical education in the wide range of tools and techniques for diversified vegetable production and marketing, as well as modeling a sustainable lifestyle where apprentices gain invaluable experience in off-grid communal living. Please note that we are currently not able to accommodate pets due to other animals residing on the farm.

A strong, stable person who can fully engage the farm lifestyle and has a natural curiosity for understanding agriculture and developing work skills. A good team member who starts each workday prepared and ready to work with a sense of presence. Someone who observes carefully, takes initiative, and handles responsibility well. A thoughtful communicator and caring community member with an interest in intentional living.

We are looking for serious, hardworking applicants who are in good health and are ready to dive into the work of farming and take full responsibility for this opportunity to learn and practice organic agriculture. During the apprenticeship period, applicants should plan to not have other commitments that interfere with the apprenticeship or community responsibilities.

• Monday:
  Farm Chores, Team Meeting, Crop Car
• Tuesday:
  Harvest for CSA, Field work, Projects
• Wednesday:
  Propagation, Transplanting, Field work
• Thursday:
  Farm Education, Field Trips, Projects
• Friday:
  Harvest and pack for Farmer’s Markets
• Expect a minimum of 40 hours of work on the farm each week,…