Residential Farm Apprentice

Company description

Ocean Hour Farm is one of the last remaining active farms on the south end of Aquidneck Island. The rugged and rolling coastal pastures and historic stone village provide a unique character to this 43.2 acre bucolic farm. Its mission is to serve as a center for education, scientific research, and demonstration of regenerative agricultural practices. The property is adjacent to the Narragansett Bay, making it an ideal location for highlighting the critical connection between land use and ocean health.

The vision of the farm is to provide a living example of regenerative land stewardship – an integrated system where plants, animals, and people heal ecosystems while producing food and fiber for the community.

Running the farm is truly a collaborative effort. All employees, no matter the department, participate in some capacity in carrying out educational programming, research activities and whole systems design work for the farm. All roles will therefore require excellent organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with staff in other departments as well as a deep understanding of the land to sea connection.

The Farm Apprentice position offers a hands‑on, experiential education opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in farming but who are early in their professional journey. This residency‑style apprenticeship provides a comprehensive learning environment on a working farm, with a focus on both livestock and market garden scale crop production, touching on ecological design and ecosystem monitoring. Apprentices will develop practical farming skills through a structured combination of shadow learning, independent project work, and exposure to various facets of farm operations.

The role is ideal for someone with limited farming experience, preferably local to the area, and who has a support network in the community.

• Daily Chores & Routine:
  Assist with basic livestock care, crop production tasks, and general farm maintenance.
• Shadow Learning:
  Observe and assist experienced farm staff, learning the basics of farming operations and sustainable practices.
• Project Work:
  Participate in a range of farm projects (livestock and crop-related), gaining exposure to different aspects of farm life.
• Independent Project:
  Develop and execute an independent project of interest, contributing to farm operations or sustainability efforts. This project will culminate in a presentation to the farm team.
• Volunteer & Group Work Days:
  Attend and assist with community-focused workdays to foster teamwork and community engagement.

• Brings a passion for the mission of Ocean Hour Farm.
• Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, and fellow team members.
• Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet
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