Are you passionate about the future of sustainable food and eager to learn by doing? We are offering a unique, hands-on apprenticeship for a Farm Operations Apprentice at our innovative aquaponics research facility. This is a chance to dive deep into the intersection of plants, fish, and technology, gaining practical experience across every aspect of a modern, controlled-environment farm. If you’re a curious problem-solver ready to contribute to research while getting your hands dirty, this immersive role is your opportunity to grow.
Company Overview
We operate a cutting-edge research facility dedicated to advancing aquaponics and sustainable agriculture. Our work sits at the crossroads of biology, technology, and food production, where we experiment with new methods to grow food efficiently and responsibly. We are a collaborative team of innovators focused on developing practical solutions for the future of farming, creating a dynamic environment perfect for hands-on learning and discovery.
Key Responsibilities
Your apprenticeship will involve a diverse mix of daily farm tasks, research support, and facility upkeep, offering a comprehensive view of farm operations.
- Assist in all core farm tasks, from seeding and transplanting to harvesting and post-harvest processing of crops.
- Oversee the health of our aquaponic fish systems, including daily feeding, monitoring water quality parameters, and performing routine system maintenance.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab and farm workspace to support efficient operations and research integrity.
- Support ongoing experiments by helping to set up trials, collect precise data, and document results.
- Perform basic maintenance on farm systems, which may involve plumbing, minor electrical work, and mechanical adjustments to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Operate and maintain equipment like 3D printers for creating custom farm tools or parts.
- Support farmstand and community-supported agriculture (CSA) operations by helping to package and prepare produce for distribution.
Qualifications
We value practical skills and a passionate mindset as much as formal education. The ideal apprentice will have:
- Foundational knowledge or hands-on experience in a relevant area such as plant science, environmental science, aquaponics, hydroponics, or controlled environment agriculture.
- A genuine curiosity and a proactive problem-solving attitude—you enjoy figuring out how things work and how to make them better.
- Comfort with basic hands-on tasks, including using tools for light mechanical, plumbing, or electrical fixes.
- An understanding of or eagerness to learn about water quality management (pH, nutrients, microbes).
- The physical ability to perform farm work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, using step ladders, and being on your feet for extended periods.
- Excellent collaboration skills and an interest in contributing to research projects.
- Experience with sensors, data collection, or farm automation is a bonus, but not required.
Benefits and Perks
This apprenticeship is designed to be a significant learning experience with tangible support.
- A full-time schedule from Saturday to Wednesday, providing consistent hands-on immersion.
- Comprehensive benefits, with health, dental, and vision insurance fully covered.
- Unparalleled hands-on learning across multiple disciplines from microbiology and plant recipes to 3D manufacturing and system maintenance.
- The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to real research projects and innovative farming solutions.
- A competitive hourly rate of $15.00.
- Mentorship from an experienced team in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
How to Apply
If you are excited by the prospect of learning through hands-on work in sustainable agriculture, we want to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your application with a thoughtful cover letter. Your cover letter is crucial it helps us understand your passion for this field, what you hope to learn, and why you are the right fit for this unique apprenticeship. We look forward to learning about your journey and interests.
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