Sustainable Living & Farming Jobs

Camphill Communities offer a life of celebration, service, and community building in which all members may flourish.

Spend a year developing yourself!
Discover your deeper purpose and share your life and gifts in a thriving intentional community with Camphill! Live-In Volunteers grow faster than they imagined possible, build deep, lasting relationships, and develop practical and creative skills that open doors for the rest of their lives. Begin to master new skills and carry them forward into your future. Biodynamic farming. Artisan baking. Woodworking. Leadership and cooperative collaboration. Mindfulness. Apply for one of the 125 volunteer spots with start dates throughout the year and share your gifts in one of Camphill's 15 sustainable communities.

Backdoorjobs.com: Your Home for Short-Term Job AdventuresIn a world focused on technology and getting ahead at all costs, it might be time to look at life in a different way and focus on what's really important. This channel is virtually about the simple life and living more sustainably and organically!

It's for those who want to transform their world into something completely different—learning to become more self-reliant, connecting with the earth, integrating skills from the "good old days" that many of us take for granted, and leading a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle. It is the same spirit referred to by the poet Gary Snyder when he advised, Find your place on the planet and dig in. This channel will give you the tools to do just that.

More to Explore
Check out the Outdoor/Environmental Education Jobs channel for more food and farm job leads.

  

Head on up to the top of the page! Across the U.S. and Canada more

Camphill Association of North America

At the forefront of the biodynamic agricultural movement, Camphill provides a dynamic and nurturing environment for those interested in sustainable farming and gardening. Build community with people of all ages and abilities while working in harmony with the land and animals.

Program in the Spotlight Camphill is dedicated to creating communities where the recognition of each individual’s gifts and contributions offer a model of renewal for the wider society. Live-in Volunteers live and work alongside children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one of twelve communities throughout the U.S. (California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont) and Canada (British Columbia). Volunteers grow faster than they imagined possible, build deep, lasting relationships, and develop practical and creative skills that open doors for the rest of their lives. Begin to master new skills and carry them forward into your future. Biodynamic farming. Artisan baking. Woodworking. Leadership and cooperative collaboration. Mindfulness.

Through a mix of structured training and hands-on practice under the guidance of mentors, you dive right in, and by the end of your year, you're not only comfortable with them, you're leading others in learning. In addition to college loan support program, the community ensures that every volunteer's basic living needs are covered. This means you receive a monthly stipend, a private room in a beautiful environment, wholesome, mostly organic meals, medical insurance, and other essentials—from toiletries to use of community cars.

Camphill Is Actively Welcoming Volunteers!
More to explore!Apply for one of the 125 volunteer spots with start dates throughout the year and share your gifts in one of Camphill's 15 sustainable communities. Learn more about the volunteer experience and explore current positions here.

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Camphill Communities provide a dynamic and nurturing environment for those interested in farming, gardening and sustainable agriculture.

Unpause Your Life. A one minute peak into Camphill life.

In addition to supporting individuals with disabilities in their daily activities, Volunteers will also be working on a farm, in a garden or in one of various craft workshops as well as cooking wholesome food for a household community and sharing meals together.

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Gould Farm is the first residential therapeutic community in the nation dedicated to helping adults with mental health and related challenges move toward recovery, health and greater independence through community living, meaningful work, and clinical care.

Whether tending to the gardens or roadside store, pasteurizing milk, or preparing wholesome meals, volunteers, staff and guests alike work together to run this 700-acre farm.

Program in the Spotlight With locations in the Boston suburbs and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Gould Farm is a compassionate, respectful family environment where people with mental illness learn to build more meaningful lives for themselves through work, recreation and community life. The services at the farm remain rooted in the belief that every person has something to contribute despite mental or emotional limitations. Serving as informal counselors, work team leaders and role models, most staff and volunteers engage small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run this 700-acre farm. In order to provide the most fulfilling experience, volunteers are asked to be flexible and work on several areas of the farm, which may include gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, restaurant & retail management, childcare, administration, maintenance, and/or residential support. Boston area program staff live in a smaller community and provide support, guidance, and advocacy for clients who are well on their way to leading more independent lives. A minimum commitment of 12 months is necessary, with opportunities available throughout the year. Benefits include a $250/month stipend, housing in private rooms, wholesome meals and full medical coverage. Mature, well-rounded and people-oriented individuals who are interested in learning and living in a therapeutic community are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the volunteer program at GouldFarm.org.

Gould Farm Staff Openings
More exploration!Now seeking a Kitchen Manager at the farm in Monterey AND Residential Staff at the Fellside Program just outside of Boston.

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Whether tending to the gardens or roadside store, pasteurizing milk, or preparing wholesome meals, volunteers, staff, and guests alike work together to run this 700-acre farm.

The unique spirit that resides in the rural community lifestyle at Gould Farm offers both meaningful work coupled with recreation, singing, music, crafts and a celebration of farming and life.

The unique spirit that resides in the rural community lifestyle at Gould Farm offers both meaningful work coupled with recreation, singing, music, crafts and a celebration of farming and life.

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A Way of Life Farm: for healthy people, a healthy economy and healthy ecology.

Interested in environmental stewardship? Nutrition? Local food access? Community building? A Way of Life Farm brings all these passions together, growing nutrient dense produce and pork for farmers’ market, CSA, and local food pantries in the beautiful foothills of Western North Carolina. The farm integrates this production into a broader permaculture design and land revitalization project, rejuvenating a former clear-cut forest into productive vegetable fields, fruit and nut orchards, wildlife habitat, and forage for pastured pigs.

2024 Seasonal Farm Apprenticeships—Now Hiring!
Farm Apprentices gain hands-on experience and learn the ins and outs of vegetable growing from seed to harvest including no-till bed preparation, seedling propagation, transplanting, harvest, marketing, and practical implementation of the five principles of soil health. Farmers Sara Jane and Jamie are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills and take their role as educators seriously. Applicants should have good communication skills and self-motivation. Some previous experience on a farm is highly recommended and experience with physical labor or intense outdoor activity is important. Full season Apprentices work an average of 40 hours/week from March/April through December 2024 and receive a stipend starting at $1,000-$1,200/month DOE, as well as cozy, basic housing with your own private room and kitchen, vegetables and meat from the farm, food staples, and participation in educational and community activities and monthly CRAFT farm tour. To apply, send a completed application along with your resume and two work references to Sara Jane Davis.

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Learn the ins and outs of farming at A Way of Life Farm while growing healthy food that is also healthy for the land.

You will learn the ins and outs of farming and the Farm’s broader vision for the land and what it means for our world.

Farming is our form of activism. We believe that providing people with truly healthy food that is also healthy for the land is a powerful act, and we’re excited to train new farmers. Learn the ins and outs of farming and the A Way of Life Farm’s broader vision for the land and what it means for our world.

Head on up to the top of the page! Oregon Farm Training Program more

Rogue Farm Corps partners with commercial sustainable host farms and ranches in Oregon who train, mentor, and supervise aspiring farmers at their operation.

Are you interested in a deep dive into the world of sustainable agriculture? Rogue Farm Corps trains the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on farm Apprenticeships throughout Oregon. The Apprenticeship Program is an immersive experience with hands-on training and workshops in sustainable agriculture for aspiring farmers with zero to some previous experience.

Apprentices train on-farm at a partner mentor Host Farm which provides mentorship and experience. Hands-on field training at each Host Farm is augmented by a series of in-person and virtual classes, farm tours, discussions, and networking organized by Rogue Farm Corps and partners. You will learn from a diverse community of mentor farmers, agricultural specialists, and food system professionals. Host farms provide wages and some offer housing packages. Start and end dates vary based on the host farm, but are generally spring through fall.

Learn more about participating farms and apply online. Rogue Farm Corps seeks to train an inclusive next generation of farmers and encourages applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Apply early for the most opportunity. Program fee scholarship opportunities are also available for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Veteran, carceral system impacted, and low-income applicants. View the Farmer Training flyer »

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This immersive experience will leave students with a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture, a foundation of entrepreneurial skills, and practical experience to continue working on farms, eventually start your own operation, or pursue related food system work.

Program graduates often gain employment or management positions on farms, start farms or agricultural projects of their own, and  work within the food system in other ways including non-profit and for-profit organizations.

As a Rogue Farm Corps Apprentice you will learn through hands-on work with a sustainable Oregon host farm or ranch. This immersive experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture, a foundation of entrepreneurial skills, and practical experience to continue working on farms, eventually start your own operation, or pursue related food system work.

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Spring Lake Ranch: a small therapeutic work community in the Green Mountains of Vermont

As a Program Coordinator you'll gain experience in a wide variety of outdoor work, support the strengths and resiliency of others, and see yourself grow and develop in a collaborative vibrant community.

Program in the Spotlight Located on 700 acres in Vermont's Green Mountains, Spring Lake Ranch is a long-term residential therapeutic community and farm with the mission to support and empower people with mental health and substance abuse challenges to grow and thrive. Through shared experience, meaningful work, and active participation in an accepting community, the Ranch helps each person to develop the confidence and skills to recover.

Program Coordinators (House Advisor/Crew Leader) serve as mentors to help residents in their recovery of esteem, direction, and well-being. Responsibilities include living and working alongside residents and leading a wide variety of tasks that keep the Ranch running through every season of the year. This may include caring for the farm animals, working in the garden, bringing in hay, shoveling snow, chopping wood, pressing apple cider, building furniture, producing maple syrup, clearing trails, and more. Compensation includes $13.58/hour, private room within a resident house, access to three meals/day, full health, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, and use of all Ranch amenities including laundry, linen service, woodshop, art and pottery studio, sewing room, gym, tennis court, hiking/ski trails and equipment, and lake front access with a private dock, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards—as well as the many less tangible benefits that come from living and working in a close-knit community. Program Coordinators are hired on a rolling basis for an initial six-month period. Explore all employment opportunities at SpringLakeRanch.org.

Program Coordinator Openings
More exploration!Spring Lake Ranch is seeking Program Coordinators to begin work this spring.

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Program Coordinators work actively with residents on crew, leading or participating in a wide variety of tasks that keep the Ranch running through every season of the year.

Be part of a dynamic therapeutic community by living and working at Spring Lake Ranch!

Do you have a passion for animals, gardening, or working with your hands? As a Spring Lake Ranch Program Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to lead and teach a crew of adults with mental health challenges, and support them in living their best life. Whether planting or harvesting in the vegetable gardens or tending to an array of livestock including sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, cows, llamas, turkeys, and more, residents and staff work together to maintain the Ranch's working farm (and more!).

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As a voluntary community of adults with intellectual disabilities, Innisfree Village is dedicated to providing a lifesharing home and work environment in an atmosphere of beauty, warmth, and respectfulness.

Innisfree Residential Volunteers are motivated, passionate, and conscientious individuals seeking a new way of life in service to others and dedicated to community living with adults with intellectual disabilities.

Program in the Spotlight Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Charlottesville, Virginia, Innisfree Village is a residential, lifesharing community with adults with intellectual disabilities. Residents (known as coworkers in the village), volunteers, and staff live, work, and play together on a 550-acre therapeutic farm emphasizing empowerment, interdependence, and mutual respect of all community members.

As a Residential Volunteer, individuals will experience the joys and challenges of a lifesharing community. At the core of the volunteer experience is the building of genuine connections with the coworkers as well as other community members. Volunteers live with coworkers in family-style homes, providing support for their daily personal care, overall health, and emotional needs. Engagement in the therapeutic workstations is a part of daily community life. In the art studio, bakery, community kitchen, farm, herb and vegetable gardens, pottery, weavery, and woodshop, volunteers provide guidance and support, encouraging coworkers to pursue their creative passions and skill development, while having the unique opportunity to develop and learn new practical and creative skills for themselves. With a broad demographic of life experiences, personal backgrounds, and cultural traditions, volunteers enrich the community through their gifts, talents, and individuality. Fully participating in the events of daily life, along with special gatherings and social events, offer unique opportunities to develop connections that can last a lifetime. A monthly stipend, private room, meals, and plentiful benefits are provided. Applicants must be patient, empathetic, flexible, and positive, at least 18 years of age, and able to commit to a year of service. To learn more, explore InnisfreeVillage.org.

More to Explore!Check out 10 Reasons to volunteer at Innisfree Village.

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Innisfree Village Residential Volunteers engage in a year of meaningful service, foster profound, genuine relationships, and experience the joys and challenges of lifesharing.

Together we can make it! Experience daily life at Innisfree Village.

More to Explore!Read how the Innisfree Village community empowered Lisa G. to find a new way to move through the world while volunteering again and again and again... OR take a sneak peek of the community and the variety of people who live and work together.

WWOOF Adventures
Working in exchange for your keep is the basis of Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) — and you can do so in the U.S. and all over the world. Check out these links around the globe:
Australia
Italy
Japan
New Zealand
United Kingdom
WWOOF Independents
WWOOF USA

Sweating in the Sunshine: WWOOF New Zealand

I envisioned roaming the picturesque New Zealand countryside, living cheaply on farms, and spending my days happily sweating in the sunshine with like-minded people. Read more...

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