IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CALIFORNIA JOBS more

Working with acres of organic gardens and farm animals... teaching children about the wonders of our natural environment... dishing up garden fresh, family-style meals... beautiful swimming holes of the wild and scenic Eel River... got you interested? Come explore the cycle of employment opportunities with Emandal—A Farm on a River: a unique place that not only provides a learning environment, but a chance to do something constructive while pondering life's options. This year's employment opportunities include a naturalist, garden intern, facilities assistant/animal caretaker, cooking enthusiast, seasonal support staff, and clothesline concierge. Employment dates range from a full season running from April 1 to October 10 to partial season commitments ranging from six weeks to three months. Benefits include a weekly salary, tips, meals (composed of home cooked delights, seasonal garden produce and in-house roasted coffee) and a private bedroom in shared housing. If you like the idea of working in the country away from the noise of the city with a congenial bunch of people, then working at Emandal might be for you. Applications are available online and accepted on a rolling basis.

• Emandal Farm has been a place of learning, relaxation and exploration for 100 years! Hosting environmental education school groups in the spring and family and private guests in the fall affords a variety of employment opportunities that are great for transitioning between jobs, investigating a new career path, or serving as a jumping off point for future exploration.

Connecting children, youth and the community to the earth and instilling a sense of responsibility for their environment, Hidden Villa offers innovative, hands-on programs promoting environmental awareness, multicultural understanding and humanitarian values. Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains on a 1,600 wilderness preserve and organic farm, Hidden Villa features a multicultural summer camp, a school-year environmental education program for elementary school children, a youth hostel, a CSA program and a variety of community programs. Yearlong internships in environmental education, community programs, animal husbandry and organic agriculture offer the unique experience of living and working on a small farm. Learning about practical living skills, organic gardening, sustainability, animal care, environmental education, nonprofit administration and hands-on, interactive and creative teaching techniques round out the internship experience. Along with the chance to reside in a beautiful place, meet inspiring people and receive formal and informal educational training, interns receive a monthly stipend, shared housing and seasonal food from the farm. Agriculture internships begin each year in February or March; all other internship opportunities begin over the Labor Day weekend in September. Email your cover letter and resume to Steph Thurman by February 15, 2008 (April 1st for the animal husbandry internship).

Is it true that we can live out our dreams by creating our own realities? Find out how Cori Stennett's internship experience at Hidden Villa unlocked her door of opportunity. Read more...

CONNECTICUT JOBS more

Integrating organic farming, sustainable living, Jewish learning, teaching, and contemplative spiritual practice, the Adamah Fellowship is a 3-month leadership training program in the Connecticut Berkshires for Jewish young adults between the ages of 20-29. Fellows spend much of their time learning and practicing sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry on the four-acre ADAMAH organic farm and in small gardens throughout the retreat center. Fellows participate in leadership training, community living, ecological and Jewish seminars with visiting and residential faculty. Those who are yearning to work in the soil, share deeply, and explore spiritually will thrive in this pluralistic Jewish intentional community. Applications for the summer (May 25 to September 1) and the fall (September 7 to December 7) are accepted on a rolling basis.

• Adamah environmental leadership training fellows live together in shared housing, work together, learn together, celebrate together and plant and harvest together.

HAWAII JOBS more

Come explore Hawaii in a different way! Based in a camp-like setting on an 8-acre working, organic farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for students (ages 13-17) to recognize a want for change. In addition to working with a counseling and treatment team to achieve weekly outcomes, a typical day consists of working the land while learning about permaculture, sustainability, basic living skills and Hawaiian life, with outings twice a week. The treatment team consists of four field staff—Lead 1, Assistant, Support Staff and an Apprentice—all who work one week on, one week off. Benefits include a salary as well as room and board during the working period (on your week off, accommodations are not provided). At minimum, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in psychology, farming or outdoor education. If you can make a one-year commitment and have experience and enthusiasm for working with teens in an outdoor therapeutic setting, email your cover letter and resume to Brian Hannon.

• Blending a wilderness therapy model on an organic farm, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for students to recognize a want for change while learning about permaculture, sustainability, basic living skills and Hawaiian life.

MAINE JOBS more

A Gardening Internship at a Maine Coastal Resort!
In addition to 15 family-size cottages, the Seaside Inn, The Rusticator Restaurant, beaches, trails, boat cruises, weddings and group events, the Oakland House Seaside Resort features a lush organic vegetable, herb and flower garden that supports the entire operation. Fresh flowers are used for dining tables, guest rooms and the inn as well as edible garnishes for use by the culinary staff. Organic gardening interns will have the opportunity to get involved with vegetable garden production (planting, growing and harvesting vegetables and herb crops); floraculture (production, harvesting and arranging flowers); and property maintenance (caring for landscaping beds, soil amendments and compost management). Interns are needed from mid-May through mid-October and can enjoy a flexible 40-hour schedule spread over 5-6 days. In addition to a wage and seasonal bonus, onsite room and board is available for a weekly fee of $70. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a cheerful and hard working attitude, and those with a background in gardening are preferred. To apply for this unique gardening opportunity, contact Sally Littlefield.

• Oakland House Seaside Resort's organic flower, vegetable and herb gardens provide for all the special needs this coastal paradise has. The gardening assistant position has plenty of responsibility and loads of fun.

MASSACHUSETTS JOBS more

Located both in Boston 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 volunteers engage small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run this 600-acre farm. Volunteers generally work in one specific area of the farm, such as gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, childcare, administration or clinical work. Boston area program interns 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 monthly stipend, housing in privates 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.

• 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.

MONTANA JOBS more

Are you looking to work on a real working sheep and cattle ranch that does not cater to "dudes" while experiencing a lifestyle that is slowly disappearing from the American way of life? Located in scenic southwestern Montana, family-owned Round Grove Ranch is looking for spring, summer and fall ranching help. The days are long (from sun-up to sun-down) and the work is hard. Duties include help with birthing and docking lambs, birthing and branding calves, animal husbandry, feeding hay, wrangling, irrigating, carpentry repairs, fencing and other ranch work. A minimum commitment of 6 weeks is necessary with opportunities available from mid-January through the end of October. The right person also has the possibility of herding sheep (with trained dogs and horses) in isolated areas of the Big Belt Mountains. Benefits include a monthly stipend of $650, meals and housing in a bunkhouse with wood stove heat and electricity. If you're an early riser, physically fit, enjoy working independently and dealing with animals and can thrive in an environment without phones and showers, get in touch with Kelly Ingalls through email or by calling 406.266.4724 (the ranch does not have a website at this time).

Immediate Ranch Hand Opening in Montana Round Grove Ranch has an immediate ranch hand opening through July 4th (with the possibility of working through the summer). You'll assist with the birthing and docking of lambs as well as other animal husbandry and maintenance tasks to run the ranch seven days a week—from sun up to sun down. If you desire to live close to the land without the worry of aesthetics, call Kelly Ingalls at 406.266.4724.

NEW YORK JOBS more

Featuring a biodynamic dairy farm, bakery, cheese-making operation, a 12-acre market garden and Waldorf school, Hawthorne Valley Farm provides ample opportunities to learn in new and exciting ways. During the fall (September through November) and spring (January through June), interns with the Visiting Students Program teach school classes and conduct activities that focus on farm and country life for 3rd-10th grade students. During the summer months, counselors and a variety of other seasonal staff work at either the House Camp (ages 8 to 11) or the Field Camp (ages 12 to 15). Finally, Farm Apprenticeship Training in biodynamic farming and administration of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is offered from 4-12 months with start dates in March, May/June and November. All staff members receive a stipend, housing and organic vegetarian meals. Contact Helen Enright for further information or explore their website for details on all their programs.

• Nurturing the land that nourishes us, Hawthorne Valley Farm teaching interns, farming apprentices and summer camp counselors work together on this unique 400-acre biodynamic dairy farm that combines care for the land and the creation of a welcoming place for children and young adults.

VIRGINIA JOBS more

If you have a passion for flowers, Wollam Gardens is the place to work, learn, live and grow the floriculture dream. Over 60 varieties of cut flowers are grown on seven acres on this northern Virginia farm. Of particular interest are unusual cut-flower woodies (Quince, Hydrangeas, Cotinus, Physocarpus, Viburnums), fragrant bulbs (Oriental Lily, Mexican Tuberose), and dahlias (about 4,000 plants!). Each year, flower apprentices have the opportunity to learn all aspects of a cut-flower growing operation over a ten-week period (although shorter and longer-term opportunities are a possibility). Activities include seeding, planting, weeding, cutting and bouquet making at the farm as well as selling flowers at Washington D.C. area farmers' markets and high-end florists. Positions are available beginning in mid-March and continue through November. Compensation includes a $30-per-day stipend, private or shared room in a historic colonial farmhouse, meals, laundry facilities and Internet connection. Life on the farm is a communal-living experience—all apprentices will share in the chores of cooking, shopping, and cleaning. If you are creative, hard working, mindful, interesting, interested, social, thoughtful, and environmentally-friendly, review details about the internship experience, fill out the application and connect with Bob Wollam through email or by calling 540.937.3222.

• The life-enriching floriculture apprenticeship at Wollam Gardens will teach you every aspect of a cut-flower growing operation—beginning with the magic of seed to flower in the fields to sharing your harvest with enthusiastic flower customers at farmers' markets and florists.

WASHINGTON JOBS more

If you love everything garlic, you'll love Filaree Farm—the #1 organic garlic seed supplier in the U.S., offering over 100 strains. But it's not all garlic at the farm. There's tending to the sheep, pigs and chickens; and other crops that include heirloom apples, peaches, nectarines and alfalfa hay. The farm is located on the sunny side of the Washington Cascades, just two miles from the small town of Okanogan and close to wild places for fishing, camping, and hiking. With over 30 years of knowledge and experience in growing and direct marketing multiple crops, the farm is looking for hard working individuals to commit their efforts to farm life from June through October. Work will include all phases of farm and orchard work, including tending of row crops, thinning, weeding, harvesting, cleaning and grading of garlic and other crops. Tasks may include operation of small machinery, mowers, trimmers and rototilling. Direct marketing of farm products at the farmers market or delivery to regional retail stores may be a part your workday as well. Wage is dependent upon experience and abilities, and housing is available. To begin the application process, send a letter of interest by email to info@filareefarm.com; write 182 Conconully Hwy, Okanogan, WA 98840; or call 509.422.6940.

HOT NEWS FROM THE FARM Filaree Farm has filled all their job openings for 2008 and is no longer accepting applications. Recruiting for summer 2009 will begin this January.

• Farming involves many talents. The Filaree Farm crew functions as a team with each member filling the position that optimizes their potential. You will also be cross-trained in all farm areas so that you'll take home a variety of skills.

MULTI-STATE JOBS more

Looking for a hands-on way to experience sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty? Since 1944, Heifer International has helped more than 9.2 million families move toward self-reliance in 125 countries. Heifer works to end world hunger and poverty in a way that cares for the Earth by providing sustainable gifts of livestock and agricultural training to people struggling daily for food and income. In the U.S., three interactive Learning Centers (located in Arkansas, California and Massachusetts) teach the public about the root causes of hunger and poverty and the way animals and people can make a difference. Volunteers hold major responsibilities and perform duties such as facilitating team building activities, assisting with global village programming, leading tours, hosting the visitor's center, caring for livestock, tending the gardens, maintaining the facilities and providing operations support. Residential volunteers must be at least 18, live on-site and dedicate at least a month and up to a year, to full-time volunteering. Residential volunteers receive housing, as well as a stipend if you volunteer for a minimum of one month. The online application will allow you to create a profile enabling you to view listings of all available positions at each learning center.

• At the Heifer Ranch Global Village in Perryville, Arkansas, teenagers on an overnight learning experience see what it's like in a slum dwelling. Millions of people live in housing like this around the world. Come help open the world's eyes and make a difference as a volunteer at one of three learning centers in the U.S.

U.S./WORLDWIDE

Are you looking for an opportunity to get your hands dirty, find out what you are made of and have the experience of a lifetime? The CA Education Programs (CAEP) offers three unique training, internship and apprenticeship programs worldwide for Americans and internationals in the agriculture, horticulture, vegetable production, turf management, wine making, food science, beekeeping, citrus and equine fields. Most programs provide room, board and a monthly stipend (in the U.S. wages ranges from $8-$13/hour), the possibility of certification or academic credit and ongoing staff support. Fees vary and are dependent on program, country, travel arrangements and length of stay. CAEP will be more than happy to work with you to find the specific and individual placement that is right for you and your goals. For more information call 218.739.3241 (toll free: 800.432.3276) or email caep@cainc.org.

• The Domestic Apprentice Program provides young adult Americans the opportunity to apprentice with CAEP member businesses. This program is geared for college students or those looking to expand their career in the field. • The Outbound Program for Americans offers a wide range of educational opportunities to live and work abroad in various agricultural fields in over 40 countries. Most applicants are between the ages of 18-35 and have either participated in the domestic program or have experience or education in the field. • The International Intern and International Trainee programs are geared to those who are either pursuing a degree, have recently graduated or have extensive work experience.

TANZANIA SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

Discover a different way to travel sustainably with Global Service Corps.

By participating in the Sustainable Agriculture for Nutrition and Hunger Relief Program in Tanzania, you will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with local community members on sustainable farming projects while living with a generous local family. Participants will first learn about organic farming methods, then educate Tanzanian community members about sustainable small-scale farming and work with them to create organic farming plots in the Arusha region. As a Global Service Corps participant, you will have a true intercultural experience through living and working with the people of Tanzania. Your local host family will generously introduce you to the culture, traditions and cuisine of Tanzania. Best of all, you will feel the sense of satisfaction that comes from giving something back to these wonderful people who have given you so much. You will also enjoy weekend excursions, language classes and more! The program runs from two weeks up to 6 months year-round. International internships are available too.

UNIQUE RESOURCES

Expand your sustainable living, farm and garden job search by exploring these keywords:

Whether you want to learn how to be a homesteader or live in harmony with your own land, The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It will provide you with the tools and techniques to build a new way of life.

WWOOF ADVENTURES
Working in exchange for your keep is the basis of Willing Workers 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
• Austria
• Italy
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• International WWOOF
• NOFA Vermont (USA)
• USA

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...

GO GREEN! Are non-degradable plastic shopping bags cluttering up your kitchen? Change the way you carry your goods with ChicoBags. Whether off to the grocery store, your local farmer's market or on a travel adventure, these reusable, scrunchable and planet-friendly bags are a must for the eco-minded person. Holds up to 20 pounds of stuff and makes a perfect gift at $5/bag and loads of colors to choose from.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you are like many folks that are moving to the country, check out Progressive Farmer's Best Places to Live in rural America.

JOB CHANNELS—EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
• U.S. ADVENTURE JOBS
• WORLDWIDE ADVENTURE JOBS
• WILDERNESS THERAPY VENTURES
• JOBS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
• ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION JOBS
• SUSTAINABLE LIVING & FARMING WORK

• CAMP & RANCH JOBS
• RESORT & HOSPITALITY JOBS
• MIND, BODY & SOUL QUESTS
• MEANINGFUL WORK
• TEACHING GIGS WORLDWIDE
• WORK, VOLUNTEER & INTERN ABROAD