Working and Learning with Us

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   If you’re considering a career in farming, our Apprenticeship and Journeyperson positions are a great way to gain hands-on experience and knowledge. 

   Members of the farm crew 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.

  Farming is our form of activism. We believe that providing people with truly healthy, nutrient-dense food that is also healthy for the land is a powerful act.  We have seen amazing changes to this land with intentional stewardship.  Life, from the microbes in the soil to the birds flying above, is returning in abundance! We’re excited to share what we’ve learned and welcome crew members and partners for the long term.

About the farm:

   A Way of Life Farm has the goal of fostering healthy people, healthy economy, and healthy ecology through food production. We grow no-till Certified Organic and Real Organic Project Certified vegetables and blueberries, as well as pasture-raised pork for sale to farmers’ market and CSA customers.         This commercial production is integral to a broader permaculture design and land revitalization, which includes the development of fruit and nut orchards (persimmon, pawpaw, muscadines, chestnuts, and pecans). A combination of sustainable practices including no-till raised beds, cover cropping, Kinsey-Albrecht method, keyline plowing, Holistic Management, and permaculture design are used throughout our land. About 95% of your time will be spent growing, harvesting, and marketing vegetables. 

   We start our own vegetable transplants from seed and propagate perennials in a permanent greenhouse. Forty types of vegetables and herbs are grown on about 2 acres. Most of our production is outdoors on permanent, no-till raised beds. We also have two large high tunnels that we use for year-round production. We have 4 wheel and 2 wheel tractors, but most of our work – bed preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting- is done with hand tools, which you will become intimately familiar with!  We are located an hour from Asheville and Charotte, NC and 15 minutes from the lovely towns of Forest City, Spindale, and Rutherfordton.

   Working and living on a highly productive farm is also very challenging. You need to be healthy and strong, both physically and mentally, to succeed and benefit from this work and all the farm has to offer. 

Please read on for specific details for the Apprentice and Journeryperson positions.

APPRENTICESHIPS:

We take our role as educators seriously, offering information and skills that will lead to a greater understanding of farm management and systems, and their relevance in a broader context. We explain tasks as they come up in the season and offer written information and informal “classes” periodically throughout the year.  Most of the skills and information will be gained through hands on learning. You may periodically be given reading or listening assignments to specific podcasts in your free time so we can discuss these topics as a group. As the season progresses or as specific skills are developed , apprentices have increased independence, responsibilities, and specialization in their work around the farm. We teach thoughtful and efficient execution of farm tasks, which is essential to the success of any enterprise (the goal in production work is to get the job done right and get it done quickly).  We  hear repeatedly from former apprentices just how valuable their learning experience at A Way of Life Farm is on their farming journey.

Qualifications: We are looking for applicants who are engaged learners, take pride in their work, have good communication skills, and are self-motivated. Some previous experience on a commercial farm is highly recommended -- this may take the form of previous farm internships or even just a couple days volunteering on a farm. Experience with physical labor or intense outdoor activity is required. Our bodies are our primary tools on the farm. You need to be both physically and mentally fit to enjoy the challenges of farm life and meet them with both determination and levity. Hands-on learning is a given on a farm, but the ability to learn from listening is very valuable as a lot of information is conveyed verbally through instruction in the field or morning meetings. Over the years we've found that those who flourish the most on our farm tend to have or develop a strong interest in food and cooking (this gives a full appreciation for the work you're doing here!). Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pets. Couples can apply, though our on-farm housing is only comfortable for a single person, so you can expect to be assigned separate, but adjacent houses.

Apprentices commit to the following:

· 

· Full season commitment: March or April through December 21 (ending dates can extend into the next farming season, but this is a minimum commitment)

· No smoking, pets, illegal substances, or firearms- for various reasons these things are not supportive of the healthy community environment and successful farm we aim to maintain. 

· Average 40 hours per week of work

We expect hard work during these hours and also respect your time and life away from the farm, trying our best to stick to a pre-arranged work schedule that equals 8 hours/day Monday-Friday (the start and end times can change, depending on the season, but a typical day begins at 7:45, with 45 minutes for lunch break, and ends at 4:30). Apprentices are off on Sundays. 1 out of every 4 Saturdays will be spent working at market.  Apprentices get a scheduled day off each month starting in May and a long weekend off (Monday-Tuesday) in the summer which takes the place of the  day off that month. Scheduling time off will be based on the whole crew’s schedules. Occasionally the farm will demand longer days just to get to job done and occasionally the work is done and we end early!

· ½ hour one-on-one monthly check-in meeting with Jamie or Sara Jane during lunch.

-Participation in most community and "extra curricular" learning activities, like regular "Lunch and Learn" meetings, plant ID/nature walk around farm property, potlucks, etc. These happen at mutually convenient days/times outside of work hours.

· Prepare healthy meals for yourself throughout the week

· Arrive promptly and ready to work at pre-arranged start times

· Work outdoors in rain, shine, heat, or cold

· Maintain a positive and curious attitude

· Bring appropriate clothing and supplies to stay comfortable and healthy on the farm (see list below).

· Respect farm housing, tools, and facilities

· Respect the farm crew, volunteers, and customers of the farm

Sara Jane and Jamie will provide the following:

· A broad range of information and skills related to farming, primarily communicated in the field. These skills include no-till vegetable-raising from seed to harvest, soil health and revitalization, nutrient management, methods of organic pest control, perennial fruit raising, and a lot more. The teachings communicated and practiced throughout the season go beyond technical skills to include broader life skills including mind-body connection, observation, and holistic thinking.

- An organized farm with clear systems in place to foster a fun and productive work environment

- An apprentice manual with lots of details about work and life on the farm,  cooking tips, things to do in the area, etc.

- Facilitating "Lunch and Learns" throughout the season

· Answering or helping to research any farming related questions

· Experience marketing farm products and information on a farm as a business

· Access to an excellent library of farming related books

· Membership to CRAFT, a regional network of farmers and apprentices with monthly tours and activities (or virtual tours during pandemic)

-Community solstice parties and other social and educational gatherings on the farm throughout the year

· Starting full-time stipend of $1000-$1200/month, or based on experience and performance, with merit-based raises  (taxes will be withheld and a W-2 is given at the end of the year).

· Housing: a tiny home or camper (electricity, cold water, kitchen, propane cooking appliances, shared outhouse, and a hot shower in a shared building are provided; there is no A/C in any of our housing, but there is heat). 

-Workers Compensation Insurance

· Vegetables from the farm and pork credit 

· Food staples (dry goods we order in bulk such as organic rice, beans, oats, flour, sugar)

· Up to 3 paid sick days off throughout the season if you or a family member is sick. This cannot be used as extra personal vacation days. You must contact Jamie or Sara Jane prior to the start of the day to be missed to let us know.

Want to apply? Please fill out a completed application (below) along with a resume and two work references. We look forward to hearing from you!

JOURNEYPERSON POSITIONS

The Journeyperson position is open to those who have experienced at least two seasons on  commercial vegetable farms and are eager to become an essential part of a thriving farm crew and continue your farming career. There are many paths to becoming a farmer and, as we know with 16 years operating A Way of Life Farm, the learning never stops!  With the support of experienced farmers and established systems, we offer a much easier, less risky way to gain a solid foundation in farming than the school of hard knocks!  

As a journeyperson, you’ll build on the basics (familiarity with plant growth, harvest, marketing, body mechanics and hand tool) to recognize patterns and begin to take in the broader picture of producing high quality food and operating a business while stewarding land.  You will have specific responsibilities on the farm that will allow an in-depth understanding of particular crops and farm systems, while also participating in efficient pace-setting and an understanding of the multiple tasks that need to happen to make the farm run.  

Opportunities for long term involvement, profit sharing, or operating new enterprises on the farm are all possibilities for Journeypersons who stay beyond their first year and are looking to establish their life and career on an existing farm

Journeypersons commit to the following:

·  Minimum one-year commitment: February 2025- February 202 (long-term opportunities encouraged upon mutual agreement)

·  No smoking, pets, illegal substances, or firearms- for various reasons these things are not supportive of the healthy community environment and successful farm we aim to maintain. 

·  Average 40 hours per week of work

We expect hard work during these hours and also respect your time and life away from the farm, trying our best to stick to a pre-arranged work schedule that equals 8 hours/day Monday-Friday (the start and end times can change, depending on the season, but a typical day begins at 7:45, with 45 minutes for lunch break, and ends at 4:30). Apprentices are off on Sundays. 1 out of every 4 Saturdays will be spent working,  at market.  Apprentices get a scheduled day off each month starting in May after a market weekend, and a long weekend off (Monday-Tuesday) in the summer which takes the place of the day off that month. Scheduling time off will be based on the whole crew’s schedules.  Occasionally the farm will demand longer days just to get to job done and occasionally the work is done and we end early!

·  ½ hour one-on-one monthly check-in meeting with Jamie or Sara Jane during lunch.

·  -Participation (learning or teaching) in most community and "extra curricular" learning activities, like regular "bring your own" crew lunches, plant ID/nature walk around farm property, potlucks, etc. These happen at mutually convenient days/times outside of work hours.

·  Prepare healthy meals for yourself throughout the week

·  Arrive promptly and ready to work at pre-arranged start times

·  Work outdoors in rain, shine, heat, or cold

·  Maintain a positive and curious attitude

·  Bring appropriate clothing and supplies to stay comfortable and healthy on the farm (see list below).

·  Respect farm housing, tools, and facilities

·  Respect the farm crew, volunteers, and customers of the farm

Sara Jane and Jamie will provide the following:

·  A broad range of information and skills related to farming, primarily communicated in the field. These skills include vegetable-raising from seed to harvest, soil health and revitalization, nutrient management, methods of organic pest control, perennial fruit raising, and a lot more. Journeypersons will specialize in areas that may include pastured pig management, greenhouse management/seed starting, CSA packing, marketing, fertigation, and BCS tractor operation. The teachings communicated and practiced throughout the season go beyond technical skills to include broader life skills including mind-body connection, observation, and holistic thinking.  

·  An organized farm with clear systems in place to foster a fun and productive work environment

-A journeyperson manual with lots of details about work and life on the farm,  cooking tips, things to do in the area, etc.

·  Facilitating "Lunch and Learns" throughout the season

·  Answering or helping to research any farming related questions

·  Experience marketing farm products and information on a farm as a business

·  Access to an excellent library of farming related books

·  Membership to CRAFT, a regional network of farmers and apprentices with monthly tours and activities 

-Community solstice parties and other social and educational gatherings on the farm throughout the year

·  Starting full-time stipend of $1400-$1600/month, or based on experience and performance, with merit-based raises (taxes will be withheld and a W-2 is given at the end of the year).

·  Housing: a tiny home (electricity, cold water, kitchen, propane cooking appliances, shared outhouse, and a hot shower in a shared building are provided; there is no A/C in any of our housing, but there is heat). 

- Workers Compensation Insurance

·  Vegetables from the farm and  pork credit 

·  Food staples (dry goods we order in bulk such as organic rice, beans, oats, flour, sugar)

·  Up to 3 paid sick days off throughout the season if you or a family member is sick. This cannot be used as extra personal vacation days. You must contact Jamie or Sara Jane prior to the start of the day to be missed to let us know.

Want to apply? Please fill out a completed application (below) along with a resume and two work references. We look forward to hearing from you!

Apprentices say: 

  “I think I have said it before but I will say it again 100 times.....through all the videos watched, books read and other apprenticeships, I still carry with me and use most what I learned with you guys. That season I spent on your farm was SO INVALUABLE!! I just wanted to let you know again because you are teaching people year after year and I know it can probably be exhausting and bring some difficulties with the benefits. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!! Thank you again for setting me up on my path and teaching me so many fundamentals as well as continuing to teach me and others.”

 -Mae, 2016 apprentice

"I learned a lot about organic no-till agriculture over the course of two seasons working at A Way of Life Farm. Sara Jane and Jamie have a vast knowledge of all things farming and are very intentional in their practices. Gaining hands on experience in regenerative farming at A Way of Life set me on a path with purpose. Although my apprenticeship is over, Sara Jane and Jamie continue to be my mentors and friends. If you are interested in learning how to be a profitable and holistic farmer, I would highly recommend applying."

-Karl, 2018-2019 apprentice

"Apprenticing at A Way of Life was a formative experience of incredible physical and intellectual stimulation and empowerment. Jamie and Sara Jane openly shared their knowledge and answered questions related to the whys and hows of both the granular and the big picture. With their guidance, the crew delved hands-on into details from biological amendments to bolster plant immune systems to holistic management and goal-driven decision-making. Alongside honing efficiencies, we explored how to complete tasks in an ergonomic way to minimize strain on the physical body. I also enjoyed being involved in numerous aspects of the farm while specializing in greenhouse management and microgreens production. Perhaps most powerful was gaining feet-on-the soil comprehension of what it takes to operate a regenerative, commercial farm to economically support a family and business expansion in a way that can maintain a sustainable quality of life. The experience gave me the technical knowledge, skills, and confidence to successfully manage and grow a non-profit educational farm. As I begin the journey of starting a commercial farm of my own with organic and permaculture inspiration, I proudly carry AWOLF tools with me."

-Bari, 2017 apprentice

"I had a truly transformative experience working with Jamie and Sara Jane at A Way of Life Farm...I genuinely feel like I couldn't have gone through this experience with better mentors. Jaime and Sara Jane are both incredibly knowledgeable and patient teachers...It is incredible to think back on my first days on the farm and the transformation that has occurred. I have learned so many of the technical skills and basic knowledge to help jump start my farming career, but even more importantly I have a greater sense of drive to achieve my goals after experiencing what life as an organic farmer is really like." -Cecilia, 2016 apprentice

"My apprenticeship with A Way of Life prepared me to go from very little formal farming experience, to the job I have now: running a farm with a 180-member sliding-scale CSA... A Way of Life farmers, Sara Jane and Jamie Davis, dedicate themselves to educating their apprentices. I've never seen a farm achieve such a balance between maintaining financial stability while also continuing to deepen ecological practices. My apprenticeship gave me both the hard skills and the inspiration to farm in a way that is both idealistic and realistic.

-Julia, 2012 apprentice

Want to apply? Please fill out a completed application (below) along with a resume and two work references. We look forward to hearing from you!