all current participating mentor host farms with Rogue Farm Corps farmer training programs
Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm
Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm
1 APPRENTICESHIP
PART TIME (30 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: Mid-March - Mid-November
$18/HR
LOCATION: Boring (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 3
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 1
PRACTICES: Low-Till, Regenerative, Organic Practices (Not Certified)
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 1/3
Vegetable Production, Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Fruit, Poultry(Eggs), Cut Flowers, Orchard Production
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
Non-Profit Farm, Educational Farm
2023 was our first year of production on this land, and we’ve been experimenting with no/low-till strategies for growing our annual vegetables to great success. This means there is a lot of hand work, including weeding, harvesting, and removing plants at the end of their cycle to leave roots in place whenever possible. Though we are not certified organic, we do not use pesticides or herbicides, and take a “from the soil up” approach - meaning we aim to build the appropriate soil biome for plants to thrive in using natural methods, and aim to keep the soil growing plants or in a protective cover as much of the year as possible. We are in the beginning stages of learning about the soil food web and how we can support this biome, and look forward to any experience or knowledge a potential Apprentice can contribute.
We believe farming is a constant learning experience that should be fluid, so we adapt our methods on a daily basis to account for the needs of the plants and those of us who tend them. In the winter, our fields are partially cropped to late-fall and over-wintered vegetables, cover crops, and partially covered with compost and tarps to ensure we have fertile ground ready to be planted in early spring. We have newly-established perennial native plantings along our learning garden and in blocks along our main field, as well as a small stand of mature blueberries and various herbs bordering our in-ground and raised beds. Finally, we have a mature orchard featuring apples, plums, pears and cherries.
www.thimbleberrycollaborativefarm.org
@thimbleberrycollaborativefarm
FARM OVERVIEw
We are situated on 5 acres just outside Boring, Oregon - 30 miles east of downtown Portland, 57 miles from Mt. Hood, and surrounded by some of the best natural beauty and recreational opportunities in Oregon. Approximately ⅓ of an acre of our farm is in no/low-till, mixed annual vegetables, and another ¼ acre is planted to boysenberries which are currently leased and managed by a nearby Organic certified farmer. We have a large learning garden with several raised and in-ground beds, as well as perennial native plantings, blueberries, and herbs, and a small, mature orchard of apple, plum, pear and cherry trees. There is a large shop which contains our packing/storage/refrigeration, a seed propagation greenhouse, and a home which serves as our office/communal kitchen/meeting space.
We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and our produce is provided at no cost to the recipients through donations to local food pantries in east Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, as well as through a farm-to-table meal delivery program that we piloted for two years. With this program, patients of Wallace, a medical clinic in Rockwood, received weekly meals prepared and delivered to them by Milk Crate Kitchen, a non-profit production kitchen. We also set up a weekly, free farm stand onsite at the clinic where patients receive fresh produce to take home. Our educational programs are constantly growing, so field trips and workshops involving school-age children as well as adults are a regular occurrence on and off the farm. Finally, we have 4 laying hens and 5 ducks, which we hope to incorporate into the fertility plan of the farm by utilizing manure and “chicken tillage” of cover crop residue, as well as their pest management capabilities.
So far, our farm crew consists of one full-time farmer (Drew), two staff on harvest and transplanting days as needed, a part-time farm assistant, and additional support from board members and volunteers during work parties and other events.
Drew is the primary farmer/Farm Operations Manager at TCF. We are a small team of just 1 part-time and 3 full-time employees (plus an awesome Board of Directors), so on any given day each of us may be helping out in the field, learning garden, orchard, or supporting each other with other tasks not directly related to growing food. Though TCF was established just 3 years ago (2023 being our first season on our current land), Drew has 10+ years of farming experience, having previously owned his own CSA/market farm south of Eugene, Oregon, where he also grew using natural methods but with a more traditional tillage approach. Drew noticed that repeated tillage had a very detrimental effect on the soil and thus the crops, but didn’t have the resources needed to implement some of the exciting low-till methods we use here at Thimbleberry. He believes that farming and tending plants comes naturally to most people, so his general philosophy is that there is no “right” way to do something. That being said, through repeated trial and error he has developed preferences for how to approach tasks, and will expect anyone helping on the farm to utilize these techniques unless agreed otherwise. We have found that it is easy to become myopic in farming, so we encourage questions about the “why” of any given task or technique. Generally, we find farmers to be some of the smartest, most ingenuitive people around, and have no doubt that we can learn much from even the greenest thumb. We value direct communication, consistency, punctuality, hard work, laughter/fun, and camaraderie amongst the staff and community that surrounds us at TCF. One of our favorite parts of working at the farm is our weekly staff meal, prepared mostly with ingredients from the fields!
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
Apprentices will primarily be involved in the day-to-day physical operations of the farm, including, seed propagation, transplanting, weeding, cover crop establishment/management, drip irrigation installation and management, harvesting, washing/packing/delivering produce, small machinery/hand tool operation (BCS walk-behind tractor, mower, weed whacker, stirrup hoes, shovels, etc.), compost production, chicken/duck care, record keeping, and various other tasks related to the smooth operation of the farm. Occasionally, Apprentices may support other staff in activities such as field trips, workshops, or tabling at farm stands/farmer’s markets/events. In addition, Apprentices have the opportunity to engage in aspects of the non-profit side of the farm, such as supporting fund-raising events like our annual harvest celebration or community nights facilitated by local partners. Much of the farm management aspect of the farm such as crop-planning, seed ordering, and budgeting is done during the winter months, so exposure to learning experiences in these areas will be limited, though time can be set aside to discuss these aspects if desired. Since we are not a typical “market” farm, experience in the retail, direct to consumer aspects common with many small farm operations such as farmers markets and CSA programs won’t be provided, though our farm-to-table program will provide experience in setting up a farm stand and interacting with other nonprofits serving the community.
Typical start time is between 8-9am Monday-Friday, depending on the required task, and will generally end by 4:30pm, with Monday/Wednesday/Friday being harvest days and therefore requiring the most support. During peak season, harvest days may begin at 7am and end by 3pm. We do not generally work more than 8 hours on any given day. The majority of a prospective apprentice’s time will be spent supporting harvesting, washing, weeding, and transplanting crops. Essentially, every day is a “training day” in the sense that through repetition and working side-by-side with the Farm Operations Manager, the Apprentice will gain a thorough understanding of the day to day operation of the farm. Detailed training in other aspects of the farm will be determined through our regular check-ins and identifying gaps in knowledge or proficiency in real time. Questions about processes and techniques are encouraged to ensure work can be done safely and efficiently, and that the Apprentice ends the season with as comprehensive an understanding as possible.
Time off requests will be granted within reason and with 2 weeks advance notice, to ensure the workload can be covered by existing staff. At this time, we are unable to offer paid time off, and will need to limit time off to sick days and shorter duration absences. However, we are flexible and happy to work with prospective Apprentices to find a consistent schedule that works for everyone.
Occasionally, Apprentices may be asked to support staff during other activities that occur during irregular work hours, such as weekend volunteer days, evening events, etc., or in non-farming related events such as community workshops or field trips. These activities are an important part of TCF, and are integral to our function as a non-profit, educational farm serving the surrounding community.
Most instruction and learning will be through hands-on application of farming techniques in day-to-day operations. Support such as reading materials in specific areas such as soil test interpretation, low/no-till techniques, etc., will be provided throughout the season when appropriate. Regular check-ins with the Farm Operations Manager and/or our Executive Director will help narrow in on prospective areas of mutual growth and development, and additional support and time to focus on filling knowledge gaps will be provided. Depending on hourly availability, Apprentices may attend weekly staff meetings to stay engaged with overall operations when appropriate. Drew will be working closely with Apprentices on a daily basis in the field, so there will be ample opportunity to ask questions, explore and deepen technical abilities, and work together to ensure all learning goals are met. Regular evaluations and feedback will be provided on a mutual basis, both formally and informally.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
We can offer $18/hour and access to food from the farm. We would also reimburse for OFC tuition.
Local housing options in case a placement is coming into the area and needs housing: Rentals in Portland are fairly expensive and can be difficult to come by, and would require a commute of 30 minutes to an hour, depending on location. The surrounding community of Boring may be somewhat limited as well due to its smaller size, but nearby Gresham may provide more affordable options and a quicker commute.
QUALIFICATIONS
Generally, a farm apprentice here at TCF needs to have a strong work ethic, good communication (direct and respectful), be punctual, and have an ability to be flexible and self-motivated to jump in and support wherever they are needed. An ability to work outside in various weather conditions, as well as tolerate days consisting mostly of physical labor and some repetitive tasks are essential. Consistency and attention to detail, as well as a desire to learn through trial and error are a benefit, and a desire to support our under-served community members is essential. A good sense of humor and ability to have fun while we work is one of the core values here at TCF, as well!
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Equity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission at TCF. Every aspect of our physical farm and learning garden space was created with accessibility in mind; From our semi-raised, permanent bed systems in the row crop area, to the permanent raised and ADA accessible beds and traversable paths in our learning garden, we’re making continuous improvements to ensure access for everyone. As collaboration is a key aspect of our organization, we treat each person we come in contact with as a potential partner/teacher and valued voice in the co-creation of our farm and the greater food system we inhabit. Our mission to increase access to free/affordable, healthy food for low-income, underserved communities is the guiding principle that ensures we are making the greatest impact on food justice and security that we can as a small organization. Partnerships with local schools and organizations that are already working to support these communities increase our potential to help create a strong and lasting network that can bolster existing efforts towards these goals. Undergirding everything is a sense of humility and openness to new ideas, perspectives, and educational opportunities. As a staff, we’ve incorporated weekly readings and film screenings in order to educate ourselves about the current and historical issues facing the various cultural communities that make up East Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, especially issues related to food systems and agriculture. We use what we learn in these weekly discussions to shape our programs, design our educational curricula and crop plans, inform our relationship-building efforts with community partners, as well as our team recruitment efforts, and more. Finally, we acknowledge that lived experience is a crucial component in an individual’s desire and ability to contribute to the work of food justice, and weigh it equally with other considerations when reviewing applicants for all positions within our organization.
PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
“Very welcoming environment, felt at home immediately. Drew was a great mentor and I really appreciated getting to learn all aspects of the farm.” - 2024
Drew
Tumbleweed Farm
Tumbleweed FaRM
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
FULL TIME (40 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: April - October
$17/HR
LOCATION: Parkdale (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 14
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 2
PRACTICES: Organic Practices (Not Certified), Mechanized/Tractor Farming
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 2.5
Vegetables
ON-FARM HOUSING? Yes
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
Our strongest farming value is to add more to the soil than we are taking. Our goal is to continue to produce/sell more on the same amount of land each year. We strive to achieve this by improving our strategies, infrastructure and equipment to make things easier, simpler, smoother and faster. Off the farm our interests include raising two wonderful girls, cooking, skiing, trail running, golf, pond hockey and whackin’ a few beers whenever the opportunity presents itself.
FARM OVERVIEW
Taylor and Andrea Bemis have owned and operated Tumbleweed Farm since 2012. We learned how to farm on Taylor’s family’s 60 acre organic vegetable and fruit farm in Massachusetts. We started out on our own on leased land up the road from us, then purchased this land in 2013 and have been farming here ever since.
We are on a 6 acre parcel on the North side of Mount Hood. We cultivate 2.5 acres of that. We have one propagation house and 2 unheated hoop houses (20x96 and 30x96). The East Fork irrigation canal is our Eastern property line and our irrigation source. We are a 6 minute drive to Parkdale and a 15 minute drive to Hood River. Lots of recreational opportunities nearby. The Mount Hood Parkdale community is fun, welcoming and supportive.
We grow a diverse array of vegetables (along with melons and strawberries) for our 150 share CSA and the Hood River Farmers Market. Though we have not pursued certification we grow organically and are committed to a zero spray policy. For pest control we use row cover and crop rotation. For soil health we incorporate 150 yards of compost and 6 tons of chicken manure every Spring. For field prep we use a spader and rototiller behind a 23 horse power tractor. For final bed prep/stale bedding we use a BCS 853 with a power harrow. For weed control we use scuffle hoes, trapezoid hoes and tractor mounted basket weeders, finger weeders and sweeps. We do 75% overhead irrigation, 25% drip. Our farm crew is typically made of four members on harvest days and 2-3 on other days.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
The primary tasks our crew members are responsible for are propagation, planting, deploying row cover, hoeing/weeding, harvesting, washing, packing and the farmers market. Irrigation, some BCS work, flame weeding and direct seeding are tasks that can be explored. Additional duties arise throughout the season including thinning carrots/beets and cleaning garlic and onions.
Start and end dates are flexible within 1 week. The work day is generally 7-4 with a one hour lunch break. The focus of work is on quality initially and speed once quality is understood. Crew members are expected to be able to carry and stack heavy crates. Time off is ideally avoided but is allowed for crucial circumstances.
We will be working alongside the crew a lot of the time but not always. We always include the crew in the full picture of what is going on and what is happening to the field before and after the crew’s roles. There is always time to ask/answer questions and to accompany the pre-harvest field walks.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are most excited by applicants who are enthusiastic about farming and motivated to work hard and fast. Previous farming experience is not required. Previous experience working in fast-paced and sometimes stressful situations is preferred.
Our housing opportunity is a 7 minute drive to the farm so some form of transportation is required.
COMPENSATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Compensation is $17/hr plus any and all produce you’d like to bring home.
On-farm housing is offered for both Apprentices. The housing we are offering is a 2 bedroom ADU on 4th Ave in downtown Parkdale. It’s a 7 minute drive from the farm (5 miles away), and an extremely short walk to the grocery store, laundromat, coffee shop, and restaurants. For employees of the farm, rent is $300/room, utilities included.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Anyone willing to put forth their best effort is welcome here. We stay in constant communication with crew members directly as well as our crew leader about how everyone is getting along and will address issues as they arise. We have employed a crew for seven seasons now and have found farming to be a great uniter.
PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
“He knows his systems, and he knows why they work. He's always willing to explain, unhurriedly, if you ask, and he'll encourage efficiency without rushing. He trusted us with new tasks and let us work independently often, but was ready to jump in when needed…
Taylor was still learning how to be a mentor this season, and I think he is searching for the right balance of exposure to new and interesting farm tasks, and the repetitive grunt work of the farm. I think with more practice he'll strike the right balance.” - 2023
Taylor, Andrea, and kids
Good Rain Farm
Good Rain Farm
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
PART TIME (32 hours/week) Full Time (40 hours / week) considered
APPROX START/END DATES: May - October
$18/HR
LOCATION: Troutdale (Portland Metro Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 10
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 1
PRACTICES: Low-Till, Organic Practices (Not Certified)
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 1
Vegetables, Culinary Herbs, Meat Production, Seed Production
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
BIPOC Owned/Operated, Women Owned/Operated
Good Rain Farm is a diverse operation focused on vegetable production, native plant propagation, and Indigenous First Foods. We primarily grow mixed vegetables and Indigenous crops, cultivating them through sustainable practices such as low-till methods, cover cropping, and regenerative soil care. Our marketing and sales outlets include a CSA program, local farmers markets, and direct-to-community sales. Our CSA, Save Our Seed, prioritizing culturally relevant foods and education.
Training future farmers is essential to sustaining our food systems, and it’s critical to build a qualified, skilled workforce that values sustainable, culturally rooted practices. Mentoring Apprentices aligns with our mission to strengthen the community through hands-on education and cultural stewardship, helping to ensure a resilient, knowledgeable, and inclusive agricultural future.
www.GoodRainFarm.com
FARM OVERVIEW
Good Rain Farm is located on 13.5 acres within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and designated rural agricultural reserves, just 10 minutes from Gresham and Troutdale, Oregon. The farm includes 10 open-field acres dedicated to mixed vegetable production, providing a spacious and productive setting for diverse crops. Our proximity to the Sandy and Columbia Rivers adds to the richness of the environment, offering opportunities for recreational activities and connection to local natural resources. The setting provides both a quiet, rural atmosphere and convenient access to nearby communities, making it ideal for sustainable farming and community engagement. Currently farm owner Michelle Week and partner live on site with 1 dog, several cats, poultry and meat rabbits.
Our production is a blend of mechanization and hand labor, using tools like a BCS walk-behind tractor for efficiency while maintaining soil health. We use cover crops to enrich soil and support biodiversity, and we are committed to organic practices, exploring organic certification to enhance transparency.
Our typical farm crew includes Michelle and seasonal Apprentices who engage in all aspects of the farm’s operations. We prioritize training Apprentices in sustainable methods, food sovereignty, and cultural revitalization, aiming to foster skilled farmers who carry forward these values. Community volunteers also join us seasonally, helping with planting, harvesting, and community events that support our broader mission of sustainable, inclusive agriculture.
Farmer Michelle Week, founder and steward of Good Rain Farm, is a first-generation farmer from the sngaytskstx (Sinixt) Arrow Lakes Peoples. With a foundation in outdoor recreation and gardening, she refined her skills through a Farm Apprenticeship at Zenger Farm, which led her to establish Good Rain Farm to increase access to Indigenous First Foods.
Michelle’s philosophy centers on food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and environmental stewardship. Good Rain Farm was established in 2018 to blend traditional knowledge with sustainable farming, fostering ecological health and community resilience. Michelle’s goals include creating an inclusive food system, expanding education, and training future farmers who prioritize community and sustainability.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
Apprentices at Good Rain Farm will engage in a variety of tasks throughout the six-month Apprenticeship, such field work includes planting, cultivating, weeding, and harvesting, as well as care for livestock, including feeding and cleaning of our meat rabbits. About 48 hours of On-Farm orientation (typically offered in 3hr weekly chunks)will occur . Apprentices will also learn practical skills in washing and packing produce, basic marketing principles through CSA interactions, and safe equipment use and maintenance. Additionally, they will contribute to social media marketing and newsletter writing, enhancing their communication skills and understanding of farm promotion. While the focus is more on agricultural skills than business operations, Apprentices will have access to a list of resources and recommendations for additional entrepreneurial education, and time to attend workshops can be accommodated. The program aims to provide a well-rounded experience, fostering both hands-on agricultural skills and an understanding of sustainable farming practices while encouraging collaboration and active participation.
Apprentices at Good Rain Farm are expected to commit to four eight-hour days per week, starting around 7-8 AM and ending around 3-4 PM, with appropriate breaks included. Farm activities are predominantly performed outdoors in various weather conditions, so employees must dress appropriately each day and wear closed-toed shoes. The role involves significant physical exertion, requiring frequent bending, lifting, and handling of heavy equipment and supplies, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day and stand for extended periods outdoors especially during soil amendment & cover cropping days. Reasonable accommodation may be provided upon request to support apprentices in meeting these physical demands.
To provide effective instruction and mentorship to an Apprentice, Michelle will use a hands-on approach that combines lecture, demonstration, collaboration, and open communication. Michelle will teach core concepts and skills through practical work, engaging the Apprentice in daily tasks while guiding them with clear explanations. Regular field walks will facilitate discussions about observations and questions, enhancing their understanding. Michelle will schedule regular check-ins to assess progress and address challenges, fostering an environment where the Apprentice feels safe to share concerns. Michelle aims to provide consistent positive reinforcement alongside constructive criticism, balancing firmness with gentleness. While the work is urgent, Michelle emphasizes that growth and learning are ongoing processes. Evaluation sessions will reflect on progress and set goals, ensuring the Apprentice gains confidence and independence as they develop their skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking applicants with a minimum of one year of outdoor field work or farm experience that includes direct involvement in farm operations, with a focus on supporting and executing activities directed by the Lead Instructor or Farm Managers. Ideal candidates should have a working knowledge of organic, sustainable, small farm practices and a passion for learning about Native First Foods, alongside a commitment to land stewardship. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, competency with mathematics, and the ability to follow verbal instructions are essential. Additionally, applicants should be comfortable within a community-driven management process and demonstrate a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and an open mind. A food handler's card is preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
For our Apprenticeship position(s), we offer $18 per hour for four 8-hour workdays weekly, plus several benefits to enrich the experience. Apprentices receive a seasonal CSA box, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Days, and a Gear Stipend to ensure they’re well-supported. We maintain a Hydration Station and snack basket (“snasket”), provide occasional hot lunches, and offer access to a network of educational and farming opportunities. Technical support for scholarships, grants, and other resources is available, along with comprehensive on-the-job training that emphasizes both practical farming skills and Indigenous approaches to agriculture. Together, these benefits create a holistic, supportive environment for Apprentices to thrive and prepare for futures in sustainable agriculture.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At Good Rain Farm, equity and inclusion mean fostering a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment for all, particularly BIPOC and Queer individuals. Our Apprenticeship offers specialized training from an Indigenous-led perspective, promoting diversity and skill-building. We ensure accessibility with 50% of CSA memberships offered at reduced or no cost and by providing home delivery for those in need. Through culturally relevant programs like our Save Our Seed initiative , which teaches seed saving and sustainable agriculture, we advance food sovereignty and social justice. Our commitment to fair treatment, accessibility, and cultural reclamation reflects our belief that equitable food access and environmental stewardship are essential for a just community.
Michelle Week (Photo Credit: Jaimie Thrower)
PCC ROCK CREEK LEARNING GARDEN
PCC ROCK CREEK LEARNING GARDEN
1 APPRENTICESHIP
PART TIME (14 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: March - November
$16.30/HR
LOCATION: Portland (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 14
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 2
PRACTICES: Low-Till, No-Till, Organic Practices (Not Certified)
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 3/4
Vegetables, Fruit, Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Seed Production, Vineyard
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? No
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English , Spanish
Educational Farm
The PCC Rock Creek Learning Garden is part of a network of 5 gardens across the PCC district designed to create safe, welcoming, educational spaces that were built for and by students. The gardens promote interdisciplinary academic achievement, leadership development, curricular and co-curricular opportunities and model sustainable food systems through dynamic and responsive hands-on education. These living classrooms work to offer equity-centered learning opportunities, cultivate a sense of belonging and promote community on campus in our support of food sovereignty.
https://www.pcc.edu/sustainability/on-campus/rock-creek/rock-creek-learning-garden/
FARM OVERVIEW
Portland Community College is the largest higher education institution in the state of Oregon. The Rock Creek Campus rests on 250 acres of Tualatin Kalapuya land in Washington County, 20-30 minutes outside of downtown Portland. The Learning Garden is nestled near the main buildings on campus and consists of 3.5 acres with 50 fruit trees, 50 blueberries, grapes, brambles and many fruits and vegetables. Our campus is also home to wooded trails, the riparian habitat surrounding Rock Creek, a large recreational public park with sports fields operated by Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, as well as the 5 Oaks Museum.
The Learning Garden produces thousands of pounds of food each season, which are primarily donated to the food pantry on campus. We rely primarily on hand work, but also keep a new BCS walk-behind tractor just in case! We are no-spray, practice extensive cover cropping and are moving towards the production of our own usable compost. Our farm crew is always in flux - we have volunteer hours 10am-1pm Tuesday-Friday and we meet whoever is volunteering where they're at and re-prioritize based on inclusion.
The Learning Garden in its current iteration was established in 2012. Miriam has served as the Rock Creek Campus Learning Garden Coordinator since 2017. She ran her own 8-acre farm from 2011-2016, co-owned/operated a 25-acre production from 2006-2011, and worked on other peoples' farms from 1999-2003. She is interested in seed-saving, seed stories and the dignity of all living creatures.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
Crop-planning is collaborative. Greenhouse work begins in February. We plant, cultivate, harvest, wash and deliver food together. Efficiency does not dictate here! However, Miriam can offer insights based on her 15 years of production experience.
Our production is highly unpredictable because of our ethic of working in community, where building trust and creating learning opportunities are valued more highly than task completion. That said, because the majority of work is by hand, it is possible and probable that work will be physical and conditions may not always be easy.
The goal is to co-create a schedule that allows for 10-12 hours of labor in partnership, 1-2 hours of solitary labor pursuing a special project, and 45 minutes to an hour a week for check-ins, questions, and reflection.
QUALIFICATIONS
Willingness to learn, honest communication, reliability, and attention to detail
Considerate communication skills
A genuine delight for people and plants
COMPENSATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS
$16.30 per hour. The Apprentice can share in the harvest, seeds and entry into the PCC hiring system and diverse community of students, staff, faculty and campus neighbors.
The PCC Rock Creek site is located in a semi-urban area of Portland with various options for housing close by. There is low-cost housing in the area, and the campus is served by public transportation.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As LG coordinator Miriam has been building relationships for years with colleagues in Accessible Education and Disability Resources, the Dreamer Center, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and so many other departments on campus. This has guided the direction of the garden and created a welcoming space for everyone who wants to be in the garden.
Miriam, Learning Garden Coordinator
Saur Farming
SAUR FARMING
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
FULL TIME (40 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: April - November
$16/HR
LOCATION: Parkdale (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 15
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 1
PRACTICES: Organic Practices (Not Certified), Draft Powered
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 2
Vegetable Production, Culinary Herbs, Cut Flowers
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
BIPOC owned/operated, Women owned/operated
Our goal has been to build healthy community through healthy soil and food. We farm using organic methods but are not certified. Cover crops, compost, and ecological habitat projects help to maintain soil health and biodiversity. Our fields of veggies are farmed intensively using much hand work. We are a detail oriented farm crew that strive to do good work; we value clean rows and high quality crops. In order to make a living farming, us and our crew must be efficient in all we do; working intently, smartly, and quickly is the name of the game.
We take ‘field trips’ throughout the season to either do something fun or to go check out other farms in the area. We work hard but laugh a lot and have a great time. You will feel like family by the end of the season.
FARM OVERVIEW
Anastasia and Ben started Saur Farming in 2011 just outside of Hood River, Oregon. After four seasons we moved up the valley to Parkdale, where we have been farming since. We farm 16 acres; 3 acres in veggie production, 2 in pasture, 4 in hay, and 5 in forest. We provide produce and cut flowers to our local thriving Farmers Market, a small CSA, and to many restaurants and wholesale customers in the area.
We use draft horses for many tasks around the farm including soil preparation and cultivation, compost and manure spreading, forest management, etc. We also use a BCS walk-behind tractor for mowing and final bed preparation.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
Our crew members will be doing nearly everything on the farm, including soil and bed prep, transplanting, trellising, weeding, harvesting, manure management, wash & pack, etc. We do not require previous experience, but we do require that staff come with an attitude that is ready to learn and continually progress in their skills and tasks. You will learn a ton about organic systems, small scale efficiency, and the thousand day to day tasks it takes to run a small vegetable farm.
Our staff does not work with the horses on a daily basis, but they do interact with them at times throughout the season.
The work will be full time during the main season (May through mid November), with possible part-time work before and after. Expect lots of manual labor: lifting, carrying, bending, shoveling, etc. Staff needs to be able to lift and carry 50 lb bags repeatedly. We work outside all day long throughout the season, so being able to work joyfully in all weather is essential. We are a small, tight crew where each member is a large part of what makes this farm function and if staff doesn’t show up for work the entire farm suffers. We can accommodate some time off requests, but that should be the exception not the rule, come ready to work.
Training and teaching will consist of daily morning meetings, in field instruction, as well as weekly check-ins to ensure the apprentice is understanding the week’s work. You will be learning from the farmers as well as our crew leader. There will be monthly ‘classes’ for bigger picture teaching that will address the seasonal dynamics of the farm and general organic farm practices. We love to teach and encourage our staff to ask questions and be inquisitive.
We also have seasonal employee reviews where we give feedback on job performance as well as provide time to listen to each staff member.
QUALIFICATIONS
Apprentices must have good communication skills, stable mental health, the ability to follow directions and take feedback (not always positive). Attention to detail, good physical abilities, and an overall pleasant demeanor and good attitude is mandatory. You must work well with a team and show up everyday with a desire to learn and do good work.
Communication is a key component for how our farm is run. We communicate our expectations and instructions and expect our crew to be communicating with us.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
Starting wage is $16/hr with reviews and probable raises throughout the season. We also offer bonuses throughout the season based on performance, and an end of year bonus for those who finish out the season.
No housing offered. Housing in this area can be challenging (expensive), but we do know a lot of people in the area and can help to find something.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Farming on a small & sustainable scale often attracts people from different backgrounds and marginalized communities, everyone is welcome here.
Anastasia and Ben.
Our Table Cooperative
Our Table CooperativE
1 APPRENTICESHIP
PART TIME (21 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: April - October
$17/HR
LOCATION: Sherwood (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 14
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 3
PRACTICES: Certified Organic, Low-Till
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 14
Vegetables, Culinary Herbs, Fruit, Value-added/Processing, Cut Flowers
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? No
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Basic Spanish
Cooperatively Owned
At Our Table, our farming philosophy revolves around proper soil health. We are firm believers in the idea that growing soil not only results in higher quality production, but is a powerful way to mitigate some of the negative effects we have on our planet. We strive to nurture and grow the soil food web through mulching, composting, minimal soil disturbance, cover cropping, and diversification of plant varieties.
As a production farm, we are deeply proud of the quality of produce we send to our restaurant and grocery accounts and are honored to positively contribute to and change the local food system in the PDX area.
FARM OVERVIEW
Our Table is entering its 15th year of production in the Portland area. We farm on 58 acres of land about 20 miles south of Portland. We raise a variety of crops, including vegetables, blueberries, strawberries and tree fruit. On site are a year-round creek and pond, varying topography, and a lovely view of Mount Hood. The farm has easy access to both town and country.
Our farm crew consists of six to seven people between annual and perennial productions.
We grow vegetables intensively on 4 + acres, with an additional 2 acres cultivated in annual cover crops. We use low-till, raised bed practices in the production fields, 4 hoop houses, and 17 caterpillar tunnels. The perennial side of the farm includes fruit and nut trees, 9 acres of blueberries, strawberry tunnels, and beekeeping. We supply produce weekly for a seasonal CSA, and our other sales outlets are through stores (including our on-site store) and restaurants in the Portland metropolitan area.TRAINING AND
EXPECTATIONS
Apprenticing at Our Table includes an all-encompassing vegetable farm experience. Candidates can expect to be involved in the entire life cycle of growing vegetables, including bed preparation, seeding in the propagation house, transplanting, direct seeding, cultivation, harvest of over 70 varieties, washing/packing of produce, delivering produce to restaurants, and working the weekly CSA pick-up table. The Apprentice would have the opportunity to be trained and to use equipment such as a BCS tractor, a JANG seeder, irrigation systems, and more.
Schedule is as follows:
Mondays & Fridays: 6:30am - 2.30 pm
Thursdays: 10:30 am - 6:30pm
Hours can vary seasonally. Opportunities for more work may be available.
Because Our Table runs a relatively small production, members of the annual crew are often working side by side. Candidates can expect to work alongside farm manager Andrew on a daily basis, learning core concepts and functions. We welcome questions of any nature and encourage growth in areas of individual interest on the farm. Over the years, Andrew has developed a love for studying soil science, integrating both humor and efficiency in daily workflow, and mastering a comprehensive knowledge of systems he encounters on the farm. The crew holds regular check-ins as a group.
QUALIFICATIONS
Our Table is seeking an Apprentice who is detail oriented, enjoys working in a group, and is motivated to streamline learning and workflow. Communication and cohesion in our crew are highly prioritized, as is the ability to listen to one another. The work is mostly physical, but requires a sharp mind, good judgment, and a great sense of humor. Experience with customer interaction and enthusiasm for all sorts of fruits and vegetables are highly encouraged. The Apprenticeship involves daily lifting (up to 50 lb.), bending, walking, etc, with almost all of the time spent moving or on your feet.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
We are able to offer an Apprentice a wage of $17/hr. Apprentices will accrue paid time off hourly.
We are five minutes from Sherwood, OR, a town of 20,000 people, and within easy driving distance (20 miles) of the greater Portland metropolitan area. Apartments, rooms, and shared housing options are plentiful in the area.
No vehicle is required to fulfill an Apprenticeship at Our Table, but an Apprentice would be responsible for their transportation to and from the farm.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At Our Table we are dedicated to impartiality in processes and relations in all aspects of the cooperative. We value an atmosphere of belonging and ownership devoid of any judgment. We encourage open communication, speaking up, regular morale check-ins, and desire to foster a space that is not only all-inclusive and comfortable, but one that allows both individuals and the collective to thrive.
PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
“Always provided training on new tasks, always open to my questions. All topics were covered, most were covered comprehensively. Usually available to provide feedback/criticism, but sometimes too busy. Gave me more responsibility/insight into different areas as the season went on. Listened to my ideas/thoughts on farming topics and had good discussions. In general I feel like I learned a lot by doing, which is what I wanted.” - 2022
“Andrew was wonderful to work with and patient with my many questions. Helped guide and teach about many topics.” - 2024
Andrew (and former RFC Apprentice, Fern)
Peachwood Orchard - FULL FOR 2025
PEACHWOOD ORCHARD- FULL FOR 2025
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
FULL TIME (38 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: May - September
$15.50/HR
LOCATION: Hood River (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 8
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 3
PRACTICES: Certified Organic
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 3.5
Fruit, Vegetables, Seed
ON-FARM HOUSING? Yes
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Spanish
BIPOC-Owned/Operated, Women-Owned/Operated
Our organic farming practices are guided by sustainable land stewardship and food sovereignty. We welcome a diverse community to connect with the land we farm. We’re committed to training a future generation of farmers and making these skills accessible to BIPOC and queer community. We envision a fair food system in which the land and people are cared for- an orchard that sustains life and a diverse community. We cultivate a supportive space where BIPOC folks can connect with the land in a meaningful way that feels fair and reciprocal.
https://www.hoodriverpeaches.com/
FARM OVERVIEW
Peachwood Orchards is an organic peach orchard located in traditional lands of Wasco, Wishram, and Chinook- known as Hood River, Oregon. With a stunning view of Mt. Hood along a small creek are 3.5 acres of peaches and our home. We’re about 5 miles from downtown Hood River and a short drive to many hikes, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Our house is on the property as well as a large shed for tools, cold storage, a shop for woodworking and repairs, and a small greenhouse/shed.
We have been certified organic through Oregon Tilth for the past 8 years. There are about 300 peach trees on the property along with 20 blueberry bushes, Tayberries, plums, and several 25x15ft garden plots.
We sell at farmer’s markets, through a local farmer’s cooperative, restaurants, grocery stores, to CSAs, and breweries- even had a beer named after Alma made with our peaches! We particularly enjoy being part of the Portland BIPOC market and welcoming other people onto the farm to learn. Even though our focus is largely in growing peaches there are opportunities for learning about irrigation, land restoration, and growing seed for saving heirloom varieties. We make donations to several food banks, and many other groups/organizations. We are in community with other BIPOC farmers in our region and will be taking part in a BIPOC-only vendor farmer’s market in Portland, Oregon. Additionally we are growing flowers and crops for a local small market in Odell. We bring traditional foods to that market along with our peaches.
David and Alma live and work on the farm with their sweet dog Whoopie. Alma and Whoopie dog work in the orchard full-time in the summer, while Dave works in the local hospital full-time. Alma is first-generation Xicana, her passion for agriculture launched her into orcharding for the past 8 years. As a child, she watched her grandfather work in his milpa in Zacatecas, Mexico following through the fields and always asking questions– wanting to emulate him. We like to host family and friends in our house in the summer and Alma loves to cook traditional foods and share meals whenever there’s a chance. Alma is involved in social and environmental justice organizations in the community and is on the board of a food access non-profit. Typically we host between 2-4 volunteers through WWOOF and other organizations. The orchard is largely run by us, we may have support from 1-2 part time employees during the busy parts of the season.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
We expect an Apprentice to be respectful of the land and community we work with. We expect you to be on time and keep your commitments. Work week will be an average of 38 hours, 5 days a week, including Saturday. Expect to work between 8-10 hours during the peak time in June, and August with other times of the season to average between 6-8 hour work days in July. We ask that you be available to help with Saturday farmer’s markets each week during August and September. We prefer an applicant who has availability from June to September.
June through September will have plenty of opportunities to thin fruits and learn how to harvest peaches at peak ripeness. There are opportunities to learn about accounting, record keeping, and account management. Alma typically cans, freezes, ferments, dehydrates peaches and is happy to share her knowledge as time permits.
June-July: Thinning fruits, management of orchard floor. This is a time to learn irrigation repair and maintenance for the rest of the seasons. July will be focused on gardens and seed-saving projects, as the peaches ripen. We work on the small gardens and experiment with no-till management.
August-September: Peach harvest, packing, record-keeping, and managing sales/accounts. Preparing for market and other sales. Preparing and running farmer’s markets. Processing harvest.
Optional: Restoration projects along the creek that runs through our property include: mitigation of opportunistic plant species, establishing pollinator habitat, and planting of native shrubs.
We intend to work alongside Apprentices, there will be specific demonstration and training at the beginning and we will make ample time to be available and work together to allow for questions to come naturally. Independence of work will be gained with experience and based on the comfort developed with each task. The extent of supervision will depend on experience and on the nature that we’ll often be working together.
QUALIFICATIONS
Some experience working in agriculture is preferred. We’re looking for people who are interested in and/or already engaged with orchard work. Good work ethic is important for long days of work as well as ability to work well in a team, and clearly communicate. We ask that you are open to working with people of diverse races, gender, sexual orientations, and cultures. A phone call and visit to the farm are required prior to placement, we are open to doing a Zoom tour in case you’re not able to physically visit. Some flexibility on dates if communicated clearly and early. Ability to lift 50 lbs and be on your feet for hours at a time.
COMPENSATION & ACCOMMODATIONS
Our starting wage is $15.50 per hour and will depend on experience.
Housing is in a ¾ size school bus parked on the farm with light and heat provided, next to an outdoor communal kitchen and shower. There is an enclosed bathroom with toilet and potable water. Kitchen has a propane stove, hot water kettle, sink, food storage, and small fridge.
We will have a second housing option available this season, a tiny house that is also on the property.
There is cell service and access to WIFI and our laundry/dryer. A list of basic food staples will be provided and resupplied throughout the season as well as access to food grown in the garden and all the peaches you can eat. No smoking, please be responsible about drinking. Visitors may be welcome but please check with us and others living on the farm beforehand. We love to share meals but are limited to our availability/schedules. Room and Board fee is $400 per month for the bus. The tiny house is $700 per month, with a $125 deposit.
EQUITY & INCLUSION
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and aim to nurture an environment of respect and dignity for all individuals. Our farm welcomes aspiring farmers of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and cultural backgrounds.
PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
“Alma met with us to start nearly every day, we stretched as a group and talked about our plans for the day. I really appreciated this. She was also really calm and kind. She took time to walk around the farm with us and look at things and explain things. She also made a real effort to change the tasks we were working on multiple times most days so we could use our bodies differently, and was really great about our schedules being flexible and not too demanding.“ - 2022
“I really appreciate how Alma is so passionate about teaching and really wants us to feel confident. She leaves lots of room for questions and is always open to hearing feedback. She gives both really positive and constructive feedback which helped me feel like I was doing a good job this season. She trusted me to handle the farmers market and make almost all of the deliveries throughout our season. Alma and I definitely made decisions together in terms of how our work week would flow and which tasks we'd each do. She really valued my opinion and that felt really good.” - 2023
Alma Gaeta
Quackenbush Farm- FULL FOR 2025
QUACKENBUSH FARM- FULL FOR 2025
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
FULL TIME (40 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: April - October
$16/HR
LOCATION: Eagle Creek (Portland Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 12
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 6
PRACTICES: Certified Organic, Low-Till, Tractor/Mechanized Farming
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 4
Diversified Vegetables
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Basic Spanish
Woman Owned/Operated
Our production methods revolve around intensive, sustainable annual crop production. We are certified organic and utilize a variety of conservation practices to minimize our impact on the land and soil, including cover cropping, crop rotations, reduced tillage, pollinator plantings and hedgerows, and more.
Our focus is on producing high quality produce for small and mid-scale markets, with an emphasis on heirloom and old-world varieties where flavor is more important than shelf-life.
https://www.quackenbushfarm.com/
FARM OVERVIEW
Quackenbush Farm is located in the beautiful Clackamas River Valley, about 30 minutes southeast of Portland. Our focus has primarily been diversified, organic, fresh market veggies. The farm is a thriving business with our main markets being our weekend farmer’s markets, wholesale (school districts), restaurants, and a small on-site farm stand.
The farm family and crew this year will include owners Jennifer and Matt, an assistant farm manager, crew lead, two Apprentices, several market crew, and our team of weekly harvest volunteers and workshares.
Quackenbush Farm started in 2013 in Washington State as a partnership between 4 friends. We were young, motivated, and wanted to grow a business based around community health and vitality. Each of us contributed a thousand dollars as startup, or seed money, and kept our day jobs. We found a rental with property with a brave landlord and within a month of signing the lease, we plowed the field.
Over the years the farm has evolved, growing and reaching new markets and customers. In 2017, the farm business found a permanent home in Oregon, on 18 flat, beautiful acres of pasture and oak savanna. Through all the changes over the years we have stayed committed to our ideals, and remain idealistic in our hearts and actions.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
We are looking for two full time Apprentices to commit to the full season from early April to the end of October or optionally through November. The flow of a typical farm year for our staff follows the 3 seasons of spring, summer, and fall:
Spring (April, May, early June) – The focus of this season is greenhouse work, field preparation, building/refurbishing farm infrastructure, and planting.
Summer (Late June, July, August) – This is the time for our biggest markets, big harvests, weeding, pruning and trellising, and more planting.
Fall (September, October, November) – The pace starts to slow a little here, with planting mostly over, our focus now is harvesting, weeding, marketing, farm projects, and eventually turning the fields over and planting cover crop.
By the end of the year, we will provide exposure to virtually all aspects of farm operations, including all steps between the seed and the plate.
These are full-time positions, typically 40 hours per week with some flexibility for longer days in the peak season (July/August) and shorter days in the shoulder seasons (April/October), 5 days per week with two days off. Work days typically start at 8am and go to 4:30pm, with a lunch break mid-day. Farming is physically demanding work, so we expect our staff to manage the demands of frequent lifting, stooping, repetitive motions, and to be able to work in all weather conditions.
Working directly with the farm owners, manager, and crew lead in all aspects of day to day operations, you will gain an in-depth understanding of growing for farmer's markets, local restaurants, and our surrounding community. With 4 acres in production of annual vegetables and the remaining 14 acres managed for wildlife habitat and other projects, our Apprentices will have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded sustainable agriculture work experience. Overall duties include field work, irrigation, small equipment work, farmers market sales, seeding/propagation, planting, volunteer coordination, and record keeping (to name a few).
QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate would be one who is seriously considering a career in agriculture, either working for another farm or starting their own, and is actively pursuing these opportunities.
Farm work experience is preferred, but NOT required. However we do expect a willingness to learn. We value clear and open communication and expect that our staff are actively engaged with questions, comments, and input on the farm operation.
Demonstrated experience doing repetitive manual labor and a strong physical and mental work ethic IS required.
While we do not require an in-person visit prior to making a placement offer, it is highly recommended.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
Compensation for our apprenticeship starts at $16/hr and includes a CSA share for the season.
We are not offering housing this year. The Estacada area typically has affordable housing available, or we are a 30 minute drive from Portland.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe healthy, organic food should be accessible to anyone, regardless of their economic status. We are very conscious of fair pricing, both to ourselves and to our customers, and provide other opportunities to make our produce affordable, including SNAP discounts and benefits, Pay What You Can pricing, and donations to several local food banks.
We recognize the long and troubled history of exclusion in the world of agriculture and land ownership. Equity and inclusion on Quackenbush Farm means that your value as a farmer and co-worker are irrespective of your race, color, gender, sexual orientation, bank account balance, or accent. We welcome all hard-working bipeds to apply.
PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
“Matt and Jennifer provide a really well rounded opportunity to gain actual on farm experience in a positive working environment.” - 2023
“So much is done on the farm in production. I think it was very valuable to get an idea and real feeling of how much I can do and having examples of how much I could improve by seeing how much faster things can be done.” - 2024
“My crew lead, a former RFC Apprentice with multiple years of farming experience across the state, gave great guidance throughout the season. His familiarity with RFC program topics was well integrated into on-farm duties.” - 2024
Matt & Jennifer (& Edwin)