• Work with Us
• Farmer in Training

Work with Us

Farmer in Training (FIT) Program

The Farmer in Training (FIT) Program at SIO is for individuals with a serious interest in gaining the skills necessary to farm. The program provides each participant with the opportunity to spend a season working and learning on a well established 16 acre vegetable farm. The majority of the educational component will be based on learning from the experience of working.

Participants in the FIT program will be employees on the farm and are responsible for farm fieldwork. Participants will receive on the job training in various aspects of organic vegetable production including: greenhouse seeding, planting, weeding, irrigation, cultural techniques, harvesting, and pack-out. Additional education opportunities will be made available to participants outside of scheduled work hours.

Ideal candidates are interested in the experience of working on an efficiency focused, highly organized, 16 acre vegetable farm. A desire to work hard while learning the ?ow to? of farming is essential. Previous farm experience is desirable but not essential.

Requirements and Compensation

• Participants in the FIT Program generally work 46-hours per week.
• Participants are compensated at Oregon minimum wage.
• Limited housing is available.
• A 6 month commitment is required start May 4, 2009 through October 30, 2009.

To Apply

If you are interested in this position please email your complete application package to siorganics@aol.com. Once we have reviewed your materials we will contact qualified applicants for a half day on-farm work interview.

Applications accepted until positions are filled.

Application Package

• Cover letter including the answers to:
  1. How does an agricultural experience such as this program fit into your 5 year plan?
  2. Why do you think the FIT program is a good match for you?
  3. What previous agriculture experience do you have?
  4. What if any physical limitations you may have that might affect your ability to perform certain tasks. Many jobs require light to heavy lifting (up to 60lbs), repetitive grasping and standing, bending, kneeling and walking. Severe hay fever or other allergies should also be considered. (No application will be rejected because of a condition or impairment that, with reasonable accommodation, does not prevent performance of work.)
  5. Do you have a clean driving record (include drivers license number)
  6. Can you commit to a minimum of six months?
• Please include your ideal starting date (March-May) and ideal ending date (Sept-Dec).
• Resume with contact information for past employers (preferably email addresses)
• One personal reference (optional)