stipend, more (see below)
Organization: Mariposa Farm
Location: Plantagenet – 45 minutes East of Ottawa, Eastern Ontario
Contact: iwalker@mariposa-duck.on.ca
MARIPOSA Farm was established in 1980. Having graduated from
Agricultural school, I purchased the then abandoned 107 acres farm.
From there built all the buildings: barn, workshop, house,
pavilion/restaurant and 2 cabins. The farm has several kilometers of
trails that are used to access the cabins, the forest firewood and
timber. In 2000, we purchased 70 adjacent acres to expand the farm.
We practice sustainable agriculture folding in various organic and
ecological techniques such biodynamic, Demeter and permaculture. Our
farm has been free of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) for over
30 years.
We raise ducks, geese, poultry, pigs, 2 dairy cows and have a small
maple syrup production, and, as well, we grow vegetables on 2 acres of
gardens plus a large greenhouse.
We do not have a tractor, but we do get some custom work done by a
local farmer (i.e. hay).
You will learn how MARIPOSA Farm works, including our on-farm
restaurant, our regional meat distribution business to over 100
Ottawa-Gatineau restaurants and, above and beyond, how we practice
sustainable agriculture.
We speak both French and English.
About the Work
Over the course of the season, interns will develop the skills to
raise and to grow from “seed to plate”. Some of the tasks and themes
include: seeding and transplanting, compost making without a specific
pile, soil health and fertility, irrigation, pruning, weed, pest and
disease management, succession planting, post-harvest handling,
cooking and preserving food, animal husbandry, housing, penning and
feeding, breeding, pasture management, disease prevention and control,
fencing and general farm maintenance.
Some building projects are also planned: harvesting “timber-mill” logs
for renovation; continuing building perimeter fence for the farm,
building addition on pavilion/restaurant; increase parking area.
Detailed instructions are given to develop the skills necessary to
perform tasks on the farm.
About the Internship
• We are looking for two interns for a minimum length of stay of three
months, though preference is given to applicants with the intention to
stay longer.
• One intern will be mostly involved in GARDENING and FOOD PROCESSING.
• Another intern will be mostly involved in GARDENING and ANIMAL
HUSBANDRY and FARM MAINTENANCE.
• When you apply please specify which of the two internships you want.
• A daily stipend of $ 20.
• Your hours are from 8 to 5, five days a week, with the exception of
a few weekends where you will work.
• Shorter term interns are welcome but, have no stipend.
• Housing is provided in the family farm house.
• All food included – you cook your own meals.
• Laundry facilities available – including detergent.
• We offer each intern a small plot of land where they can experiment
with crops and have their own garden to grow what they want.
• Interns have access to the workshop for woodworking projects of their own.
• Interns are also expected to take part in managing an orderly
household, clean the house weekly and do household chores.
• There is a reasonable list of household guidelines which outline
rules of respect and procedure followed in the house and on the farm.
• Safety is first and foremost and we work accordingly; taking care of
potential dangers and being mindful as we work.
Please note that there will be a two week trial period to ensure a
good fit for all.
Qualifications
A strong interest in local, sustainable food. Physically fit. Positive
and inquisitive. Energetic, hard-working and highly motivated. Able to
work well in a team as well as independently. The ability to take
constructive feed back and a good sense of humor are a must.
To Apply:
Contact:
iwalker@mariposa-duck.on.ca
