Type: full-time internship with housing, meals, stipend, more (see below)
Organization: MARIPOSA FARM
Location: Plantagenet, ONTARIO – 45 minutes East of Ottawa
Website: http://www.mariposa-duck.on.ca
Contact: iwalker@mariposa-duck.on.ca
About the Farm
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, several 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.
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.
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 is a must.
To Apply:
Contact:
iwalker@mariposa-duck.on.ca
