Generally speaking, farm days are Monday and Tuesday at the house/farm as well as Wednesdays early and late in the season, as mid season we are at the Wednesday farmers market. Thursday morning we deliver to By the Bushel Co-op.
For the one-day a week volunteer positions, I like it when dedicated volunteers chose either Monday or Tuesday (or both if you have the time and energy) as their farm days ... and try as best as they can to keep it consistent through out the growing season. The growing season starts off a little slower but by May 1st we are busy and by mid May in full swing. The growing season continues on through to the end of October, although I realize that many folks need to return to school in the fall... in which case other arrangements are made.
Farm days are long... but don't start too early. We meet a my house in town around 8 am and car pool out to the farm together and are usually back from the farm by no later than 6:30 pm ... we bring a packed lunch, water and drinks with us as well as appropriate gear (hat, sunscreen, shoes etc.) and often our swim stuff too during the hot season.
In return for consistent volunteer work on the farm, our volunteers learn a lot, can participate in our CRAFT farmer training days, and can eat well from the farm once produce is coming in.
For our internship positions, the amount of time of the farm increases up to 3.5 days a week (negotiable) ... but with it comes added responsibility throughout the season and increased learning opportunities including farm planning, marketing, canning and value added processing etc. in return an experienced/committed intern will receive a monthly stipend as well as food out of the garden and/or room and board... depending on the needs and situation of the intern. All volunteer and interns will be required to sign a letter of agreement with the farm outlining expectations, liability as well as roles and responsibilities.
With all of this said there are plenty of ways and opportunities to get involved with Sun Root Organics. We usually have a really good gang of folks to work with, we like to have fun. We work hard and the work is physically demanding, but as the season progresses the fresh air, sunshine, good folks and good food will help all of us transition to being able to do this work with some ease... but it takes time and a little determination at the beginning. If there are particular things or skills a volunteer or intern is interested in learning, we do our best to accommodate, although much of the learning comes from doing and just getting your hand dirty.
If you are interested in becoming a dedicated volunteer or intern for the 2012 season, please send a resume with a letter of interest. In your letter of interest please indicate, your level of interest, availability and any particular needs or considerations you may have (i.e. housing).
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