2018 AUTUMN APPRENTICESHIP
Love ‘n Fresh Flowers is looking for an energetic and detail-oriented individual to fill a farmer florist apprenticeship during our busy late summer and autumn seasons. This is a great opportunity for an individual passionate about getting involved in urban farming and/or flower farming, particularly intensive, small-scale farmer florist operations. This position is not for the faint of heart, however! The work days will be long and tiring. It’s often very hot still at our farm through late September. A certain level of existing fitness and toughness is required to jump into the season at this point. If you feel like working 8 hours in 90 degree heat several days in a row would be beyond your capacity, then this apprenticeship is not the right position for you.
The apprentice will learn about and assist with the following:
– Harvesting and processing cut flowers, including proper stage of harvest and cutting efficiently
– Managing weeds
– Clearing planting beds and preparing them for winter cover cropping
– Planting bulbs and corms, including tulips, ranunculus, and anemones
– Sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings for spring blooms
– Building low tunnels for protecting tender crops over the winter
– Spreading mulch and compost
– Cleaning tools, buckets, etc
– Creating basic wedding design components such as bud vases, boutonnieres, and small centerpieces
– Setting up weddings at various venues in the Philadelphia region
– Cleaning up after weddings, including cleaning inventory pieces and restocking shelves
The Love ‘n Fresh farm is located in the Roxborough neighborhood (zip 19128) of Philadelphia. Must be able to work 3 days a week, Monday-Thursday and work Saturdays (for weddings) as required. Must be willing to work in all types of weather. Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly in one day if necessary.
The ideal candidate must have previous farming experience and a level of comfort with making simple floral arrangements. Additional training for floral design will be provided with this position. However, please understand this apprenticeship is much more of a farming role than a designing role. If you are not comfortable with getting dirty, sweaty, and bug-bitten, this is not the right fit for you!
The apprenticeship begins August 27th and continues until a week after the first hard frost, likely late October.
Compensation is $10/hour plus boundless, invaluable knowledge for your future farming endeavors.
For the right candidate, housing may be provided in a home next to the farm. Must be willing to look after the resident cat during your stay.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to info@lovenfreshflowers.com. No phone calls please.
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