Farm & Garden Apprenticeship

Overview

The Esalen Farm and Garden department is looking for people who want to experience the Esalen communal life while working in a thriving sustainable agriculture and non-profit organization. Applicants for the Farm and Garden Apprenticeship are to be open and flexible, energetic, comfortable in groups of people, and able to manage a broad diversity of challenges at once. A good sense of humor, positive and enthusiastic attitude, and willingness to learn are essential attributes of prospective apprentices.

UPDATE: Sessions One and Two are now closed. Session Three (October 2010 - January 2011) apprentice positions are now open.

Terms of the Apprenticeship

In exchange for 32 hours of work per week, and 8 hours of educational time, Esalen provides shared and private accommodations for all apprentice positions. Use of the baths—including showers and hot springs as well as the rest of the site—is included. No pets are permitted. Three-month apprentices are responsible for paying $750 for their apprenticeship, which can be paid in lump sum or in monthly payments of $250. Six-month apprentices are responsible for paying $1,500 for their apprenticeship, which can also be paid in lump sum or in monthly payments of $250. These costs are required to cover educational aspects of this dynamic and unique opportunity. We pay for all utilities and your food costs. The entire community and those attending workshops share all meals in our main lodge, which serves healthy and, when possible, local and organic, meals three times a day.

In your free time, you can take advantage of the facilities and opportunities that exist at Esalen in our residential educational program and workshops that don’t conflict with the apprenticeship schedule and as space permits. Apprentices are also eligible for scholarships, discounts and specific privileges that exist for this type of residency at Esalen.

Positions Available

Esalen offers three apprenticeship sessions in our 30-year old biointensive organic farm and garden in 2010: two 3-month position from January 17th to April 11th; four 6-month position from April 11th to October 24th; and two 3-month positions from October 24th to January 16th, 2011. Apprentices work a schedule of 6-8 hours a day 5 days a week, with flexibility. Every day starts with a harvest at 7 am and many conclude before lunch at 1:15 pm. Afternoon educational sessions, group process sessions and special projects constitute for other time outside of this basic schedule. In addition, all 6-month apprentices will participate in a two-month, 90-hour Permaculture Design Certification Course from April 11th till June 6th that is offered through the work scholar program.

Prior gardening experience is desirable, but not necessary. However, a strong drive to learn and a keen interest in hands-on gardening are essential. We are looking for motivated, self-starting people who can be comfortable and capable while working alone. Farm and Garden apprentices are involved in all aspects of farming and gardening, including propagation and greenhouse work, watering, bed preparation, composting, transplanting, sowing, weeding, harvesting, seed saving and processing, and market preparation and sales. Physical stamina is a must. We work outside rain, fog or shine!

To be considered for the apprenticeship program, you are strongly encouraged to attend at least one garden volunteer day at Esalen to get a feel for a typical day within the department. To be a garden volunteer you need to schedule this in advance using the contact information below. A volunteer day can be scheduled Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and include lunch at 12:30 pm. You need not stay all day.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to the Farm and Garden supervisor in an easily accessed format. Please clearly state which apprentice session you are applying for in both your cover letter. Also in the cover letter, tell us about yourself, your interests and experience, and what you hope to get out of your time at Esalen that are specific to the Farm and Garden department. If you have been here before, tell us about your experience. Please include at least two work references and one personal reference with day and evening phone numbers. The apprenticeships are open until filled. If you would like more general information about Esalen before submitting an application, feel free to call our main office and they will be happy to answer any questions. Please contact the farm and garden department for questions that are specific to these positions.

Applications, resumes and cover letters must be submitted to:

Please indicate clearly which position(s) you are applying for in the subject line of your correspondence. All applications must be received no later than two months prior to the start date of the desired apprenticeship.

Deadlines for Applications:

• Session One (January 17th - April 11th, 2010): Closed
• Session Two (April 11th - Oct 24th, 2010): Closed
• Session Three (Oct 24th, 2010 - Jan 16th, 2011): August 24th, 2010

After initial selection of potential candidates, we require a 2-3 day working on-site interview. This interview must be completed no later than six weeks before the start of the apprenticeship that is sought. Phone interviews permitted on a case-by-case basis for those individuals unable to attend a working on-site interview due to access or geographic distance.