"Farmer Training Program (Old Fort)"

Job Details

Position Summary:

The Farmer Training Program focuses on three areas: running a productive farm, providing an educational experience for Farmers-in-training (FITs), and providing a space for reconciliation and healing. As the core participants in our programs, FITs gain hands-on experience growing vegetables at high elevation. Through morning field work and afternoon classes and field trips, the FIT program provides a strong foundation for aspiring and beginning farmers. FITs work with program staff to tend about two acres of vegetables, learning new and traditional skills and techniques vital to farming at high elevation. FITs join the Old Fort staff and program partners in a network committing to supporting beginning farmers through incubator and land access opportunities, business planning, and community support. The program runs from May 12 to October 1st. FIT-AmeriCorps positions will run from May 1 through November 15th and include both the FIT program and additional service related to Food Security. These positions are approximately 40 hour per week commitment requiring 900 total service hours. Please indicate in the questionnaire which type of FIT position you are applying for.

Job Description:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
FITs are expected to follow the schedule and attendance policy and show up for field work and classes.

Program graduates will have completed:

• Six farming courses required; One additional one available
• Up to 240 hours of work in the fields
• At least eight field trips to regional farms

Program Schedule:

Work and class schedules require a 24-hour/week commitment. In addition to the two breaks, FITs are allowed three excused absences from the field work and two excused absences from the classes.

Orientation – May 12, 13, 14 (required)

Session 1: May 19– June 25

Break – June 26 – July 6

Session 2: July 7 – August 13

Farmer Training Convergence – August 28- 29 (required)

Break – August 14 – August 24

Session 3: August 25 – October 1

Current FLC students or those interested in taking the FIT courses for credit and obtaining the FIT Certificate must register for ENV 140, ENV 141, ENV 142, ENV 143, and ENV 340 (optional: ENV 144 and ENV 240). Scholarships are available and will be a later part of the process of being admitted to the program.

FITs are responsible for course fees of $2,940(students) or $2,400 (non-students); full and partial scholarships are available and will be a later part of the process of being admitted to the program.

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Interest in farming and food systems
• Interest in gaining experience working collaboratively as part of a team
• Interest in using Slack messages for farm communication

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility:

Reports to the Farmer Training Program Coordinator and Production Coordinator.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is primarily conducted outside in all weather
• Work may occur in heat, cold, snow, rain, wind, and other extreme weather conditions.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to perform fine motor functions such as weeding, harvesting, packing, gripping, typing, texting, and operating tools.
• The employee is required to lift at least 40 pounds.
• On a daily basis, the market lead must perform actions such as lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.

Travel:

Less than 5% is expected for this position.

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Exempt from State Classified System
• AmeriCorps Volunteers will work approximately 40 hours per week from May 1 through November 15th
• Non- AmeriCorps FITS will work up to 14 hours of work/week per the schedule above
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Compensation

AmeriCorps FITs will receive $2,769/month stipend for approximately 40 hours per week work plus an education award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of term of service (900 hours)

Non-Americorp FITS will receive up to $238 per work week stipend for up to 14 hours/week plus fringe benefits, which include worker’s comp and retirement.

Separately from the hourly rate, FITs may be eligible for living stipends to support their participation in the program (up to $500/month). This will be addressed later in the process of being admitted to the program.

A complete application packet includes:

• Complete application questions
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Apply by February 2, 2026, for a decision by February 16, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to submit original, official college transcripts, and pass a background check.