Have you ever wanted to work on an organic farm? Apple Pond Farm has had over 250 farm apprentices since the first apprentice was hired in the early 1970s. The farm apprentice learns to take care of the animals who call Apple Pond Farm home. Farm apprentices are involved in milking goats, feeding, giving vaccinations, birthing, and everything else that is required to care for the sheep, goats, chickens, and horses. Farm apprentices are also an essential part of caring for the organic garden, which includes a hoophouse, a cold frame, and a number of beds. The nature of farming requires determination and a strong body. Prospective farm apprentices do not need to have a background in farming, but must be interested in learning about organic farming, small ruminant care, and hard work. Interested in more detail about the farm apprentice position? Call or e-mail us for more details! Farm apprentice positions are for at least three months. If you want to come for a shorter period, why not try WWOOFing?

SUSTAINABILITY APPRENTICE

Interested in working to create positive change at the local level by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy? As a Sustainability Apprentice, you will have the unique opportunity to live on an organic farm while developing a wide array of skills dealing with sustainability, non-profit organization/management, consulting, and even local politics. Working from the Apple Pond Farm office of the non-profit Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development (SASD), the Sustainability Apprentice will become involved with many fascinating projects including consulting and troubleshooting for local farmers and homeowners about energy efficiency and renewable energy, wind mapping, public education, and research. In addition to work with SASD at the farm, the Sustainability Apprentice also works at the Sullivan County Government Center 2-3 days a week where SASD is a consultant. There you will help the county reduce its energy use and carbon footprint, engage in the local political process, promote free/reduced cost energy audits throughout the county, and work building support at the town and county level for sustainability initiatives such as Sustainable Sullivan or the Sullivan County Climate Action Plan to be implemented in the near future.

The successful apprentice will be a motivated worker interested in helping drive local change and have good writing and computer skills to help prepare educational materials and presentations as well as manage the SASD newsletter, email, website, and Facebook page. And remember, here the sky is the limit so bring your interests and talents and get ready to grow and try new things (like helping run a radio show at our local station, taking classes to become a BPI certified home energy auditor, or learning to drive a tractor or horses). The sustainability apprentice position is for nine months or more.

WWOOF

We welcome WWOOFers! WWOOFers from all over the world have spent time on Apple Pond Farm- from California to Austria, Buffalo to France, people come to Apple Pond Farm to experience life on an organic farm in the Catskills. If you're interested in working at Apple Pond Farm, but can't dedicate several months to the endeavor, WWOOFing might be what you're looking for. Check out www.wwoof.org for more information.