
Fiona Hamersley Chambers
Host Farm Info
At Metchosin Farm we promote food security by stewarding heirloom varieties and creating new ones, too. We are very proud of our recent introductions such as 'Strawberry Cherry' and 'Metchosin Teardrop' tomatoes and new potatoes such as "Orozco' and 'My-chosen Purple'. There is no food security without seed security! Through hosting interns and providing farm-based experiential workshops for individuals and school groups, our vision is to help reclaim and teach the skill sets required to grow and save seeds.
An intern position entails, and is not limited to: stewarding our seed crops (including coordinating harvesting, storage and processing), cultivating plant starts and propagating perennials. Using certified organic methods and working collaboratively with our farm team, the Intern will learn particularly about the specifics of seed production (cross-pollinating and maintaining soil health, seed-specific pests and diseases, etc. This includes experience and training regarding the administrative side of running a successful seed farm including maintaining good records and basic bookkeeping.
During the shoulder season of Jan/Feb, Nov/Dec, if an Intern is present they will also help with key administrative tasks such as seed data entry and packaging/restocking, organic certification, nursery and farm stand retail, seed order processing and record keeping.
Our intern will also work closely with our experienced community volunteers (2-3 individuals, 1-2 days per week) and be comfortable interacting with our customers and the public.
During the shoulder season of Jan/Feb, Nov/Dec, the Intern will also help with key administrative tasks such as seed data entry and packaging/restocking, organic certification, nursery and farm stand retail, seed order processing and record keeping.
Please note that at Metchosin Farm there is:
-no hard drug use or tobacco smoking (tobacco mosaic virus!)
-no smoking of any kind (fire hazard, kids, etc.), at any time
-familiar with, and commitment to, organic growing methods and record-keeping
-knowledgeable about soil fertility including composting and amendments
-skilled at seeding and transplanting
-careful with tools and able to maintain them and do basic repairs (hand tools, rototiller, fencing, etc.)
-seed-growing passion and and/or experience
-good organizational and time management practices
-capable of keeping good records (planting charts, seed crop record sheets, expenses, etc)
-experience with irrigation systems
-experience in teaching/education, or other leadership activitiesWe enjoy hosting an intern who:
-has some existing knowledge and skills growing plants
-is committed to farming as their profession
-works well both in a team and independently
-has a positive, 'can-do' attitude
-is a good communicator
-has a steady work ethic
Our ideal intern candidate is:
-curious and kind with a true passion for growing plants and seeds
-committed to farming as their primary income and lifestyle
-a good communicator who likes people
-willing and enthusiastic about learning
-emotionally intelligent with a healthy ego
-entrepreneurial in their thinking and/or have previously run their own business
-able to work confidently both alone and with others
-respectful with a mature attitude
- as fun to be and work with as we are!