2021 Lavender Farm Spring Apprenticeship
Red Oak Lavender Farm is looking for two energetic and detailed individuals to fill our Spring Apprenticeship at our lavender farm during the busy spring and summer seasons. The apprenticeship is a great opportunity for an individual passionate about getting involved in urban farming, regenerative farming, and/or flower farming, especially with planting and maintaining lavender in Georgia. This opportunity is not however for the mild work minded person. The work days will be long and tiring. It's often hot, even in the Spring months of April, May, and June. A certain level of existing fitness and toughness is necessary to jump into the season. If you feel like working 4-6 hours a day in 80-90 degree heat several days in a row would be beyond your capacity, then this apprenticeship is not the right fit for you. If you're not comfortable with getting really dirty, sweaty, and bug-bitten, also not right fit for you.
The apprentice will learn and assist in the following:
-Planting lavender, including adding the correct amendments to rows and provide correct drainage.
-Set up irrigation
- Greenhouse management, including transferring lavender propagation into larger pots, create correct potting soil mix
- Laying weed cloth and pinning down, setting holes
- Weeding
-Cleaning tools, buckets, etc
- Mowing with riding and push mower, weed eating to maintain farm aisles
- Setting up pond to be self sustaining ecosystem
- Planting and maintaining Dahlias and wildflowers
It may also include
- Assisting in u-pick
- Setting up for classes
- Assist in farm tours
- Harvesting: in May and June
-Drying Lavender
-Distilling Lavender for oil and hydrosol production
Red Oak Lavender Farm is located in Dahlonega, GA (zip 30533). Our farm is currently just over 2 acres, but expanding new ground (3 acres) to cover a total of 5 acres farm this winter, in intensive production. This apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to learn all about growing lavender, a Mediterranean plant, in Georgia, as well as Dahlias, herbs, vegetables, and loofahs.
Applicant must be able to work 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and possibly some Saturdays in June. Must be willing to work in all types of weather. Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly in one day if necessary. Access to reliable transportation is desirable, since we do not have time on the farm to drive and pick up anyone.
This is non-paying, since it is an apprenticeship. You are learning valuable knowledge that is highly valuable and may benefit you in your own farming. Not everyone can grow lavender in Georgia's climate and soil conditions. What you will learn in hands on training and work is highly sought after opportunity.
The apprenticeship begins March 15th and continues until the end of June and possible till the second week in July.
To apply, please sent a cover letter and resume to redoaklavender@gmail.com and include "Apprenticeship" in the subject . No phone calls, please.
Indigenous, black, and people of all colors are warmly encouraged to apply!
