There are three different work/learning opportunities available at Synergy Farm.

We offer internships year-round for a minimum of two months (though we encourage longer stays), with opportunities for a broad learning experience in all aspects of our diversified four-season farm. Separate, comfortable accommodations are provided, along with a small stipend and a food allowance supplemented by produce from our farm as available.

Interns/apprentices can learn all facets of organic, biointensive farming. Early on in the year, the focus is on assessing soil health, adding organic amendments, composting and preparing the garden beds for planting by double digging. As the season progresses, the apprentice can learn how to plant flats, "prick out" seedlings to larger flats and then transplant young plants into the garden. Then comes regular plant caretaking (watering, weeding, side-dressing, foliar feeding) and organic pest management.

Apprentices can also become involved in harvesting, post-harvest preparation of produce, and distribution to our customers at the farm store and the farmers market. Depending on the level of interest, it may also be possible for apprentices to learn about crop planning and scheduling, succession planting, season extension/greenhouse work, crop rotation, cover cropping and other farm management processes.

Apprentices who are interested may also have the opportunity to work with our laying hens and participate in our egg washing and packaging operation. During the summer months, apprentices can also become involved in our unique system for raising pastured broiler poultry, as well as chicken processing and packaging in our state licensed, on-site facility. Seasonal work in our orchard and berry patch are also possible, along with haying and sheep husbandry in alternate years.

Although a sustainable, diversified small organic market farm involves many different tasks and requires many different skills, we tailor our internship experiences to each individual's length of stay and level of interest.

We also offer a more advanced internship for individuals (or couples) who have at least one season of prior farm experience and are prepared to stay for at least six months.

In addition to training in our innovative bio-intensive method, interns will be involved in all aspects of our farming operation, including egg production, pastured poultry and poultry processing, seasonal berries and tree fruits and rotational sheep husbandry (in alternate years), as well as planning, scheduling and marketing. We offer comfortable living quarters along with all utilities, laundry facilities, internet service, and a stipend and food allowance supplemented by food from our farm.

For a person (or a couple) with at least two seasons of small farm experience and a demonstrated commitment to organic farming, we are offering an opportunity to learn and practice the full range of skills required for owning or managing a diversified small market farm. Hands-on training will be provided in all aspects of our innovative biointensive operation, as well as in planning, scheduling, marketing, personnel, finance and administration. Private living quarters are provided in our charming, fully furnished water tower "guest house" apartment, along with all utilities, laundry facilities, internet service, a stipend and a food allowance supplemented by food from our farm. A one-year minimum stay is essential.

1. Genuine interest in small scale biointensive farming

2. Hard-working, motivated, focused, conscientious

3. Positive attitude and a cooperative work ethic

4. The ability to work long hours and to perform physical, outdoor jobs in all weather conditions

Send a resume (or a detailed description of previous experience) and the names and phone numbers for three references to Peter and Susan Corning, Synergy Farm, 3501 Beaverton Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, or send the information in an e-mail to synergyfarm@gmail.com