Greta’s Organic Gardens
Greta’s Organic Gardens
We are mainly a certified organic seed producing farm, all kinds of seeds, vegetables, herbs and flowers. We also produce free-range chickens, turkeys ( for thanksgiving and Christmas) and eggs. May and June is plant selling time tomatoes, pepper and herbs. Also aquatic plants and fish ( Koi and Goldfish) we have several ponds on the property, 2 greenhouses and 4 acres of seed production to take care off. We are in Ottawa city close to the Airport, with city bus close by, the river across the street, we are in the country but only 20 minutes (by car) from Parliament Hill.
Employment dates: Internship dates are flexible, but are preferred between May 1st (or earlier) and October 31st. There are opportunities for extended or shortened internships as well.
Position description:
Participation will be expected in all aspects of seed and vegetable production. While working hours and jobs vary throughout the season sometimes we need to be focused on one job for an entire day.
- Learn greenhouse work, bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, mulching, cultivation, harvesting, weeding, seed saving.
- Learn the basic issues and challenges facing sustainable and organic agriculture
- Learn various methods and strategies for growing vegetables organically
- Learn to use many different farming tools
- Visit other farms
Other responsibilities may include additional work that maintains the general upkeep of the farm. Create new garden beds.
Compensation: Basic but comfortable room (trailer) is provided in addition to a modest stipend. Interns are expected to responsibly take part in household and farm activities. There is no sick pay available. Interns are expected to work on the holidays that occur between April and October. Teaching will be on-going; however, learning will be done mostly hands on.
Hours: Interns are expected to work an average of 45 – 55 hours/week or 5 – 6 days/week.
Position qualification:
Applicants should…
- be reliable, responsible
- take joy in hard work, able to do physical work for an extended period
- be able to work cooperatively with others
- be willing and able to work outside in all types of weather, hot summer
- be able to work under pressure
- be receptive to feedback and adjustments for work progress
- be interested in learning about organic seed and vegetable production.
- be able to deal with the public
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and energetic person who is interested in learning from our experiences. A sense of humor and being able to have fun along with hard work will be an asset.
Greta Kryger
Greta’s Organic Gardens
399 River road, Ottawa
ON K1V 1C9
Tel: 613-521-8648
Fax: 613-521-5792
Application Form
(please copy and paste the following and email or mail to the address above)
First and last Name: __________________________ Age _____ Gender ______
Address___________________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________ Email _________________________________
How did you learn about Greta’s Organic Gardens and the internship programs ?
Are you available for the full duration of the internship program? If not then what dates are you available for? late start date, early end, etc.)
Have you applied to other CRAFT Ontario farm internship programs?
Section A: Your Skills and Interests
- your background, where do you come from, how much practical work experience do you have, have you worked on a farm before, where, how long, doing what ?
-your goals in taking a farm internship ? What do you want to learn – be specific, what are your plans for the future ?
- how much do you know about seed production? Do you have particular skills or knowledge that you can contribute to our program ? Any relevant training you may have:
What is your academic background?
Do you hold any active non-academic certificates or papers (for example: first aid, life guard, scuba diving, coaching levels, etc)?
- Tell us more about you, what you like, your hobbies, thoughts, beliefs, aspirations ?
Describe your ideal work day. How will you overcome the challenges of non-ideal work conditions?
Section B: Living on the Farm
1. What is your preferred type of accommodation/living arrangements?
2. Vehicles:
a. Do you have a driver’s license?
b. Do you have transportation?
3. The farm has livestock animals. Would you like to participate in optional animal-related activities? Please note any specific interests or restrictions.
4. Which of the following best describes your primary reason for wanting to learn more about organic farming? Mark one or two answers only.
a. To grow my own food.
b. To grow healthy food to sell.
c. As a relaxing and fulfilling hobby.
d. To create beautiful gardens or landscapes.
e. To produce medicinal herbs.
f. Interest in some specific crop.
g. Other……………………………
Explain why you made the choices you did.
5. How would you define sustainable agriculture?
6. Farm work is traditionally hard physical work in hot sun or freezing cold with long hours, little pay, and no benefits. Why do you want to involve yourself in this kind of lifestyle, and what experiences or attributes make you feel ready to take on this commitment?
References
Please list below the names of three references along with their contact information (mailing address, phone number, and email address). References must be from people such as employers, instructors, associates and others in a position to comment on your work style and character. References from family members and from people whose sole relationship with you is as a ‘friend’ are not accepted.
