Urban Digs Farm

There's always lots of work to do on the farm and sometimes it can get overwhelming. So its nice to know that there are friendly, helpful folks out there who are willing to pitch in and lend a hand! If hard work and tasty food sounds like your idea of a good time, we invite you to join us! 

Some of the projects you could get involved with this season are:

• preparing new land for cultivation
• building infrastructure for pastured livestock
• planting out seedlings
• invasive species management (fancy words for weeding & killing slugs)
• harvesting
• community events

Volunteers with Urban Digs and our sister farm, Yummy Yards, work with farm staff to produce food in a mindful and caring environment using organic methods. Volunteers are valuable members of the farm team and will work alongside farm managers, senior interns and interns to develop an urban farm that demonstrates and inspires others by contributing to a safe and secure food system. There are two levels to our volunteer program:

• Regular Volunteer: This position is for someone who wants to make a regular weekly commitment of at least 4 hours. Regular volunteers receive a free t-shirt and are invited to join us at our weekly "farm family dinners." 
• Casual Volunteer: If a less structured experience is what you're after, become one of our casual volunteers. You'll receive a free t-shirt after you have completed three sessions and are welcome at the next "farm family dinner" after your session.

Our urban farms aspire to be inclusive and engaged in all industries of our community, and so we encourage anyone who has a curiosity in local food production to join us- no matter experience, background or age. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Assist with maintenance of urban agriculture sites including preparation, starting, maintaining, harvesting and animal husbandry
  
• Arrive prepared for a eight hour shift (including bringing snacks, lunch) 
• Dress appropriately for work (t-shirts, protective clothing, sunscreen and footwear)
• Treat others with professionalism and respect
• Bring concerns and suggestions to the attention of the farm team
• Arrive on time and complete weekly commitment 
• Notify farm manager or designate if unable to report for work 
• Report all serious incidents to the farm manager or designate
• Negotiate shift schedule on acceptance as a volunteer
• Be conscientious and pro-active in daily learning opportunities 
• Be courteous and respectful of property owners 
• Attend orientation and training sessions
• Have fun!!!!!!    
  

Time Commitment:
One, eight-hour shift per week (Monday through Friday). Evening volunteers work one four-hour shift per week    

Qualifications:

• Interest in sustainable agriculture and neighborhood food security
  
• Reliable, punctual, energetic, enthusiastic and positive
  
• Safety conscious and aware of risks and safety procedures when using machinery, doing heavy lifting, etc.
• Courteous and professional
  
• Ability to take direction and complete tasks
  
• Basic knowledge of tool use, First Aid and Food Safe certificates are an asset
  

Benefits:

• Opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain workplace experience in an environmentally, socially sustainable community 
  
• Opportunity to work as part of a team
• Orientation and training sessions and ongoing support
• Volunteer T-shirt 
• Opportunity to attend urban farming workshops offered by the farm 
• Ongoing feedback and letter of reference upon completion
• Access to farm family dinners (Wednesday or Thursday evenings) on week of shift    
  

Reports to:
Interns and Farm Manager

Apply to be a Regular Farm Volunteer

Apply to be a Casual Farm Volunteer