Registered Apprenticeship – Regenerative Farm Manager

Job Overview

Service Site: Mountain Roots Food Project & Gunnison Gardens, Gunnison, CO
Address: Gunnison, CO

Season 1 Term 1/March 10th, 2025 to April 20th, 2025

Season 1 Term 2/April 21st, 2025 – Dec 14th, 2025

Brief Program Description
The Mountain Roots Next Gen | ReGen Beginning Farmer Training Program is a Registered Apprenticeship in the
State of Colorado and is offered in partnership with Gunnison Gardens, a working regenerative farm and training
ground for future farmers. This comprehensive, hands-on program prepares aspiring farmers to master Regenerative
Farming and/or Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).

The goal of this program is simple: to train and inspire a new generation of farmers who are equipped to address the
urgent challenges of sustainable food production, food access, and climate change resilience.

The program is designed for individuals passionate about sustainable agriculture and community food security who
want to manage a farm operation or start their own farm business. Apprentices receive direct mentorship and a
combination of immersive field work and classroom instruction to build mastery of 12 essential areas of
regenerative farming. The apprenticeship is a component of the Mountain Roots Healthy Futures AmeriCorps
Program, which builds community food security and trains people for future careers by creating synergies among
education initiatives, nutrition and food access programs, public health and human services, and
agricultural/conservation programs in the central Rocky Mountains and southwestern Colorado.

This apprenticeship provides pathways to careers in sustainable agriculture and offers a wage progression schedule,
living stipend, and educational benefits.
DEI Focus: We are committed to recruiting and training individuals from underrepresented groups in agriculture,
ensuring that 75% of apprenticeship participants come from underserved communities.

Brief Position Description
In this 22-month Registered Apprenticeship, you’ll build skills to master the basics of small-scale regenerative
production farming in Colorado’s challenging high-altitude environment. Growing spaces include Gunnison
Gardens (a 4-acre diversified farm), a community farm, community gardens, and four hydroponic container farms at
Mountain Roots. We offer four total apprenticeship spots, accepting two new apprentices each year. This staggered
approach ensures that new apprentices can learn from those with more experience and creates a dynamic and
supportive learning environment.

The apprenticeship spans two full growing seasons, allowing participants to deepen their understanding and skills in
regenerative farming through hands-on experience, observation, and increasing responsibilities.

• Season 1: Foundational Learning & Hands-On Practice
In the first season, apprentices focus on building core competencies in regenerative farming techniques. They’ll
learn about soil health, crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, water management, and pest control,
serving under the close mentorship of experienced farmers. The emphasis is on gaining practical, hands-on
experience in the field, while also beginning to understand the broader concepts behind regenerative
agriculture.

• Season 2: Skill Development & Leadership
During the second season, apprentices take on more leadership roles, managing specific aspects of the farm
and making independent decisions under guidance. They will refine the skills learned in the first year, with
additional responsibilities in planning, managing crop production, troubleshooting challenges, and engaging
with the community. This season helps them transition from learners to leaders, ready to apply their expertise
in future agricultural endeavors.

Service Description
Apprentices participate in every aspect of farm management, from seed to harvest, including
soil health, resource conservation, crop production, season extension, post-harvest handling, marketing, sales, and
distribution, farm maintenance and machinery, and irrigation and solar systems. In addition to farming skills,
apprentices will develop expertise in agriculture business management, food politics and policy, funding and
technical resources, community engagement and education, leadership, self-care, and professional development.

Positions are part of an immersive 22-month commitment and require extensive time outdoors, exposure to natural
elements, and physical labor affiliated with farming. Some previous agricultural experience required.

We believe farming is a service because it nourishes communities, supports local economies, and stewards the land.
By growing healthy, sustainable food, farmers provide an essential resource while caring for the environment and
future generations. Farming not only feeds people, but also strengthens connections between food, the earth, and
community, making it a vital service for the health and resilience of our communities. We offer farmer training as a
paid service opportunity because the world needs more farmers, and to remove existing barriers that have
systemically prevented underrepresented audiences from pursuing farming as a career.

Key Responsibilities:
• Participate in all stages of farm operations including crop planning, soil prep, planting, cultivating,
harvesting, washing / packing, aggregating, marketing, and distributing crops.
• Learn and implement regenerative farming practices such as no-till farming, composting, crop rotation,
succession planting, integrated pest management, and water conservation techniques.
• Assist with maintenance and operation of solar and irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and water
management strategies.
• Develop marketing, sales, and business management skills necessary to run a profitable farm enterprise.
Explore funding and technical resources.
• Maintain farm records and participate in the evaluation of farming systems and crop performance. Track
budget, seeding, harvest/yield, integrated pest management, soil and water logs, to strategically plan
growing season and markets.
• Operate and maintain small equipment, walking tractor, driving tractor, and tools. Learn and perform light
building and mechanics.
• Engage in CSA and farmer’s markets (retail) and wholesale sales to learn business models associated with
the small-scale regenerative agricultural industry.
• Contribute to community food security, outreach, and education by participating in food relief, cooking
education, and farm-to-school programs. Participates in community food security initiatives. Develops a
broader understanding of the farm’s role in the broader food security landscape.
• Collaborate with farm mentors, volunteers, and community partners to enhance food security and improve
the resilience of the local food system.

• Gain exposure to Controlled Environment Agriculture (hydroponic farming) using innovative vertical
farming methods.
• Take on a leadership role in a specific area of farm management, such as soil health, irrigation systems,
marketing, or volunteer coordination.
• Assist in ongoing improvements to farm infrastructure, such as fencing, signage, tools, and irrigation
equipment.
• Complete required training modules, workshops, and assessments throughout the apprenticeship program.
• Engage in leadership skills training and workshops specifically to regenerative and sustainable agricultural
practices.
• Learn self-care and mental health strategies to support the long-term success in the agricultural industry.
• Build professional networks and expand industry knowledge through participation in regional agricultural
conferences.
Qualifications:
• Passion for sustainable agriculture, food systems, and community health.
• Strong interest in hands-on learning and a commitment to completing the 22-month apprenticeship.
• Desire to learn about regenerative agriculture, Controlled Environment Agriculture, and climate-smart
farming techniques.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with a willingness to collaborate and engage in a diverse
community.
• Commitment to inclusivity and desire to work with underserved populations, including women, veterans,
BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities.
• Prior farming or gardening experience is required. Exceptions may be made, upon request of
apprenticeship applicant and approval by the training team.
• Must meet all of the qualifications to be eligible for service with AmeriCorps.
• Car recommended – truck or farm-capable vehicle is ideal but not required

Healthy Futures AmeriCorps Member Benefits
Season 1 Term 1 Season 1 Term 2
(Dependent upon funding)
Living Allowance: $5,168 Living Allowance: $21,964 Living Allowance: $33,212
Education Award: $1,565.06 Education Award: $5,176.50 Education Award: 2025 full
tim award is $7,395 (will see
an increase in 2026)

• Participants will receive a living stipend that is equivalent to wages starting at $17/hr.
• Housing support of $100/month with option to live in staff housing as available
• Education Award – AmeriCorps Member(s) can receive an Education Award upon successful completion of
service. This can be used to pay back student loans, or to further your education.
• Eligible AmeriCorps Members may receive healthcare benefits and child care assistance.
• All Members receive professional development and training, plus covered travel costs for attendance at
state or regional conferences.
• Members may be eligible for Federal program assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
• Members may qualify for student loan forbearance (postponing the payment of loans) while in service.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service
and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.
• Certifications: OSHA Workplace Safety, CPR/First Aid, Safe Food Handler, FSMA (Food Safety
Modernization Act) / GAP (Good Agriculture Practices), and Cottage Foods

• Mentorship: Apprentices will receive ongoing mentorship from experienced regenerative and hydroponic
farmers.
• Skills Development: Gain practical experience in sustainable farming practices, regenerative agriculture,
hydroponic farming, and climate resiliency.
• Career Pathways: Graduates of the program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to
pursue careers in farming, agricultural management, or food system leadership.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now on our website at mountainrootsfoodproject.org. If you have any questions,
feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].