Namchak Permaculture

Currently Hiring

No, not at this time. Please check back next season!

Number of Workers Sought

3

Type of Farm

Small Animal (pigs, rabbits, poultry), Vegetable, Fruit/Orchard

Marketing Strategy

Other

Paid

Yes

Pay Rate

$20 Per Hr

Describe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests

Namchak Permaculture is primarily focused on a 13 acre food forest / agroforestry operation, within an 8,000 acre ranch. We are in the process of developing more food bearing areas throughout the ranch with native trees and shrubs that produce various food sources and provide better habitat for wildlife. The primary Permaculture site is based around a heirloom orchard put in place by early homesteaders in the area, the focus on permaculture principles and practice is in its 3rd year of development in the orchard.

The primary function of this operation is to provide food for our on site guests coming for retreat and study within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Likewise, Namchak focuses efforts into improving the ecosystems of our property with various holistic methodology.

Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live

The Namchak Retreat Ranch sits within a rather unique ecosystem. We are primarily a steppe dry grassland surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Ponderosa on the mountain peaks. Another unique aspect of our biome is the presence of many wetlands throughout the dry land prairies caused by the various freshwater springs present on the ranch, creating an odd combination of the three. We are a remote project 15 miles minimum from nearby towns.

Describe the work to be performed by applicant

- Assist in all aspects of the permaculture program
- General weeding and weed control monitoring
- Assist in animal husbandry program (rotation of chicken tractor, temporarily fencing turkeys into specific areas)
- Install no-till vegetable beds
- Perform pest management tasks
- Compost tea fertilized prep and application
- General mucking out of animal stalls
- Compost collection
- Fence maintenance
- Watering new plantings
- Assisting in installation of permaculture designs
- Pruning
- Mulching
- Harvesting
- Seed collection
- Assist in landscape implementation as new buildings are constructed
- General manual labor associated with projects

What do you expect of a worker?

8 hour days / Mon-Friday

General Qualifications:
Previous permaculture experience or a willingness to train in permaculture principles/practices
History of being able to work well on a team
Able to lift 50 - 100 lbs.
High school diploma or equivalent
Efficient organizational skills
Excellent teamwork skill

Qualifications (Preferred):
Heavy machinery operation (skid steers, excavators, tractors)
Prior experience with organic farming
Knowledge of correct pruning methods
Knowledge of Montana’s invasive weeds
Landscaping experience

Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker

Workers will get hands on experience in:
- Permaculture principles and practice
- Insect / pest mitigation
- Maintenance and installation of irrigation systems
- General Landscaping practices
- Forging methods and identification
- Outdoor mushroom cultivation

Are you a full-time farmer?

Yes

Do you require a trial period or require a prospective worker to visit your farm before hiring?

Yes

Explain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area

What are the dates of your position?

April 1st - October 31st

Are you open to shorter periods of employment or do you prefer that workers stay the full season?

Shorter periods of employment possible, Prefer full season

Marketing Strategy (Other)

On-Site Use

Trial Period Description

2 interviews minimum before offering a potential job.