APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Position: Herbal Fellowship & Practicum
Organization: Ravensong Seeds & Herbals
Location: Black Creek, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC. Accommodation provided (see below)
Type: Herbal Apprenticeship Program with stipend, from March 1 - Oct 31

We are offering a season-long, live-on-site fellowship & practicum opportunity to one individual for the 2021 season. This is a rare opportunity to fully immerse yourself in all aspects of herb growing and herbal studies, under the guidance of two experienced herbalists and herb-growers. This opportunity includes attendance in the Ravensong Herbal Apprenticeship Program, on-site accommodation, herbs & veggies from the garden, and a monthly stipend.

Dates: March 1st – Oct 31 2021 (minimum commitment ~ longer term preferred)

ABOUT RAVENSONG

Ravensong Seeds & Herbals is a small farm and home business producing herb seeds for organic growing, as well as herbal products such as tinctures, salves, and hydrosols. All seeds, as well herbs for the products, are grown on the farm with a focus on regenerative practices. Ravensong was founded by Jessy Delleman in 2010, and has been co-managed by Harmony Pillon since 2014.

In addition to growing seeds and herbs, and preparing herbal medicines for the business, Jessy and Harmony also co-facilitate an 8 month long Herbal Apprenticeship Program. The formal study program focuses on the hands-on aspects of herbalism: plant identification, wildcrafting, herb growing and harvesting, medicine making. It provides students with a grounding in herbal theory: vitalism, herbal actions, energetics.

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Black Creek is a small community located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island BC. The Ravensong property is located roughly 30 minutes from two larger communities (Campbell River and Courtenay) for access to shopping and provisions, though we do have our own grocery store and post office. We are only a three minute drive to the Oyster River and its glorious swimming holes, and we are located 15 minutes from the ocean and breathtaking hikes and beaches such as Miracle Beach Provincial Park.

The property itself is a quickly growing two acre herb garden, and home to Jessy and Harmony, seasonal woofers, as well as two beautiful canine companions. After farming on various plots of leased land for 13 years near Victoria, Jessy purchased the Black Creek property in the fall of 2019. The land will be in its second season of development, full of promise and inspiring much creative vision.

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is a rare opportunity to study and work on a small medicinal herb farm, and potentially gain long-term employment with our thriving herbal product and seed business.

Each work day of the practicum will be dynamic and varied with much to learn and do. As our only full-time live-in practicum placement you will become an integral part of our farm team and family. You will be working along side, and with the guidance of, both Harmony and Jessy, as well as many interns and volunteers that participate in a work/learning exchange on a weekly basis throughout the growing season.

Common work-day tasks include a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including:

• harvesting and processing herbs from the garden and the wild
• gathering and cleaning seeds
• gardening (designing, propagation, planting, weeding, watering, general labour)
• preparing herbal medicines (tinctures, infused vinegars, infused oils etc)
• supervising and leading interns and volunteers
• labeling and bottling medicines
• packaging seeds
• filling seed and product orders in the office

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated self-starter who is passionate about living a life steeped in meaning, working hard, fostering community, and of course, the plant world and herbs! We are hoping to find the right person to join our work team, live communally on the land with us and help co-create a magical and inspired life and business with the bounty that the land and community offers.

Some of the characteristics we are looking for in you:

• dependable and grounded
• independent and self-assured
• dedicated with strong work ethic
• open, honest, with good communication skills (empathetic/able to express needs and feelings easily)
• enthusiasm for regenerative agriculture and permaculture practices
• enthusiasm for herbal medicine and the healing powers of nature
• enjoys time alone but also values building community with others
• enjoys sharing meals, laughter and stories, crafts, music and fires
• active in cultivating physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness
• active in exploring core traditional values (non-mainstream values)
• loves dogs

COMMITMENT

28 hours per week (7hrs, 4 days per week) from March 1st onward.

The minimum commitment required for this placement is from March 1st until October 31st 2021. Though we are open to you joining us for only one season, the intention of this practicum is to train a new team member for long-term employment with us. Therefore, applicants interested in exploring the potential of a long term work situation with us will be given preference. Suitability for all parties will be evaluated at the end of first season.

COMPENSATION

• Herbal Apprenticeship Program full scholarship ($2400 value)
• Monthly stipend of $1100 - $550 depending on experience and accommodation options.
• Accommodation in a camper/trailer provided by us, or site to park your tiny home.
• Also includes herbs and veggies from the garden, bathroom with clawfoot tub, washing machine, all utilities including wifi.

APPLICATION

To apply to this opportunity please visit https://ravensongseeds.com/fellowship

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