Traditional, human-scale farming / Fermes familiales et l'agriculture biologique au Québec

Hiring: Farm intern
Farm: Ferme des Pins 1919 Inc.
Type: full-time, paid position / internship

Location: Saint-Philémon, Quebec
Housing: on-site accom., see below

Our family farm is a rural agricultural enterprise specializing in dairy and maple syrup production, with deep community roots and a strong respect for traditional Quebec farming practices.

We manually milk around forty cows in a milking parlor equipped with milking machines. The cows are housed in a free-stall barn, allowing them to move around freely to ensure their comfort and to support efficient farm operations. Animal welfare is at the heart of our priorities and guides our daily practices. The milk is regularly delivered to the cooperative.

On the maple side, we manage an organically certified sugarbush with 8,000 taps. Sap is collected using a vacuum tubing system and processed with a modern wood-fired evaporator. All of our syrup is sold in bulk (by the barrel). We also play a central role in the local community by acting as a depot for other maple producers in the region, facilitating collection and logistics for several nearby farms.

The physical setting of the farm includes pastures, fields used for animal feed, functional agricultural buildings, and a mountainside sugarbush. It’s a peaceful environment, surrounded by nature and rivers, offering a full immersion into the realities of Quebec agriculture.

We use standard farm machinery (tractors, hay baler, feed mixer, etc.) for crop management and animal feeding, but our work is above all based on human effort, family collaboration, and the transmission of knowledge.

Lastly, we manage two touristic rental houses located on the property. This agrotourism element allows visitors to discover authentic farm life and connect directly with the rhythms of agricultural living.

Values & Vision

• Human-scale farming rooted in the land
• Respect for all living beings
• Transmission of knowledge
• Sustainability and continuity
• Regenerative practices through careful soil stewardship
• Animal welfare
• Certified organic sugarbush

For us, farming also means taking the time to live fully, to observe, and to share our knowledge with the next generation.

INTERN POSITION

We are looking for:

• An intern or full-time employee between 15 and 30 years old
• Someone who is curious, engaged, and eager to learn in a real-life farm setting
• Someone who enjoys physical work, shows initiative, and isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty!
• We value open-mindedness, keen observation, and a sincere desire to understand the full rhythm of farm life — from the busiest moments to the quietest ones
• No prior experience is required, but a genuine interest in agriculture is essential!

Tasks :

• Milking and caring for cows and calves, assisting with farm operations, and maintaining machinery.
• Participating in various maple syrup production tasks, depending on the season.
• Performing a variety of related duties as needed.

The intern will work directly with the owner and/or experienced employees. We will provide guidance throughout the learning of daily tasks and will be available at all times to answer questions. Curiosity and a desire to learn are always welcome, and we will be happy to share our knowledge according to the intern’s interests. Reading material can be provided if needed. The level of supervision will be adjusted based on the intern’s comfort and adaptability.

As fourth-generation farmers, we are part of a diverse and vibrant community to which we are deeply connected. There are many opportunities here to learn, explore, and discover.

Living simply:

• A room in a new four-bedroom apartment located on a neighboring family farm is provided.
• Shower, laundry room and comfortable spaces for rest are included.
• This housing is shared with other WWOOFers and/or interns.
• Vibrant environment, new connections and sharing knowledge
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essentials are close by
• Just few kilometers from Parc du Massif du Sud – perfect for nature lovers.
• A rich eco-tourism circuit nearby
• Several lakes and rivers for enjoying warm days and fishing.

The intern will receive a full salary and will therefore be responsible for their own groceries. Maintaining cleanliness in shared living spaces is required. A valid driver's license is necessary.

We offer a starting wage of $19/h + and housing is included.

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a brief covering letter to:
v.poulin@outlook.com
subject: Farm intern

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