Urban Farm/Herbal Apothecary

Learning Opportunity

Role: Herbal Production Apprenticeship
Type: unpaid/free (see "compensation", below)
Project: Wild By Nature Botanicals
Location: east Toronto, Ontario

A unique opportunity to experience hands-on learning at an Urban Herb Farm and learn all aspects of a herbal products business.

About us:

Wild By Nature is an Urban Farm in east Toronto, specializing in growing and crafting herbal products and hands-on learning experiences.

​We practice permaculture principles both in the methods we grow our plants, our community and tend our ecosystems.

​​​​We offer many opportunities to work, learn and be inspired, including volunteer and apprenticeship programs, spa-like retreat days and customized herbal workshops.

We also operate a bioregional apothecary (using only the herbs we grow) to formulate our thoughtfully crafted botanical skincare, herbal tisanes, culinary seasonings and herbal remedies which we sell in our community, at the farmers market and from our online shop.

Our mission:

We guide earth lovers living in the fast paced city to reconnect to their own rhythm by providing practical and personal ways they can live a more ecological, rooted and natural lifestyle, right here and now. We strongly believe it is possible and vital to grow your own food and medicine in the city.

Background of your mentor:

Maria Solakofski cultivates the growing potential in everyone she meets. She is a mentor of everything herbal, a guide for botanical wellness, organic gardening, nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices, community building, self-sufficiency and homesteading in the city. She is an ecological pioneer who has been involved in the local food community for over 25 years.

The Apprenticeship:

A unique opportunity to experience hands-on learning at an Urban Herb Farm and learn all aspects of a herbal products business.

You will be immersed in our unique culture and learn about our business strategy, structures and how community plays a central role.

This would be a great fit for someone enthusiastic and curious about herb farming, who wants to gain a better understanding of how to harness their healing properties for everyday use.

I have space for two apprentices per season.

​About you:

• can commit to a regular schedule between May - December (3 month minimum)
• innately curious
• passionate about organic herb farming and medicine-making
• possess a sense of humour
• able to be part of a team and work independently
• can work on repetitive tasks, with a penchant for efficiency
• affinity for attention to detail, along with awareness of the bigger picture
• self motivated with a solution seeking attitude
• respond well to feedback​​

Expectations:

We are looking for an apprentice in production who can support the herbal apothecary business in the next stage of growth. You will be involved in all aspects of our herbal products business, including:

• plant care and harvesting and processing
• formulating and bottling
• design and print of labeling
• recording stock
• supply ordering
• accounting
• communication
• preparing orders
• website maintenance
• photography, content creation/story telling

We will have two scheduled production days for a total of 10 hours per week. This is 2 x 5hr days – the schedule is during the day, and there is some flexibility regarding which day of the week we do this.

In addition to the operations of the herbal apothecary, you will be expected to attend a minimum of TWO of our 3 hour community garden sessions per month – which we offer to volunteers and people participating in our mentoring program. Working in the garden is an integral part of the puzzle. We seek an apprentice who is committed to cultivate relationships with the plant and people communities we tend to.

Compensation:

• Invaluable experience
• Submerged learning opportunity
• Community supports
• 1-1 mentoring with Maria
• Special Guest Workshops
• Invitation to special events
• No Fee for learning!
• 20% off products

How to apply:

If you think you would excel at certain tasks, but not everything we outlined- we encourage you to still apply.

Please send us an email to express your interest with a plentiful synopsis of yourself to mariasolakofski (at) gmail (dot) com and include:

• What are your goals with your learning and time here?
• What values and experiences will you share with us?
• Tell us about how you stay mentally and physically fit
• Include your résume if you wish, but not at all necessary.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.