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Vernonia Springs has a caretaker work trade position and 1/4 acre land share opportunity available.
Vernonia Springs Caretaker. This role would require volunteering 20 hours per week maintaining the the Vernonia Springs Wedding Venue property in exchange for a fully self contained tiny cabin and having access to the 1/4 acre farm land. Most of the caretaker volunteer work involves routine gardening, watering, cleaning etc. We provide very detailed guidance, and then allow people the freedom to work their own schedule with some exceptions. This opportunity is for one person and no animals. Non-smokers only (this includes vaping and Marijuana). No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the property. Folks that are 30 years and younger and have at least some farming experience are encouraged to apply.
1/4 Acre Land Share. When the caretaker isn’t doing their 20 hour per week volunteer work trade, they are then free to farm the 1/4 acre micro farm plot. You would be free to do whatever you would like with this portion of the property on your own time. Because the farming plot is a grass field right now, I will work with you to turn it into a productive farming plot. I will provide all the tools and materials necessary to get the micro farm going. All that you need to do is present me with a farm plan, help me get the plot set up, then you will be off and running doing all of the daily work maintaining the farming operation. You will be able to keep any money you generate from your efforts. I am willing to do this because I want to see this area of the property become a viable small scale farming operation. This will increase the value of the property and our food security. I have all of the equipment (tractor, excavator, tiller, and every other tool imaginable) necessary to make this happen. I also have enough brand-new deer fence to surround the entire area. I am financially secure and can afford to do whatever it takes to make this happen.
You are able to live in in a 180 sq. ft. tiny home and farm the 1/4 farm plot in exchange for 20 hours per week of volunteer work helping out with the wedding venue (www.vernoniasprings.com) and the eco-education campus (www.terravidaacademy.com).
This opportunity will be well suited for:
Someone who is highly self motivated, knows how to farm and possibly knows how to create a CSA (just one idea) for the local Vernonia community (5 miles down the bike trail). This person will understand the benefit of being able to live on the property in a nice, albeit, very small fully self contained tiny home in addition to being able to farm the 1/4 farm plot in exchange for doing 20 hours of volunteer work in support of the Vernonia Springs and Terra Vida Academy businesses. This opportunity is for one person.
What you bring to the table?
-You need to have an understanding of how to farm. While I am willing to work with a beginning farmer, you have to have the experience necessary to get the farm up and running. You would need to be able to show me a plan that makes sense for what you want to do. A “spin farming” model is one farming model that would make sense for this opportunity.
-You bring self motivation. If you aren’t self motivated … don’t bother applying. I am providing an opportunity … not the motivation!
-Physically and mentally healthy. In order to farm you need to be physically fit. I also want to work with someone who is mentally healthy as well. This is a drama free zone! If you are not mentally and physically fit, this will not be a good opportunity for you! Being a caretaker and doing farm work are physically demanding. Please do not apply if you have never done farm work before.
-An understanding that you would be living in the foothills of the Oregon coast range. Check the weather for Vernonia to make sure it will be a good fit for you.
-You will need to enjoy solitude. We are 25 miles from Beaverton/Hillsboro. If socializing is important to you, just be aware that we are fairly remote.
Go to https://vernoniasprings.com to learn more about the wedding venue and go to https://terravidaacademy.com to learn more about our non-profit.
Images below are of the tiny home caretaker cabin
