Regenerative Farming Apprentice

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers is hiring a Regenerative Farming Apprentice for MAMA TREE in Ojai, CA. This independent contractor position offers approximately 30 hours per week at $20-$24/hr, based on experience, for a duration of 12 months with a 3-month trial period. The role involves hands-on training in animal husbandry, regenerative grazing practices, and agroforestry maintenance, focusing on sustainable farming methods to enhance ecosystem health while caring for livestock.
Hiring: Animal Care & Regenerative Farm Apprentice

Employment type: Independent Contractor (1099); approx. 30 hrs/week (varies with seasons, with

potential to grow); $20-$24/hr based on experience and incremental raises based on commitment

and performance

Duration: 12 months, with potential to extend (3-month trial period)

Company: MAMA TREE

Location: Upper Ojai, CA

About Us

MAMA TREE is a dynamic regenerative farm dedicated to transforming a once-conventional citrus

orchard into a living laboratory of diverse agro-forestry plots. Using Permaculture Design, Holistic

Grazing Management, and Regenerative Organic practices, we graze our 20-acre orchard with

goats, donkeys, and chickens focusing on building soil, nourishing the trees, and farming with

nature. We work hard to create the cleanest, yummiest, most ethically grown and produced

products on the market so you can eat with a healthy conscience. We keep our ingredients as local

as possible (mostly from our own farm).

Position Overview

We are seeking a self-motivated and passionate individual to join our team as an Apprentice on

our regenerative farm. This apprenticeship offers a hands-on deep-dive learning experience to

immerse you in holistic animal husbandry & health care, rotational & regenerative grazing

practices on a medium scale, and orchard and agroforestry maintenance. There will be a 3-month

trial period, with ample training time to get to know the details of our systems. You will work

closely with the Animal Systems Supervisor and other staff as needed, gaining practical skills and

knowledge in running and managing a diverse range of livestock while contributing to the health of

our ecosystem. You will also support our efforts to convert the once-conventional orchard into

more diverse & resilient agroforestry and silvopasture systems.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Husbandry & Regenerative Grazing (75-85%)
• Assist in the daily routines of tending livestock. Daily tasks include but are not limited to:

○ Feeding & maintaining clean water access for goats, chickens, donkeys, and dogs

and upholding basic training and care

○ Supplementing feed (e.g. farm grown crops or alfalfa), minerals, etc.

○ Moving mobile chicken coop as necessary

○ Building electric fence and moving livestock daily

○ Cleaning barn stalls/ nesting boxes as necessary
• Learn, monitor, and apply holistic animal health care practices, incl. natural remedies

against basic diseases, and preventative care and management to maintain and enhance

animal well-being
• Participate in routine health checks & processes, supplementations, care & grooming, and

any necessary medical interventions under the guidance of experienced staff, including but

Not Limited To

○ Hoof trimming

○ Foxtail removal

○ Basic veterinary procedures; vet visits

○ Administrating Copper boluses
• Support the implementation of rotational grazing, building and moving electric fence and

livestock daily
• Support regenerative grazing practices designed to improve soil health, pasture quality,

increase biodiversity, and enhance overall agroecosystem health and resilience of the farm
• Assist in planning of rotational grazing patterns to optimize grazing efficiency, plant

recovery, and forage quality while minimizing negative environmental impact
• Support monitoring pasture conditions, animal impact, and forage availability to ensure the

success of grazing strategies, and work with animal systems supervisor and team to adjust

strategies to seasonal context and needs
• Must be able to commit to being fully responsible for leading and maintaining animalsystems

during the months of June and July

Farm Operations (25-15%)
• Responsible for regular general farm maintenance tasks, including but not limited to:

○ irrigation & water systems maintenance & repair

○ trapping rodents, gophers, squirrels (non-negotiable)

○ nursery & agroforestry maintenance

○ farmATV & tractor maintenance

○ flail mowing, weed whipping, brush clearing, etc.
• Participate in the planting and maintenance of agroforestry systems, forage crops, cover

crops, and other plantings to support our regenerative practices and orchard conversion
• Contribute to record-keeping and data collection related to animal health & performance,

grazing patterns, and pasture health
• Monitor soil moisture levels in the orchard and conduct weekly routine inspections of the

irrigation systems, remain accountable for necessary repairs or maintenance

Learning And Development
• Attend workshops, training sessions, and educational opportunities offered on-site and in

the community related to holistic animal care and regenerative agriculture. There is the

slight potential to earn a full PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) through our

apprenticeship and through the extra workshops we hold, with support for your own

design project
• Work closely with staff & mentors to develop a deep understanding of the principles and

practices of regenerative farming and agroecological systems
• Take initiative to research and explore new methods and techniques that could benefit the

farm’s operations and ecosystem health
• Work directly with our team on installing and maintaining agroforestry systems
• Work directly with our resident carpenter to create and maintain various infrastructure

projects around the farm
• Potential to learn about product development and sales for interested candidates

Qualifications & Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in farming, animal care, or environmental stewardship is beneficial but

not required
• A strong willingness to learn, being adaptable to new approaches, and a passion for animal

husbandry & regenerative agroecosystems are essential
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, effective communication, able to work

collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Self-motivated and the ability to work independently and confidently alone
• Ability to perform physically demanding and strenuous tasks, such as regularly lift 50lbs,

operate heavy equipment, and work in various weather conditions
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail
• Must be able to consistently work a weekend day. Ideal schedule is Thursdays, Fridays, &

Saturdays (plus one to two other days)
• Must be able to commit to a one year apprenticeship (with possibility of extension)
• Must be committed to the agreed upon weekly work schedule during June and July
• Must have health insurance and reliable vehicle

Benefits
• Competitive wage commensurate with experience ($20-$24/hr)
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization,

and support beyond
• A meaningful work environment dedicated to education and regenerative agro-ecological

systems
• Free (“hands-off”) attendance to all MAMA TREE workshops
• 20% off products

Application Process
• Please submit an application at our website here
• Resume and any questions can be sent to mamatreeojai@gmail.com
• Application closes December 15, with start date in early January
• This will be removed from the website when application closes and position is filled

We are a small team. Please be patient with our response time. Thank you.