SkillBridge – Regenerative Organic Farmer

Carnation Farms is offering an unpaid, non-benefit-eligible training position for transitioning service members as a Regenerative Organic Farmer through the DoD SkillBridge Program. This hands-on program, lasting 90-180 days, provides real-world experience in farm operations, mentorship from agricultural professionals, and a pathway into careers in farming and sustainability. Participants will engage in daily farming activities and learn regenerative agriculture principles on-site at the farm in Carnation, WA.
This is an unpaid, non-benefit-eligible training position conducted in partnership with the DoD SkillBridge Program

On-site housing is provided

Launch your next chapter at Carnation Farms, a historic working farm and community hub located in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State. For more than a century, Carnation Farms has brought together food, land stewardship, education, and community. Today, we are helping build the next generation of regenerative farmers and food system leaders.

Through our DoD SkillBridge Regenerative Farming Training Program, transitioning service members gain hands-on, real-world experience working on a large, diversified regenerative organic farm. Participants are immersed in daily farm operations, mentored by experienced agricultural professionals, and exposed to the full picture of what it takes to operate, join, or start a regenerative farm or food-based enterprise. The program runs anywhere from 90 - 180 days, depending on the requirements of the service member.

This is a purpose-driven opportunity for service members who want meaningful work, tangible skills, and a pathway into agriculture, sustainability, and local food systems.

Hands-on, real-world training – This is not classroom-only learning. You will work daily on a regenerative organic farm and learn by doing.
No prior farming experience required – The program is designed for motivated learners, not just seasoned farmers. Curiosity, work ethic, and follow-through matter more than background.
* Pathway into civilian careers – Gain practical skills, professional references, and exposure to careers in farming, food systems, sustainability, and agricultural operations.
* Structured mentorship – Train directly with experienced farm professionals who understand both agriculture and the military-to-civilian transition.
* Purpose-driven work – Contribute to soil health, local food systems, and environmental stewardship while building a meaningful post-service skill set.
* Mission-focused – This program respects your time in uniform and is designed to translate military discipline, teamwork, and leadership into a civilian setting that matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Participate in daily farm operations including planting, harvesting, bed preparation, irrigation, and post-harvest handling
* Learn regenerative agriculture principles such as soil health, composting, crop rotations, and ecosystem-based management
* Assist with specialty crop production on a large-scale, diversified farm
* Support basic record keeping, harvest tracking, and farm workflows
* Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and seasonal planning discussions
* Work alongside farm staff and partners to understand how production connects to markets, distribution, and community engagement
* Follow farm safety procedures and regenerative organic standards

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To perform this role successfully, participants must be able to meet the following requirements:

* Active-duty U.S. military service member in good standing
* Within final 180 days of service and eligible for the DoD SkillBridge program
* Commanding Officer approval required prior to participation
* Willingness to work outdoors
* Ability to perform physical farm work safely and consistently
* No prior farming experience required

COMPETENCIES

* Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
* Ability to work as part of a small, collaborative team
* Comfortable receiving instruction and feedback
* Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated
* Interest in agriculture, sustainability, and regenerative systems
* Ability to adapt to changing daily priorities

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

* Majority of work is performed outdoors in an active farm environment
* Regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting
* May be required to lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds
* Exposure to weather, soil, plants, livestock areas, and farm equipment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

* This is an unpaid, non-benefit-eligible training position conducted in partnership with the DoD SkillBridge Program
* Training duration is flexible, typically 90–180 days, based on service member eligibility
* On-site housing is provided
* Successful completion provides participants with practical experience, professional references, and exposure to post-program employment and apprenticeship pathways in regenerative agriculture and food systems

Job Type: Internship

Pay: $500.00 per month

Work Location: In person