Farm & Labor Program Fellowship

The Thoreau College Farm and Labor Fellowship offers practical, hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, experiential education, and nonprofit management and governance. This position is ideal for people who are passionate about regenerative food systems and hands-on educational programs incorporating gardening, agriculture, and manual skills of all kinds. The Farm and Labor Fellow works closely as an assistant to the Thoreau College Farm and Labor Coordinator, Friedo Jamila-Wuerth.  Together, Coordinator and Fellow are responsible for supervising the operation of gardens, chicken coops, grounds, and facilities at several student houses and at our 10-acre teaching farm, including a vineyard, orchard, pastures, and a variety of livestock such as sheep, pigs, and meat chickens.  The primary goal of these operations is to provide high quality hands-on educational experiences for students and model good stewardship of land, animals, facilities, and resources, as well as to provide meat, eggs, and produce for the staff and students of Thoreau College.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in weekly Faculty meetings at both TC and weekly All School meetings at TC
• Participate in mentorship processes, including Care Groups for Thoreau College students
• Support general operations at Thoreau College needed, including meals, events, facilities projects, farm and garden projects, student transportation, and expeditions
• Act as Teaching Assistant, or Lead Instructor where appropriate for TC courses
• Other projects and initiatives as they arise!

Qualifications:

Applicants for this role should be at least 21 years old and have either a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional or life experience, as well as the ability to act in a leadership role with groups of college-aged young adults.  Prior experience with farming, livestock, tools, and equipment is a plus, but is not a prerequisite for this Fellowship, but an excellent work ethic, resilient and creative spirit, reliable habits and sense of safety, and great people skills are a prerequisite.  A successful candidate will be someone with a passion for working collaboratively with young people and with colleagues, as well as a love for growing food and working with their hands.  This is a teaching role above all else.
 

Compensation/Benefits:

The Thoreau College Farm and Labor Fellowship is designed as an immersive internship program whose purpose is primarily educational, with cost of living support from the organization to make it a viable option for more candidates.  As a Thoreau College Fellow, candidates can expect to receive - 

• Housing in a private room in one of the Thoreau College residence houses, along with other Thoreau College & Driftless Folk School Fellows and Scholars-in-Residence
• A monthly stipend of $400, paid semi-monthly
• Shared lunches 5 days per week while Thoreau College programs are in session and access to food produced by Thoreau College gardens and farm.
• Access to Driftless Folk School classes, depending on availability, as well as opportunities to participate in Thoreau College courses, expeditions, and community events

To Apply: Candidates with strong social skills, ability to be self-motivated and independently organized, and enthusiasm for regenerative agriculture and grassroots, hands-on, community-based holistic education are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, and at least two references to admin@thoreaucollege.org.
 

Please submit applications for the 2027-2028 Fellowship year by January 15, 2027.

Thoreau College/Driftless Folk School is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. Thoreau College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.