What is Rooted?
Rooted is a paid summer program focused on teens exploring the food system and what it is to work on a farm. We spend 7 weeks on our 15 acre organic farm, supporting our Farm Team in the field and learning more about the food system through daily workshops, giving back to our community through working at a local food bank, and learning how to cook with the produce we are harvesting through weekly culinary classes. The Rooted program has a maximum of 10 participants.
How long is the program?
Rooted begins in early July and concludes in late August. The 2022 summer program runs from July 5- August 19, Monday- Friday 9a.m.- 4p.m.
Who is eligible to participate?
Youth currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply. We hire youth from local communities surrounding Carnation Farms in the Snoqualmie Valley, as well as the Greater Seattle area.
What kind of work will I do?
As a member of the Rooted Crew, you will participate in:
- Field Work- we spend every morning working in our 15-acre organic farm. Field work includes harvesting produce, weeding, planting, and various other farm tasks
- Support Care of Livestock- Carnation Farms raises chickens, cows, sheep, and rabbits!
- Workshops- we spend most afternoons in workshops learning more about the food system. You will be asked to participate in the workshops and think about ways to apply this information to your own life and community
- Cooking- we spend one afternoon per week in a culinary class, learning skills needed to cook the produce we harvest in the garden
- Working with hunger-relief organizations- we spend one day per week working at a local food bank to provide needed labor and to better understand hunger relief efforts in our communities
Want to know more? Check out our Day-in-the-Life post.
Is this program only for youth considering farming as a career?
Not at all! Food is a shared experience for everyone in our community. Our hope is you come away with a better sense of yourself and the food system. We have had crew members that wanted to be engineers, programmers, teachers, conservationists, film directors, animators- the list goes on! Regardless of what you want to do when you are older, working on a farm for the summer allows you to step into a role that you might not try otherwise. You’ll come away from the summer having played an important role in the food system of our region. Our hope is that you take this experience, along with your new farmer’s tan, and be an advocate for change in our food system, whether that’s in your larger community or your own dinner plate.
What days and hours do I work?
Garden Crew members will work Monday through Friday, from 9am-4pm, with lunch and breaks throughout the day.
Do I get paid?
Absolutely! You will work hard while you are here and, in turn, learn multitudes about the food system and professional development. As a participant of the program, you have the opportunity to earn a stipend up to $1300 for the summer and a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Are there interviews?
Yes, there are! All applicants who meet age requirements and are available for the entire 7-week program will be granted an interview. We recognize that for many of you, this will be your first job interview. Don’t worry! We will guide you through the process so you can get your questions answered. Before your interview, you will receive plenty of information in order to prepare. The interview process will be a one-to-one conversation with a Carnation Farms staff member. This process is a good way for you to practice interviewing skills and get to know us and the farm!
What if my family is going on vacation?
If you are unable to commit to attending the full 7 weeks of Rooted for any reason (including family vacations, school commitments, etc.), we encourage you to apply for the next year so you can plan ahead and make sure you’re able to fully commit. Our farm depends on our Rooted Crew just like the rest of our staff, and we must be able to count on you to attend your shift every day.
Can I be fired?
Yes. Like any other job, you will be expected to follow job standards and behavior agreements. If those guidelines are broken, you can be fired. We will make sure that all expectations are very clear, and that we answer any questions you might have so everyone is on the same page. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy.
How can I get there?
Our farm is located at 28901 NE Carnation Farm Rd., in Carnation, WA. Unfortunately, there is no direct access by public transit. Carpooling with fellow Rooted workers or sharing fares on a rideshare service are all possibilities. You may be dropped off at the farm by friends/family; or drive your own vehicle.
Many crew members utilize Snoqualmie Valley Transportation. Please contact them directly to see if they serve your neighborhood and what your route to work would look like.
Can I show my family and friends where I work?
Of course! If you want to bring a visitor to the farm to show them all of your hard work, you can speak with your supervisor and make a plan together to bring your visitor outside of your work hours.
Who are our adult leaders?
Rooted Crew members are supervised and led by trained youth development professionals. Adult leaders perform the role of educator, mentor, and supervisor to all Rooted Crew members during the 7 weeks (and beyond!) of the program. Youth will also work closely with our Education Manager and Sustainable Agriculture team.
Do I have to bring my own lunch?
Yes! Please bring your lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. We will have room to store lunches in a refrigerator, and we will have several water/snack breaks during the day.
What should I wear to work?
Be ready to get dirty! We work in all kinds of weather, from dewy and overcast mornings to hot and humid afternoons. Rooted Crew members must wear closed-toe shoes for safety. We recommend bringing a hat and waterproof shoes or boots to keep at the farm during the summer. It gets hot out here!
More questions? Contact education@carnationfarms.org.