The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (“OSGF”) is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in Upperville, Virginia with a mission to perpetuate and share Rachel Lambert Mellon's home, garden, estate and library to serve the public interest. The Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. For additional information, please visit www.osgf.org. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is seeking applications for an apprentice to support the OSGF Local Education & Outreach (LEO) team. The main objective of this position is to assist in the preparation, facilitation, and clean-up of the various programs curated and directed by the LEO team. Programs differ weekly and take place both on and off-site. The apprentice will spend significant time working alongside the LEO team and other OSGF departments, such as the Biocultural Conservation Farm (BCCF) and Hospitality to enhance programming. A primary interest in youth education and community outreach, as well as food, farming, botany, conservation, cooking, and art, is preferred. Applicants should be prepared to work indoors and outdoors, be energetic, and have excellent communication, organizational, and classroom management skills. The position requires a 40-hour work week with some evening and weekend programs. Schedule: Full-time (40-hours/week); January 2027 - December 2027 Compensation: $20/hour in addition to paid holidays and up to 10 days of PTO. Please note - preference will be given to local candidates who do not require on-site accommodation. However, if housing is available at the time, it may be an option for non-local candidates. Housing is shared with other apprentices/interns. Location: Upperville, VA; The Oak Spring estate is located in rural northern Virginia, 15 minutes from the nearest town and approximately 1 hour west of DC. To Apply: We will begin reviewing applications in early November, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to hr@osgf.org with the subject line “ 2027 Local Education & Outreach Apprenticeship ”. Please describe your experience with education and community outreach, what this apprenticeship would mean to you and your future goals, and potential start date. ABOUT OSGF + BCCF/LEO PROGRAM The 700-acre Oak Spring estate is located in Upperville, VA, nestled in the Virginia Piedmont between the Blue Ridge and Bull Run mountains. The Foundation's mission is to support fresh thinking and bold action on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes, and the importance of plants for human well-being. More specifically, the LEO program: · Was established in July of 2022. · Provides programming for Fauquier and surrounding communities. · Educational engagement is far-reaching, including both youth (K-12) and populations of focus, such as senior citizens. · Goals are to continue building the OSGF LEO team to provide educational opportunities related to plants, agriculture, and the environment through engaging lessons and programs. RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate will work closely with the LEO team in all responsibilities, including: · Prepare outreach programs, including harvesting and processing plant material, making project examples, maintaining farm/garden/classroom spaces associated with programming, creating worksheets/handouts, stuffing program bags, etc. · Clean and organize program supplies and equipment. Load and unload the education vehicles. · Work directly with program participants (youth, populations of focus, group leaders, etc.) during educational engagement, either assisting with lessons or leading lessons. · Work closely with the LEO, BCCF, and Hospitality teams to maintain the biocultural learning garden space and other OSGF spaces. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS · Demonstrate interest and passion for community outreach and education. Experience working with youth and/or adult groups is a plus. · Teaching or youth care experience is a plus. · Comfortable in public presentation settings. · Demonstrate interest and passion for nature, food and farming, conservation, and/or art. · Undergraduate degree completed, or in progress from an accredited academic institution or a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience. · Ability to meet the physical requirements of bending, standing for long periods, lifting at least 50lb, handling wildlife, stretching, working with sharp objects, and undertaking monitoring and surveys outdoors year-round. · Comfortable working outside, in varied weather conditions (including extreme heat and cold, and exposure to stinging and biting insects and animals) in a rural setting. · Ability to work independently and also as part of a team. · Excellent time-management, communication, and organizational skills. · Dependable, collaborative, and supportive team player. · Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without OSGF sponsorship. · Must have a Driver's License and a reliable method of transportation to and from work. TO APPLY To be considered for this apprenticeship, please email a resume and cover letter to hr@osgf.org with the subject line “ 2027 Local Education & Outreach Apprenticeship ”. Please describe your experience with education and community outreach, what this apprenticeship would mean to you and your future goals, and when you could start. We will begin reviewing applications in early November and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Oak Spring Garden Foundation is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ancestry, disability, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. Pay: $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week Benefits: Health insurance Paid time off Work Location: In person