Freedom Harvest
Farmer Apprenticeship
The Freedom Harvest Apprenticeship is a 9-month, paid, hands-on farmer apprenticeship that trains farmers and land stewards to lead production on urban farms right here in Birmingham. As Fountain Heights Farms Cooperative continues to grow—acquiring more lots, developing more land, and producing more food to feed more neighbors—we need the workforce to sustain it. We’re building a bench of people who can run these lots, manage the land, and carry this work forward in Fountain Heights and beyond.
If you’re used to hard work and you’re looking for something more grounded and meaningful, this apprenticeship may be for you!
20 hours a week
$18/hour + $250 monthly living stipend
March through November
On mixed-vegetable urban farms in Birmingham
Program Details
Apprentices will learn:
Prepare soil, plant crops, maintain beds, and harvest food
Run farm operations and understand the business side of farming
Use sustainable growing practices that care for the land long-term
Navigate permits, certifications, and funding
Learn from Black and Indigenous farmers working across Alabama
What to expect:
Outdoor, physical work in changing weather–even Alabama summer heat
Repetitive tasks done with intention and consistency
Clear instruction and shared responsibility
A supportive team and attentive leadership
A calm work environment focused on the work
Flexibility and room to grow over time
You’ll be working alongside co-founders Dominique and Chris, a married couple who live in Fountain Heights and lead this work day to day. They came to farming through hands-on experience and learned much of what they know by doing. They care deeply about the land, and even more about the people it feeds.
If you feel a pull toward the land and want to take farming seriously, this may be a good next step.
This apprenticeship is a good fit for people who:
Are interested in learning a new trade
Don’t shy away from hard, physical work
Take instruction well and show initiative
Want an opportunity for long-term career development
Want to stay rooted in Birmingham
Are comfortable working outdoors in changing conditions
Take pride in doing the work well
Want to grow skills, responsibility, and leadership over time
If you’re looking for easy work or a seasonal experience, this likely isn’t a fit. We’re looking for people who want to build something long-term.
How to Apply
Applications are now open-- apply here.
Last day to apply: February 13th, 2026, 11:59 CST
Questions?: Email alfarmingapprenticeship@gmail.com for more details.
We acknowledge that farming is a labor-intensive physical practice that requires regular and sustained exertion of effort under extreme weather and the regular likelihood of bugs, wildlife, mud, pollen, dust, water, port-o-potties, and many other challenges. We encourage all applicants to consider this when applying.