Are you passionate about medicinal plants and herbalism, farming, and natural skincare? So am I! Hi, I’m Melissa Fuller, esthetician, herbalist, and founder of Gatherwise Skincare. I’m excited to announce that I’m opening the Gatherwise Farm this year for a hands-on 6-8 month apprenticeship program, with positions available for up to three dedicated apprentices.

This is a great opportunity for those of you who are interested in herbalism, plants, and sustainable farming. During this apprenticeship you’ll work directly with me and on your own, learning how to grow, harvest, and process powerful botanical ingredients that will go into our award-winning, plant-based skincare products. Together, we’ll dive deep into the skills you need to take plants from soil to skincare. These skills you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. You’ll gain farming experience, exclusive one-on-one mentorship, and an intimate understanding of how a small herbal farm runs from the ground up.

If you’re ready to deepen your connection with plants, get your hands in the soil, and learn the art and science of the plant practices, I’d love to work with you. Spots are limited, and this opportunity won’t come around often—apply now to reserve your place!

What You’ll Gain

This opportunity is designed for those eager to learn and gain hands-on experience in herbal farming, harvesting, and storing for production. You will receive valuable mentorship, skill-building, and a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

• Work directly with medicinal plants: ID, cultivate, harvest, trim, clearing and prepping beds, store

• Working alongside other interns in community and connection

• 8 hour weekly apprenticeship - 2 hours direct mentorship with Melissa Fuller, and an additional 6 working hours

• Get to know inside a farm grown skincare business with additional roles such as virtual assistance, packaging and boxing products, cleaning and organizing, storing materials, and helping with various odd jobs

• Experience farm culture and daily operations

• Develop lifelong skills in plant identification, weeding, clearing, cultivation, harvesting, and storage

• Master the essentials of running a sustainable farm and working with medicinal plants

• After training, use our 5 gallon copper still for plant distillations

• Gain experience in running a farm, promoting good soil health, and plant growth cycles

• Work with garden tools, wheelbarrows, and processing equipment

This Is Perfect For

• Individuals serious about herbalism, farming, or plant-based skincare

• Eager to learn herbal knowledge and hands on plant experience

• Loves being outdoors

• Nature-lovers that are self-motivated learners ready to take on physical work outdoors

• Anyone eager for real-world experience and exclusive mentorship with Melissa

This opportunity is designed for those who are truly eager to learn and gain hands-on experience in every aspect of herbal farming. If you have a passion for plant identification and a desire to get your hands in the soil, this internship offers you the chance to immerse yourself fully in farm life.

You will spend your time outdoors, connecting with the land, working directly with plants, and learning the full process of growing, harvesting, and preparing herbs for storage. This includes identifying plants both on the farm and in the forest, harvesting them at the right time, washing and storing them properly, and understanding the care required for each plant throughout its life cycle.

You will also have the opportunity to learn how to use a 5-gallon copper still for distillation, gaining an understanding of the processes involved in preparing plants for various uses. This is a physically demanding role that requires a commitment to working outside in all weather conditions and being comfortable with farm tasks that involve lifting, carrying, and using tools.

If you are dedicated, hardworking, and ready to gain meaningful, lifelong skills in herbal farming, this hands-on experience will offer you a deep connection to the land and the plants you work with.

Perks & Benefits

• One-on-one weekly mentorship with Melissa Fuller (2 hours each week)

• Completion bonus of up to $500 after finishing your 6- 8 month program (190 hours)

• A Gatherwise certificate of completion recognizing your specialized skills

• A personalized letter of recommendation for future opportunities

• Employee discount (30% off) on all Gatherwise Products

Details

• Applications are now open, close on 3/13/25. There are up to 3 spots available. 

• Mandatory Mentorship & Training: You must be available every Wednesday morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for weekly mentorship and training sessions, plus additional 6 hours of work.

• This is an unpaid mentored apprenticeship

• Must be committed to the entire 6 - 8 month program

• Able to carry 40+ pounds, use garden tools, and navigate uneven terrain

• Must have a reliable car for weekly transportation to the farm (there are no public buses to the farm)

• Must be within the Portland, OR metro area

• Must be over the age of 18

• Hands-On Farm Work: You are required to complete 8 hours of farm work each week, which can be scheduled as either:

  • One full shift on Wednesday, or

  • Two 4-hour shifts split between Wednesday and Thursday.

Community Building & Additional Opportunities

This apprenticeship is also open to other opportunities within Gatherwise for those interested in contributing to the broader community and operations. Interns may take on additional roles such as virtual assistance, packaging and boxing products, cleaning and organizing, storing materials, and helping with various odd jobs around the farm and workshop. This allows for a well-rounded experience and the chance to be involved in the internal workings of a growing, plant-based skincare business.

If you are dedicated, hardworking, and ready to gain meaningful, lifelong skills in herbal farming, this hands-on experience will offer you a deep connection to the land and the plants you work with, along with valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes operations of Gatherwise.