Applications are open for 2026!

Are you passionate about medicinal plants and herbalism, farming, and natural skincare? So am I! Hi, I’m Melissa Fuller, trained esthetician and herbalist, and founder of Gatherwise Skincare. I’m excited to announce that we are offering our apprenticeship program for the second year running - a 4 month program at the Gatherwise Farm, 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 small-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! Applications close 2/15/26. Apprenticeship program start date is March 4th, 2026.

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

• Working alongside other interns in community and connection. With community centered lunch sharing potlucks each week. We will come together and enjoy community style lunch. Bring something to share and enjoy the break together through laughter, joy, and food.

• 6 hour weekly apprenticeship - 1.5 hours direct mentorship with Melissa Fuller, and an additional 4.5 working hours, with a 30 minute lunch break (Every Wednesday - 8:30-3:00pm, lunch break at 12:00pm)

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

• 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

• Towards the end of your apprenticeship you will learn about plant distillations from our 5 gallon copper still

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

• Work with garden tools, wheelbarrows, and processing equipment

“Being an apprentice at Gatherwise was an invaluable experience for so many reasons. A big highlight was being in community with Melissa and the other apprentice, which was not only fun, but also a really grounding, rewarding and connecting experience. I loved spending so much time outside in various seasons, having my hands in the earth, working with plants from seed to mature plant, including harvesting and processing the plants, and helping out with various tasks around the farm. Melissa is an incredibly kind, fun and radiant person who is full of all kinds of plant knowledge and wisdom. Getting to see and be a part of a local growing business was a treat. I learned a ton, have greatly expanded knowledge and appreciation of plants and the natural world in general, and a greater sense of place here in Portland. ” - Margaret (Intern 2025)

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, in all and any weather

• 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 $400 after finishing your 4 month program (90 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 2/15/26. There are up to 3 spots available. 

• Start date is March 4th, 2026 (

• Mandatory Mentorship & Training: You must be available every Wednesday morning from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM for weekly mentorship and training sessions, plus additional 4 hours of work.

• This is an unpaid mentored apprenticeship

• Must be committed to the entire 4 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 6 hours of farm work each week

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.