Sustainability Internship Opportunities - 2005

 

The following is a list of Sustainability related Internships (in chronological order).  If you are interested in earning academic credit for internship work, please contact me at jgerber@psis.umass.edu and see “Internship Information” on the expectations and process.  Also, for a list of internships from 2003- 2004, go here.  Many of these opportunities are available each year. 


 

 

November 30, 2005

 

Opportunity in Georgia

Serenbe Farms is seeking 3 dedicated apprentices for the 2006 growing season.  A 30 acre certified organic community supported agriculture (CSA) farm located just 30 miles south of Atlanta, GA, Serenbe Farms is a part of the Serenbe community, a unique sustainable village consisting of EarthCraft homes, restaurants, shops, artists, a bakery, spa, equestrian center and art school.  The village of Serenbe lies in the heart of 40,000 protected acres. Guided by traditional values and principles of environmental sustainability, Serenbe is a new approach to community development – a belief that quality of life is more than simply a place to live. 

 

As the Serenbe community's agricultural initiative, we operate within the principles of biodynamic agriculture, a holistic and spiritual approach to sustainable farming.  The farm is strictly organic with an additional emphasis on growing spiritually enlivened food, educating the next generation and building community throught the arts.  Serenbe is home to over 100 farm animals including horses, cows, goats, pigs, sheep, donkeys, llamas, and more.  Our 30 acre organic farm grows vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits for our CSA, local restaurants (including those in the Serenbe community), and a farmers market held nearby the farm. 

 

In Serenbe Farms' second season, we will provide food to 40 families through CSA and many others through our farmers market. This is a perfect opportunity for someone that strives to learn how to efficiently and innovatively farm a small area and grow quality produce for appreciative consumers.  In addition to learning how to farm, you will become a part of this exciting new vision that is coming to life and is a model for many other sustainable communities. 

We offer nice housing 1/4 mile from the farm, a stipend of $400/month, a small additional food stipend, and farm produce, as well as involvement in this unique community. 

 

We are looking for apprentices from March 15th to November 28th.  Call or email for further information.

Contact: Paige Witherington (901)482-1789, email info@serenbefarms.org Website: www.serenbefarms.com

 

 

November 13, 2005

 

APPRENTICESHIP  OPPORTUNITIES  AT HEAVEN  &  EARTH  FARM

Amigo and Kalita Todd Cantisano
No. San Juan, Nevada County, California

March through  November  2006


Educational opportunities: Organic Plant Propagation, Nursery Work, Greenhouse Production, Vegetable, Flower and Herb Market Gardening, Berry and Grape Production, Orcharding, Direct Marketing, Composting, Seed Production, Heritage Plant Exploration and Propagation, Homesteading Skills, Small Equipment Management, Ornamental Management, Community Living, Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw Food Preparation (and consumption!), Food Preserving Skills such as drying, juicing, canning, freezing. Optional education in Alternative Healing Skills and Nature based Spirituality.  Check the internet on Amigo Bob Cantisano and Kalita Todd to learn more about us.

We live and grow on a gorgeous 11 acres on the San Juan Ridge, between the Middle and South Forks of the Yuba River at 2500' in the northern Sierra Nevada, 30 minutes from Nevada City and Grass Valley. Our farm is a mixture of productive fields, orchards, pines, oaks, madrone, cedar and fir forest, with a seasonal creek and four distinct seasons. We live and participate in an interesting, diverse community with a very active rural cultural scene.

We offer a supportive environment for growth, community living, education and fun.
You will learn a lot and have a good time living and working on an organic mini farm.

You will get housing and board, continuing education and a small stipend.  There is an opportunity to earn a generous bonus at season's end.

What we need from you: A strong interest in agriculture and homesteading, love of nature, good work ethic, great attitude, flexibility, community cooperation, and a good sense of humor.  We need your commitment for the entire growing season, March through November. Sorry we are not able to accommodate short term apprentices. Please inquire for more information or an application

 

Heaven & Earth Farm
Amigo Bob and Kalita Todd Cantisano
P.O. Box 942
No. San Juan CA  95960
530-292-3619
530-292-3688 Fax
orgamigo@jps.net

 

 

 

September 5, 2005

 

Tropical Organic Reforestation/Farming/Intentional Living Internship Opportunity

 

This internship opportunity is for students of sustainable ag., restoration ecology, permaculture, alternative living and related fields of study.

 

Mature, motivated, hard-workers/learners only, please!

"Ola Honua" translates as " life-giving earth". The Ola Honua Reforestation Project is a place, a project, and a community. The place is 180 acres of pasture and scrubland in the remote Kipahulu Valley on

the windward side of Maui. The project is the planting of this land with a diversity of fruit trees, tropical hardwoods, native trees, clumping bamboos, and many other useful plants, using strict organic methods. The community is a small group of knowledgeable and devoted people living and working on the land, committed to greening the earth and working towards sustainability from the ground up.

 

We run our farm equipment on Biodiesel, depend on the sun for our electricity and hot water, and grow much of our own food. We govern ourselves by consensus of members and are continually trying to

better our relationships with each other and the Earth. 

 

We invite you to come and help us in our project: to plant trees, to farm with us, to learn from and with us and share your knowledge, to work hard and enjoy the abundance we are creating.

 

We are offering a 6-month internship for really mature hard-working students, preferably with some agriculture/farm experience. This work-study internship will give a wide range of practical understanding and work experience in organic tropical farming, agroforestry, bamboo

cultivation, native forest restoration, alternative energy, alternative community development, and much more. We will have three positions opening in January of '06. Other openings will be in March of '06 at the very earliest.

 

Work requirements are 35 hours a week, with full food use from 2+ acre orchards and elsewhere in the village (papayas, bananas, avocados, breadfruit, wild mangos, pineapples, and so many interesting and exotic

fruits... many are seasonal) and garden food including staple crops (sweet potatoes, taro, corn) and most of the familiar veggies. Interns will participate in growing an abundance of food, and are encouraged to eat what they grow as much as possible. If you want to try to eat 100% from the land you're living on, this is a great place to do it. Nonetheless, interns will receive redeemable $150/month credit at a local natural food store (2 1/2 hours away). Interns will live in a shared intern yurt and use the community kitchen yurt and community bathhouse.

 

The INTERNSHIP FEE for the 6-month program is $2,500, payable one month in advance, which includes everything mentioned above : housing, laundry, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, $150/month food credit. Your 15 hours/week for Neaulani (reforestation) is a real job and you will receive minimum wage for your work time. (It actually works out that you can earn back most of the cost of the program if you save all the money you make! How's that!)

We would prefer (though not require) that interns do this program as part of a formal internship or independent study through their university, rather than coming as non-students.

 

Applications are now being accepted, though our space is limited so apply as early as possible. We'll try to inform you of your acceptance 3-4 months ahead of time if possible.

 

To apply or to learn more about this internship opportunity, please contact Seth at rasabes@yahoo.com

 

August 10, 2005

 

Naturalist Internship - Sierra Outdoor School

Operated by Clovis Unified School District

Description: Teach 4th-6th grade students science and team building concepts in an outdoor setting at 4100’ in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lead 7th-12th grade students in outdoor adventure activities. Academic year position involves leading small and large groups in Night Program activities. No overnight supervision of students required. On going, paid training in classes, natural history, interpretation, group management and career counseling. Option to learn how to care for, handle and teach about non-releasable raptors at our Raptor Center. Become part of a staff that is committed to providing quality outdoor education and training future educators. Willing to work with college advisors to arrange credit.

 

Qualifications: College degree (or upper-division work) in the fields of science, natural history, education, outdoor recreation or related fields. Previous experience working with children beneficial. First aid and CPR required, provided if necessary, Musical or performance experience, WFA/WFR. Class B Drivers License, and Lifeguard Certification preferred.

Salary: $56/day

Benefits: Room, board (when school in session), health care fund, Worker’s Comp, paid conference and paid visit to other environmental education program(s).

Housing: fulltime

Board: during program

Medical: healthcare fund

Deadline: Open until filled for 2005-2006 academic year

Available: 8/16/05- 6/16/06

Procedure: Application, letter of interest, resume, 3 references, and interview. Application available online: http://www.clovisusd.k12.ca.us/employment/CUSDapp.pdf

Contact Name: Traci Fesko - Program Coordinator

Contact Address: 15700 Old Oak Ranch Rd, Sonora, CA 95370

Contact Telephone: 209-532-3691

Contact Fax: 209-532-4196

Contact E-mail: TraciFesko@cusd.com

Contact Website: www.clovisusd.k12.ca.us/rlc

 

 

May 4, 2005

Internships are still available at Tillers International for 2005.

 

Tillers International is a non-profit organization In southern Michigan that

operates an educational farm with draft animal power.  Our mission is to

preserve, study, and exchange low-capital technologies that increase the

sustainability and productivity of people in rural communities.

 

Interns at Tillers experience work in sustainable agriculture, rural

development, historical interpretation, hands on education and operation of

a non-profit organization.  On a daily basis interns participate in the

farming activities of the season and receive practical training in a range

of skills relating to small-scale farming with draft animals.  Interns also

participate and assist in classes offered at Tillers on diverse topics

including draft animal power, blacksmithing, woodworking and timber frame

construction.

 

Interns are encouraged to develop individual projects related to sustainable

agriculture and animal-powered farming.  Some interns receive university

credit for their work.  We are pleased to assist in meeting the requirements

of professors.  We welcome your calls to explore arrangements.

 

TERMS AND SUPPORT

 

The focus of the internship program is on the growing season of March to

November.  We prefer applicants who are available for the entire period and

thus can build on the progression of farm activities.  However, we also

consider anyone available for at least 12 weeks.

 

Interns must be able to communicate ideas, to work without close

supervision, and to cooperate with co-workers.  Interns are expected to work

45-50 hours per week with flexibility for week-end activities and seasonal

farm activities.  Due to the farm work required, interns should be able to

lift 50 pounds repeatedly without problem and be in adequate physical

condition to work long days in the fields.  While much of the work is

physical, it is generally fun.

 

Paid interns receive $85 per week for an initial period of six weeks. 

Following a performance review, compensation may be increased up to $125 per

week depending on abilities and international experience.

 

On-farm rooms with shared facilities are available for $35 per week. Rooms

may need to be shared at times. Food is not provided, though garden produce

and eggs may be available in season.

 

To learn mor about internships at Tillers, visit our website at

 

http://www.wmich.edu/tillers/about/intern.html

 

TO APPLY

 

Please send (1) a letter of application that describes your skills and how

Tillers might contribute to your future plans, (2) a resume and (3) two

references with addresses and phone numbers.  If at all possible, we

appreciate interviewing applicants by telephone or in person. Always feel

free to call for information.

 

Applicants for paid internships must be US citizens or have visa status

authorizing work for pay, such as "practical training" related to a student

visa.

 

PLEASE SEND APPLICATIONS TO:

 

Larry Dyer, Farm Training Coordinator, or

Richard Roosenberg, Director

Tillers International

10515 East OPAve Scotts, Michigan 49088  USA

Telephone: 269/626-0223

FAX: 269/626-0225

e-mail: TillersOx@aol.com

www.wmich.edu/tillers/

 

April 19, 2005

 

Summer 2005 Internship Opportunity

Marketing Cooperative Field Coordinator

 

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

 

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (NESFP) assists immigrants with agricultural experience to apply their skills in their new environment and begin commercial farming.  The project supports 50 farmers of Southeast Asian (Hmong and Cambodian) and African origin, on farmsites in Dracut, Lancaster, Leominster, and Sutton, MA.  The NESFP provides services such as locating farmland, education, training, farm enterprise development, and production and marketing assistance.  The project strives to provide opportunities for economically disadvantaged farmers, preserve farmland, and promote New England agriculture. See our website (www.nesfp.org) for more information.

 

This internship will provide “hands-on” experience in direct marketing and cooperative management.  The primary responsibility of the coop field coordinator will be to assist the NESFP Cooperative in its first year of sales to Boston area Farmers’ Markets and through a small CSA (community supported agriculture).

 

 Activities and responsibilities include

A. Assist in set up and operations NESFP cooperative:

Assist Coop Manager with continuing training and education workshops on cooperatives;

Work with coop steering committee to make decisions concerning coop operations;

Continue NESFP market research to identify preferred marketing opportunities;

Assist coop members to continually develop business plan for the NESFP coop reflecting the scale of production, markets, products, and farmers’ capacities

Help to set up and manage a centralized farm-based product aggregation facility / center - site layout; facilities for cleaning, preparation, packaging, cooling and storage, and vehicle loading.

B.  Assist with marketing activities of NESFP cooperative:

Coordinate deliveries of NESFP produce from farmers to central cooling facility

Represent NESFP Coop at weekly farmers’ market on Tuesdays in Lexington, MA (sales, pub. relations)

Assist with coordination of produce, packaging, and deliveries to NESFP CSA members

Promote the NESFP coop initiative and product sales to promote visibility, expand demand for specialty ethnic crops, and increase overall sales

C.  Assist with record-keeping needs of NESFP cooperative:

Manage sales records and produce distributed through NESFP Coop (for Farmers’ Markets and CSA)

Assist in coordination of billing, farmer payments, bank accounts, tax information

Provide timely reports and other required information as requested

 

We are looking for a self-directed individual who wants to gain a variety of experience. Some cross-cultural diversity training, experience working with immigrants and non-native English speakers, and agriculture / marketing knowledge is preferred. Access to private transportation required. The schedule is flexible (some evenings, weekends). Start date is mid-June through September (minimum 12 week commitment). This is a paid position - $13 -15 / hr (depending on experience), approximately 25-30 hrs/wk.  Intern will primarily be working at farm sites in the Lowell / Fitchburg / Worcester areas, with markets in greater Boston area and occasional visits to NESFP offices in Chinatown or Lowell.

 

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Hashley at jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu, or Hugh Joseph hjoseph@tufts.edu.  For questions, contact 617-636-3793. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  May 6 or until filled.

 

Summer 2005 Internship Opportunity

Vermiculture Project Coordinator

 

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

 

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (NESFP) assists immigrants with agricultural experience to apply their skills in their new environment and establish themselves as commercial farmers.  Currently the project supports 50 farmers of Southeast Asian (Hmong and Khmer), Latin American, and African origin, on farm sites in Lowell, Dracut, Fitchburg, Lancaster/Bolton, and Sutton.  The NESFP provides services such as locating farmland, education, training, business/enterprise development, and production and marketing assistance. The project strives to provide opportunities for economically disadvantaged farmers, preserve farmland, and promote New England agriculture. See our website (www.nesfp.org) for more information.

 

This internship will provide “hands-on” experience in the development of a vermiculture enterprise. We are hiring a part time farm-based position, working at the Bolton Flats Farm Site in Bolton, MA. The primary responsibility of the vermiculture project coordinator will be to establish a vermicomposting enterprise, including reviving the worm depository and developing marketing plan for vermicomposting products.

 

Activities and responsibilities include: 

Establishing a vermicomposting enterprise for the NESFP

Attend vermicomposting training with Will Allen from Growing Power!

Revive the worm depository at the Bolton Flats Farm Site

Evaluate local markets for potential to sell worms, worm castings, and fertilizer teas

Coordinate vermicomposting trainings, work events, and tours

 

Assist farmers at training farm sites in Bolton to establish vermicomposting crop production:

Find sources for raw materials of vermicomposting beds

Build vermicomposting beds in early spring and through out the growing season

Plant crops in vermicomposting beds and evaluate crop production

Prepare and post vermicomposting information and training materials on bulletin boards

 

Participate in meetings and produce reports

Coordinate farmer attendance at on-farm vermiculture training workshops

Complete biweekly report on activities; document details of interactions with farmers

Attend NESFP staff meetings and other meetings as scheduled

 

We are looking for a self-directed individual who wants to engage in the local immigrant farming community. Some cross-cultural diversity training, experience working with immigrants and non-native English speakers, and agriculture knowledge is preferred. Access to private transportation is required. The schedule is flexible (some evenings, weekends). Start date is early April and continuing through August (minimum 16 week commitment). This is a paid position.  Intern will primarily be working at farm site in Bolton, with occasional office visits to Tufts Friedman School in Chinatown or Community Teamwork, Inc. in Lowell. For more information please contact Jennifer Hashley jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu; tel. 617-636-3793 / or Hugh Joseph at hugh.joseph@tufts.edu, tel. 617-636-3788.

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 29, 2005 or until filled

 

Summer 2005 Internship Opportunity

Field Technician:  Record-Keeping and Crop Yields

 

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

 

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (NESFP) assists immigrants with agricultural experience to apply their skills in their new environment and establish themselves as commercial farmers.  Currently the project supports 50 farmers of Southeast Asian (Hmong and Khmer) and African origin, on farmsites in Dracut, Lancaster, Leominster, and Sutton, Massachusetts.  The NESFP provides services such as locating farmland, education, training, business/enterprise development, and production and marketing assistance.  The project strives to provide opportunities for economically disadvantaged farmers, preserve farmland, and promote New England agriculture.  See our website (www.nesfp.org) for more information.

 

This internship will provide “hands-on” experience in all aspects of agricultural enterprise development and non-profit programming.  The primary responsibility of the field technician will be to assist farmers with agricultural record-keeping (crop yield and harvest records) and other crop production issues at farm sites in Dracut, MA (Smith Farm and White Gate Farm, approximately 1 mile apart) and in Bolton and Sutton, MA.  All communities are approximately 45 minutes from Boston.  Determining yields on ethnic crops grown by immigrant farmers is challenging and interesting because so little data exist for comparison. Activities and responsibilities include: 

 

Work with farmers at training farm sites in Dracut and Bolton, MA to:

Assist growers to maintain production and sales records (planting dates, crop variety, irrigation scheduling, pest management, harvest dates, yield data, and sales records)

Measure farmer plots and crop acreage; complete FSA crop acreage reports

Assist in communication of crop pest occurrences to UMass Extension educators

Monitor pest management activities in accordance with NESFP policy

Communicate farmer needs to NESFP staff

Assist farm site manager with community development activities

Attend monthly farmer committee meetings

Assist with coordination of farm site events and tours

Prepare and post information and training materials on farm site bulletin boards

Participate in farm-based workshops and produce reports

Coordinate farmer attendance at on-farm training workshops and field trips/site visits

Complete biweekly report on activities; document details of interactions with farmers

 

We are looking for a self-directed individual who wants to gain a variety of experience. Some cross-cultural diversity training, experience working with immigrants and non-native English speakers, and agriculture knowledge is preferred. Access to private transportation required. The schedule is flexible (some evenings, weekends). Start date is end of May and continuing through September (minimum 12 week commitment). This is a paid position - $13 -15 / hr (depending on experience), approximately 20 hrs/wk.  Intern will primarily be working at farm sites, with occasional office visits to Tufts Friedman School in Chinatown or Community Teamwork, Inc. in Lowell.

 

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Hashley or Hugh Joseph at jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu, hugh.joseph@tufts.edu.  For questions contact 617-636-3793.  DEADLINE TO APPLY:  May 6th or until filled.

 

 

April 6, 2005

Moon in the Pond Organic Farm, Sheffield, MA

APPRENTICESHIPS AND LEARNING-WORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Apprenticeship

There are two openings for apprentice/interns during the ‘summer’ season beginning March/April/May and running through October. Generally one is a garden apprentice and the other is animal apprentice although neither is exclusively one or the other and all around work is required of both (and especially if one of the positions is not currently filled.) Both of these require more than full-time work by an individual who is prepared to take responsibility and is committed to learning, full-on, how a farm works by working a farm. These positions are about learning to work a multifaceted, beautiful, dynamic farming operation: from explaining the value of heritage breeds to school tours to gutting chickens, from arranging bouquets of flowers for the farmers’ market to shoveling manure out of the barn, from changing the oil in the 1956 Massey -Fergusen tractor to uploading to the web the monthly PDF file for meat availability. It’s how it works. With a one-on-one relationship with Farmer Dom you learn about the mechanics, philosophy, psychology, ethics, and economics, science, art and luck of small scale, varied, organic farming. You will explore the myriad ways that a farm is a microcosm of life on the planet and the school of unlimited classrooms and infinite colleges.

The ad below appears in NEWOOF (Northeast Workers on Organic Farms) and ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas), two farm apprenticeship clearinghouses.

Please take note of the requirements for application:

1) Letter of intent. Why you want this type of experience, what you hope to learn, and what you can offer. Be specific.
2) Resume. Include all basic personal information. Use dates and names.
3) References. Provide addresses and phone numbers.
4) Proposed dates for interview visit and internship.

 

See… http://www.mooninthepond.com/programs.html  for details.

 

Contact; 413-229-3092 or dom@mooninthepond.com

 

 

March 20, 2005

 

Gorman Heritage Farm,

Metro-Cincinnati, OH

 

Position: Education & Sustainable Agriculture Interns (4)

Contact: Kate LaBare, Education Manager & Camp Director

(513) 563-6663 ext. 103
 klabare@gormanheritagefarm.org

 

Internship Description:

Gorman Heritage Farm is seeking four (4) paid summer interns to join our creative, experienced, and dedicated staff for summer 2005.  Interns will gain valuable experience with many aspects of environmental education and farming.  Interns’ primary responsibility is to lead sessions of the summer camp program.  Interns will gain experience with campers from a variety of backgrounds and ages (4-12 years).  Camps focus on farm chores, hands-on ecology exploration, and natural art projects.

Interns will also learn about and participate in the farming operations and animal care aspects of the farm.  On non-camp weeks, interns will work closely with the farmers and volunteers to grow, harvest, and market our organically-grown produce.

There will be opportunities to share one’s own skills and experiences with campers, volunteers, and staff.

 

There will also be opportunities to plug into other things happening on the farm:

Interns will have the option to design a family evening program, “Sunset Strolls” around their own interests

Interns will be invited to participate in implementing the new summer fundraising event, “Summer’s Bounty”, when several local chefs will prepare a meal using primarily ingredients from the farm fields and animals

Interns receive 1 full week of paid training and teambuilding.


Qualifications:

Passion for the natural world and working with children

Flexibility and creativity

Special skills and experience such as weaving, spinning, playing musical instruments a plus

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.  Related college experience preferred

 

Location: Evendale, OH (just North of Cincinnati city-limits)
Duration: June 13- August 19, 2005
Start Date: June 13, 2005
Hours: 40 hrs. per week, including some weekends.
Compensation: $2500 stipend (plus fresh produce, off-site housing can be arranged)


Application Procedure:
Send cover letter with related experience and special skills, resume, and three references to:

Kate LaBare, Education Manager

Gorman Heritage Farm
3035 Gorman Heritage Farm

Cincinnati, OH 45241

 

Or email to: klabare@gormanheritagefarm.org

Please call (513)563-6663 ext 103 or email with questions.
Deadline: Ongoing, until positions are filled.

 

 

March 1, 2005

 

Volunteering in the Field with Sustainable Harvest International

 

Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) welcomes the support of many volunteers and interns each year.  Most volunteers visit a host country and work with our extensionists on one or more existing projects.  Generally volunteers stay between one week and one month.  In some cases volunteers may stay six weeks or more, depending on the project.  SHI also supports students interested in receiving course credit for their work with us.  Please indicate this on your application.

 

How to apply: To apply for a volunteer placement with SHI read information below and send your completed application (typed on a computer) along with your resume at least 2 months prior to your expected travel date.  Applications should be sent to Program Director, Jon Hurst.  He can be emailed at jon@sustainableharvest.org

 

Email is the best way to communicate with us.  If, for any reason, you are unable to communicate by email please contact our office in Maine.  We will be in touch with you once we have received your application.  Thank you for your interest!

 

http://www.sustainableharvest.org/other_volunteer_opportunities.cfm

 

 

February 24, 2005

ORGANIC FARM INTERNSHIP:

 

SPEND THE SUMMER IN MONTANA, GROW HEALTHY FOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY AND EARN CREDIT

 

ATTENTION:  Students concerned with natural resource use, biology, sustainable agriculture, food security, community development, or restoration ecology may be interested in this unique hands-on opportunity!

 

Want to learn on a working farm in the rocky mountain west?

Want to challenge your mind and get your hands dirty?

Spend the summer at the University of Montana's PEAS farm in Missoula, Montana

 

PEAS is the Program in Ecological Agriculture and Society, and is offered by the Environmental Studies Program. On a 6 acre, organic farm nestled in the beautiful Rattlesnake Valley, students at the PEAS farm blend hands-on-work, academics and service.  PEAS students grow food for an 80 member CSA (community supported agriculture) and supply local emergency food shelters with tens-of-thousands of pounds of produce annually. 

 

This integrated approach to learning ecologically-based agriculture creates a powerful experience for students and a valuable asset for the community.   To get involved and experience it for yourself, check out:

 

http://www.umt.edu/evst/students_undergrad_emphasis_sff.htm#peas

 

Registration for UM summer school is found at:  http://www.umt.edu/ce/summer/

 

See Course Descriptions, Special Programs, click on PEAS.

 

Please call Josh Slotnick with questions 406-239-6993, or write to him: peas@archerserve.com

 

---------------

 

 

February 13, 2005

HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE FARM CENTER

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP

 SUMMER 2005

 

Positions available: 2-3

Starting date: May 24, 2004

Ending date: September 3, 2004

Stipend: $560 Bi-weekly

The Hampshire College Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) internship program provides a hands-on working/learning experience designed for college students interested in sustainable agriculture.

Interns will work alongside the CSA Manager to carry out the daily operations of organic vegetable production on the Hampshire College Farm. Normal working hours are Monday-Friday 7am-4pm with a one hour lunch break. Some weekend hours will be required.

Responsibilities include:

greenhouse seeding and watering

field preparation

transplanting and direct seeding

weed control including tractor cultivation and hand hoeing

organic pest control

planting and managing cover crops

assisting Hampshire College professors with on-farm research

Throughout the summer, interns will be given written learning materials including information on soil health, plant fertility, weed, disease and insect ecology as well as specific crop rotation plans, seed orders, planting schedules and cover crop plans. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct their own on-farm research projects if they wish.

The Hampshire College CSA is looking for interns with a strong commitment to learning about sustainable agriculture.  Farm work is often strenuous labor that requires physically challenging tasks. It is important for interns to feel physically capable and willing to work hard in all types of weather. When interns are introduced to new tasks they will receive appropriate training. Benefits include occasional trips to other local farms and farm conferences including the NOFA summer conference; some veggies, flowers and herbs; and a one week vacation which must be scheduled with the CSA Manager during the first week of work.

For more information or an application contact:

Nancy Hanson at 559-5599 or nhanson@hampshire.edu

Application deadline: March 11, 2005

 

 

January 26, 2005

Pumpkin Brook Organic Gardening Inc. seeks new crew members to join our community of committed organic land care professionals in late March/early April through November.  Established clientele in Concord-Lexington, Mass. area.  You provide your own reliable transportation.  A station wagon or small truck is a plus.

 

We provide skilled maintenance services--planting, transplanting, pruning and fertilizing--using organic materials and methods per the NOFA Organic Land Care Standards.  This is a great opportunity to work with plants growing at various properties and observe changes through the seasons.

 

Full or part-time positions available.  Workday is 9:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.  Optional seasonal overtime and Saturday work available.  Previous horticultural experience and good common sense required.  Love of plants essential.

 

Pay scale is $12-16 per hour, depending on experience.

Contact Priscilla Williams, President, at 978-597-3005 and e-mail a resume to phw@seedlingspecialist.com for consideration.

 

 

 

Colchester Farm - Internship

 

2005 Growing Season

 

Colchester Farm is a 340-acre farm located on the Sassafras River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. We grow organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and free-range chickens. Much of the produce goes to a 75-family CSA that distributes in the Upper Eastern Shore region.  2005 will be the third year of operation for this segment of the farm, which has considerably expanded over the past few years.

 

Intern positions will begin in April and end in October, with the possibility of extending through the winter.  Tasks will be focused around harvesting produce but will also include planting, transplant production, irrigation projects, crop maintenance, chicken care, and direct marketing through farmers markets, and the CSA.

 

Individuals enthusiastic about sustainable agriculture will be the best candidates. Colchester Farm is in the process of transitioning into sustainable/organic farming practices and diversifying its markets. We also hope to soon establish educational and research components at the farm.

 

Qualifications

Intern:  No experience required, but the best candidates will have an interest in sustainable agriculture.

 

Compensation

Competitive weekly stipend based on experience.

Free housing and vegetables.

 

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to:

CSA Manager

Colchester Farm

PO Box 162

Georgetown, MD 21930

Or email to colchesterfarm@friend.ly.net

 

AmeriCorps VISTA Position Available

 

Youth Program Coordinator for the Youth Horticulture Project

University of Vermont Extension- Southern Region

 

Who we are:  The Youth Horticulture Project (YHP) is a program of the

University of Vermont Extension that helps at-risk youth experience

success while they develop job and life skills through the growing,

harvesting and marketing of vegetable crops. Programs include a

farm-based job training program for teenagers, a mentoring program where

teens lead elementary youth in garden and nutrition workshops, and a

variety of school partnerships. As a team the youth grow vegetables,

sell them at farmers' markets and provide them for donation to local

food shelves and homeless shelters. Participants also engage in

workshops aimed at teaching them a variety of social skills in addition

to agricultural concepts. Participants develop critical life skills of

communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving

through practical, hands-on agricultural and entrepreneurial

experiences. All programs take place at UVM Extensions 2 acre

educational farm in Brattleboro and at community sites in Windham and

Bennington Counties.

 

Responsibilities: Lead young people in their work on the farm and in the

community. Take part in educating youth from diverse backgrounds on the

importance of a healthy, local agriculture as well as engaging them

directly in an experience of enterprise and community service.

Responsibilities will mainly include:

 

=D8       Recruitment of youth into the program

=D8       Volunteer recruitment and training development

=D8       Organize volunteers and interns to lead on-site youth programs

=D8       Revise and strengthen program and materials to educate youth on food and farming issues, job readiness and personal development

=D8       Assist with aspects of program implementation

=D8       Revise and development volunteer recruitment and training manuals

=D8       Help set up the educational farm site for sustainability of programs

=D8       Assist with fundraising and promotion

=D8       Help build program database

 

Qualifications:

 

=D8       Experience with working with youth from diverse backgrounds

=D8       Experience with or interest in production techniques of organic agriculture

=D8       Ability to work as part of a team and individually, a self-starter

=D8       Strong interpersonal skills

=D8       Knowledge of electronic technology desirable

=D8       Ideal position for individual seeking experience with program development

 

Beginning Date: As soon as position is filled.

 

In exchange for their year of full-time service, VISTA members receive

extensive professional development training, a living allowance and an

educational award that can be used to finance higher education or help

pay off student loans. Benefits with this position also include access

to organic produce from the farm. All are welcome to apply, minimum age is 18.

              

Application: Send letter of interest, resume and names of two references

to: Sara Coblyn, UVM Extension, 11 University Way #4, Brattleboro, VT

05301-3669 or email to sara.coblyn@uvm.edu  An additional application to

AmeriCorps will also need to be completed. This position will be based

in Brattleboro but may require some travel to Bennington. This is not a

university position and does not come with university benefits.

 

Sara Coblyn

Youth Horticulture Coordinator

University of Vermont Extension

11 University Way, Ste. 4

Brattleboro, VT 05301

802-257-7967 (phone)

802-257-0112 (fax)

sara.coblyn@uvm.edu

 

 

Glynwood Center is Offering a Great Opportunity

To Get Hands On Experience in the Field Of

Organic Gardening & Marketing

this Spring and Summer 2005

 

Glynwood Center is a non-profit organization located an hour north of Manhattan, nestled in 250 acres of woods and farmland.  Visit the website at

www.glynwood.org

 

There are three internship positions available.  Onsite living accommodations will be provided in one of the cottages, plus a $500.00/month stipend.  There will also be some produce and eggs available per week- whatever is available.

 

Duties include planting, seed sowing, preparing seed beds, weeding, harvesting, staking, organic fertilizing and pest control, watering, pruning, mulching, produce/floral processing, and perennial dividing.

 

So, if you would like to gain experience in organic gardening and preparing fresh produce and flowers for market, plus receive landscaping experience, send your resume and cover letter explaining how the internship will fit into your education and career plans to:

 

Head Gardener

Nicole Mora

PO Box 157

Cold Spring NY, 10516

 

Or email to: nmora@glynwood.org

 

Expect to be physically engaged in outdoor work Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm.  There will be a weekly one hour seminar given by the Director of Operations.  The position starts as early in May as possible and ends at the end of August.  The stipend will be prorated.  Please respond by February 15, 2005.  Interviews will begin in March and decisions will be announced by mid March.  Decisions will be based upon the individual’s intention to learn and gain experience in the practices of the field and on demonstrated dedication and discipline in previous endeavors.

 

 

 

Seeds of Solidarity Farm Apprenticeship

 

May 1- September 30th - 2005

 

Do you want to spend a season immersed in the growing and marketing of salad mix, specialty greens, flowers and garlic?  Do you want to live and breathe farming? Apprentices work four long, physically demanding days per week for five months.  Our farming philosophy emphasizes soil building and worm production through permanent no-till raised beds in which high quality vegetables are grown intensively for restaurants and food co-ops.  We use solar greenhouses to extend the growing season, solar electricity to power our farm and buildings, and biodiesel (vegetable based fuel) to fuel our vehicles. 

 

Apprentices work Mon, Tues, Weds, and Friday.  On non-farming days apprentices pursue other interests or may choose to take part in programs of Seeds of Solidarity Education Center, our non-profit wing, including SOL(Seeds of Leadership) Garden- a program for local teens, and the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival which we organize with our neighbors.

 

Farm apprentices live on-site and receive a monthly stipend, vegetables, education and inspiration.  Please check out our website, then email or call to receive an application.

 

Seeds of Solidarity Farm

Ricky Baruc and Deb Habib

165 Chestnut Hill Road

Orange, MA   01364

 

(978) 544-7564

solidarity@seedsofsolidarity.org

www.seedsofsolidarity.org

 

January 1, 2005

APPRENTICESHIP  OPPORTUNITIES  AT HEAVEN  &  EARTH  FARM

 

Amigo and Kalita Todd Cantisano

No. San Juan, Nevada County, California

 

March through  November  2005

 

Educational opportunities: Organic Plant Propagation, Nursery Work, Greenhouse Production, Vegetable, Flower and Herb Market Gardening, Berry and Grape Production, Orcharding, Direct Marketing, Composting, Seed Production, Heritage Plant Exploration and Propagation, Homesteading Skills, Small Equipment Management, Ornamental Management, Community Living, Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw Food Preparation (and consumption!), Food Preserving Skills such as drying, juicing, canning, freezing. Optional education in Alternative Healing Skills and Nature based Spirituality.  Check the internet on Amigo Bob Cantisano and Kalita Todd to learn more about us.

 

We live and grow on a gorgeous 11 acres on the San Juan Ridge, between the Middle and South Forks of the Yuba River at 2500' in the northern Sierra Nevada, 30 minutes from Nevada City and Grass Valley.  Our farm is a mixture of productive fields, orchards, pines, oaks, madrone, cedar and fir forest, with a seasonal creek and four distinct seasons. We live and participate in an interesting, diverse community with a very active rural cultural scene.

 

We offer a supportive environment for growth, community living, education and fun. You will learn a lot and have a good time living and working on an organic mini farm.

 

You will get housing and board, continuing education and a small stipend.  There is an opportunity to earn a generous bonus at season's end.

 

What we need from you: A strong interest in agriculture and homesteading, love of nature, good work ethic, great attitude, flexibility, community cooperation, and a good sense of humor.  We need your commitment for the entire growing season, March through November. Sorry we are not able to accommodate short term apprentices.

 

Heaven & Earth Farm

Amigo Bob and Kalita Todd Cantisano

P.O. Box 942

No. San Juan CA  95960

530-292-3619

530-292-3688 Fax

orgamigo@jps.net

 

 

Ecological Projects Manager

 

WHO: Planet Drum Foundation

 

WHAT: Field Projects Manager - rural and urban ecological projects<BR>

 

WHEN: February/March (training month) 2005-January 2006

 

WHERE: Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador (coast)

 

WHY: Urban sustainability activities to create ecological city

 

HOW: Revegetation of & wild park and hillsides, recycling activities, renewable energy production and use, environmental education, ecological planning

 

REQUIREMENTS: Post-college environmental working experience, English-Spanish fluency, ability to work with residents and direct volunteers, capability to manage and share office/apartment with volunteers, one-year minimum commitment (please do not apply without all of these

 

COMPENSATION: $150-200/month (depending on degree of experience), private room in comfortable large apartment with kitchen and bath facilities, emergency health costs, internet and local transportation expenses, salary increases after six months and one year

 

BENEFITS: Bahia de Caraquez has an Eco-City bylaw and a bioregional  Ecological Plan which provides for a unique and valuable working experience, Planet Drum Foundation is highly regarded by city officials and residents, innovation and creativity about existing and new projects are encouraged, wide-ranging wilderness and social recreation opportunities.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

1) See web site at http://www.planetdrum.org for extensive Eco-Ecuador narratives describing history of projects,2) E-mail description of how you fit into the job, why you want it, and what you hope to achieve to planetdrum@igc.org, 3) E-mail resume featuring information pertinent to requirements DEADLINE: January 1, 2005

Apprentice at the Sirius Community, Shutesbury MA

Organic Gardening, Natural Building, and Retreat Center Cooking and Cleaning

 

Sirius Community

72 Baker Rd.

Shutesbury, MA 01072

413-259-1251

www.siriuscommunity.org

Sirius is a spiritual intentional community, an eco-village, and an educational non-profit located in Shutesbury, MA

Spend 35 hours a week learning about organic gardening, natural building, and retreat center operations by working hands on and intergrading into our spiritual community.

Being an introduction to eco-village and spiritual community education, the apprenticeship program has been life changing, fun and deeply beneficial. [At Sirius], my body grew stronger, my heart grew more open, my soul set itself free! –Former Apprentice

Apprenticeships are a 2 month minimum commitment.  The cost is $350 a month which includes organic vegetarian meals, a room, and educational expenses.  There are need-based scholarships available, please inquire in application. 

For more information