Sustainability Internships

Sustainability Internships & Apprenticships – Spring & Summer 2010

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 2009 go here, and earlier years are linked at the bottom of this page. Many of these opportunities are available each year, so it is worth checking previous years.

If you search the web for internships and either environment, sustainability or other related words, you will find several web lists and search engines that may also help. Here are a few other lists to review:

Sustainable Food List

The Food Project list

ATTRA list

NOFA list

Internships in Canada

Suggestions on Gaining Green Experience

And for an excellent year long apprenticeship program, check out The Farm School (contact me to learn how to get academic credit for this program).

Finally, WWOOF-USA is part of a world-wide effort to link volunteers with organic farmers, promote an educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming practices. I have sponsored students to gain academic credit while “woofing”. To learn more visit their website at: http://www.wwoofusa.org

For volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts, check: MassVolunteer

For a list of sustainability jobs, here..

January 29, 2010

Indian Ridge Farm (Colorado) - internships

The folks who run this farm are from Western Massachusetts

and amazing people.  Check it out here:

http://indianridgefarm.org/internships/

Gibbet Hill Farm is hiring two interns for the 2010 growing season.

Gibbet Hill Farm is a small-scale organic vegetable farm located in Groton, MA. It is unique in that it is part of a larger restaurant group, and exists solely to provide those businesses with produce. The group consists of the Gibbet Hill Grill and the Barn at Gibbet Hill, both located adjacent to the farm, as well as the Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, and Fireside Catering in Burlington. So in addition to the ubiquitous challenges of vegetable farming, interns will be exposed to the intersection of farming and restaurants, and help work through the inevitable challenges that arise from that. This is a unique chance to work side-by-side with folks that are leading the growing 'Farm to Fork' movement in Massachusetts.

In this our second season, we will also be starting a 50-member CSA to serve our local area.

We are looking for two interns, one for the whole season and one for the summer months. Both positions will require hard work and good attitudes. Farm work is physically and emotionally demanding and requires stamina, creativity, flexibility, and a great sense of humor. Interns will work outside in all weather conditions and for long hours which will vary depending on the season, but will average 40-60 hours/week. Must be able to lift 50lbs. and not be afraid to get dirty. Experience is strongly preferred, but training for the right candidate will be considered. Relevant experience includes: tractor and machinery operation, planting and harvesting, CSA experience. Must have burning desire to learn about small-scale organic farming practices as well as interest in local food movement, and be an upbeat, hard-working person with ability to see the bright side in any situation.

Whole season intern: April 15 -October 31. $350/week plus option of housing in 1BR apartment on farm/restaurant grounds for $100/week.

Summer Intern: June-August $300/week, plus housing option only if whole season intern does not take it Both positions will include one meal per work day (pre-opening family meal with staff at Gibbet Hill Grill), membership in local CRAFT group, and plenty of produce from the farm.

Please send resume and letter of intent to:

Kate Rowe, Farm Manager

farm@gibbethill.com <mailto:farm@gibbethill.com>

If you have any questions, please call Kate at 978.413.6546

January 9, 2010

White Gate Farm seeks 2010 Farm Interns

White Gate Farm is a diverse certified organic farm in East Lyme, Connecticut. We are looking for interns for the 2010 season from May 1^st through October 1^st. White Gate Farm is located on a picturesque 100-acre property, previously a dairy farm, on Pattagansett Lake. We farm 3 acres of the property and are looking into ways of expanding. We sell our produce at a bi-weekly farmstand right here on the farm as well as to many local restaurants and food distributors. Customers who come to the farm to buy our produce have come to cherish the farm as a welcoming place to bring children, gaze at our animals, stroll along the stone walls and generally enjoy the wholesome atmosphere.

We seek diligent hard working interns with a sincere interest in sustainable agriculture. Interns will join the farm staff in many daily activities including: seeding, thinning, planting, weeding, pest control, harvesting, and retail. Interns will work in the fields as well as in the greenhouses. A tolerance of exposure to all kinds of weather is an advantage. Living quarters with a full kitchen will be provided as well as a small stipend. Experience is welcome but not required. Spanish language skills are a plus.

Please contact : whitegatefarm.ct@gmail.com for more information on how to apply.

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Millstone Farm in Wilton, CT seeks Interns.

For more information go to:

http://sustainablefoodjobs.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/millstone-farm-seeks-2010-university-based-interns/#more-544

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January 4, 2010

Mighty Food Farm seeks to fill Six Positions

Location: Pownal, Vermont

Mighty Food Farm is a diversified organic farm producing fruits, vegetables, and eggs on 25 certified acres. The farm also produces its own hay and straw on an additional 25 acres of hay land. We sell our produce and egss through CSA, farmers’ markets, and wholesale. We currently have 6 postions open for 2010: CSA Manager, Transplant Manager and (4) Summer Crew.

CSA Manager – This persons main focus will be running three CSA distributions per week. In addition, the CSA manager will also serve as a crew leader (managing summer help) one or two days per week and will perform some tractor work. The position is available from mid march at least until the end of november, with a year-round position possible for the right person. This person will also assist in many other aspects of the farm during spring and fall. Ideal candidate would have at least 2 years of farming experience, in addition to any agricultural degrees. Pay is $8-12/hr, depending on experience and performance.

Transplant Manager - The transplant manager will be responsible for assisting in transplant production, scheduling transplanting and driving the transplanting tractor. They will also serve as a crew leader one or two days per week. During early spring and fall they will also assist in many other tasks on the farm. Ideal candidate would have atleast 2 years of farming experience, and atleast one year of tractor driving experience. Pay is $8-12/hr, depending on experience and performance.

Summer Crew - There are currently 4 positions open for summer crew. The summer crew members will assist in most aspects of the farm, including seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and washing. Positions are available starting in May and continuing through October. Pay is $8/hr.

For more information or to apply for any of the positions, please contact Lisa and Chuck: farmers@mightyfoodfarm.com

Atlas Farm Management Apprenticeship

2010 Job Description

Atlas Farm is a 40-acre diversified vegetable farm located in Deerfield, Massachusetts. We grow certified organic produce and bedding plants and are currently in our sixth year of operation. The farm is owned by Gideon and Sara Porth. Gideon is the full-time farm manager while Sara works part-time on the farm in addition to another off-farm job. We market our produce in Western Mass. and the Boston area through farmers’ markets, wholesale to grocery stores and restaurants, and through two grower owned co-ops. We are hoping to expand with a small CSA and roadside stand in 2010.

General duties

For the 2010 season, we are hiring for several apprentice positions on the farm. The management apprentice position was created in 2009 and is in its second year on our farm. Our intention for this position is to hire several people who are looking for an overall farm experience, but are also interested in taking on greater responsibility in a certain area of the farm. The ideal candidate for this position has had a season or two working on vegetable farms and has a strong desire to learn more about farm management. We hope that people who join our farm team as apprentices will be able to move up in our farm management by staying on for multiple seasons and moving into roles of greater responsibility. As part of our regular farm crew, duties throughout the season include:

greenhouse flat filling, seeding, and transplanting

transplanting in the field

hand weeding, hoeing

tomato staking, pruning, and tying

harvesting

packing house work

irrigation set-up

grounds maintenance

These duties as part of the regular farm crew will make up one part of the apprentices’ role on the farm. In addition to these jobs, however, apprentices will have the opportunity to take on significantly more responsibility in one or more of the following areas:

greenhouse work: maintain greenhouse planting schedule, coordinate crew workers in the greenhouse, fertilize and water greenhouse crops, manage inventories of supplies, monitor climate controls, monitor and manage insects and diseases (including biocontrols)

harvest work: coordinate logistics during harvests in the field (moving vehicles, workers and crops throughout the day), maintain harvest records

vehicle and equipment maintenance/ repair: perform routine maintenance on farm trucks, tractors, and small power equipment; repair and troubleshoot as needed

farmers’ market: manage our farmers’ market stand at three weekly farmers’ markets, maintain market equipment and inventory of market supplies

packing house: coordinate crew workers in washing and packing vegetable crops, maintain packing house supplies, equipment, and records

wholesale deliveries: coordinate wholesale orders and drive our delivery truck

Training for these jobs will take place both on-the-job and in structured training sessions held every other week for 1-2 hours. All apprentices will have the opportunity to attend training sessions, even if they are not specifically focused on their area of responsibility. Our goal is to provide each apprentice with a solid overall training about our farm systems in addition to more extensive training in their particular area of focus. There will also be the opportunity to participate in the CRAFT program, a network of area farms that organize farm visits for their apprentices throughout the season.

Hours

The apprentice position will be a seasonal, full-time position on our farm. Apprentices will begin work from early March to early April and will stay on at the farm until late November. As previously mentioned, we hope to promote apprentices to permanent management roles on the farm after their first season. In this case, work would continue through the winter months with a reduced hourly schedule. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible to accommodate individual schedules. The hourly requirements will fluctuate with the season as follows:

March-April: 35-40 hours/week, 5 days/week, 8-4

May-June: 45-50 hours/week, 5 days/week, 7-5

July-October: 60-65 hours/week, 6 days/week, 6-5 M-F, 6-12 Sat or Sun

November: 35-40 hours/week, 5 days/ week, 8-4

These hours are estimates and as with any farm job, weather, seasonal and market conditions will have an impact on the work week. Therefore, the position does require a certain amount of flexibility. However, our intention is to stay as close to these hourly estimates as possible. Vegetable farming is very demanding work, both in a physical sense and in the number of hours required during the height of the season. Applicants should anticipate the hours listed above and be aware of a significant commitment of time. Our normal work day includes one 15 minute break and a half-hour for lunch. We have a great farm crew, many of whom have been at the farm for several years. We like to have fun while we work and create a positive work environment. The quality of our produce and plants is always our top priority. We also put a lot of emphasis on efficiency and productivity and move quickly from task to task. In general, our farm is a fun, fast-paced place to work. The work is very challenging, but the reward of a beautiful finished product is very rewarding.

Compensation

For the first month of employment, apprentices will be paid $10/hour. This probationary period is to ensure that the position is a good fit for both the employee and the farm. After the first month, apprentices will be on a salary starting at $1800/month. There is the potential for a higher salary based on the applicant’s experience. There will also be the possibility of a mid-season raise. In addition, apprentices that are hired on for a second season at the farm will receive a $1000 bonus in November. During the apprenticeship, there will be one week of paid vacation time available. Scheduling this time off should be done at least 1 month ahead. There will also be two personal days available during the course of the season. These personal days do not need to be taken as full days and are intended to be used for appointments, doctor’s visits, etc. There are not a specified number of sick days available, but we do not want people who are sick coming to work. However, if the number of days off due to illness becomes significant, we will need to discuss whether the job is a good match for the individual.

Unfortunately, we do not have housing to offer as part of the apprentice position. However, rental housing in our area is abundant and pretty affordable. The Pioneer Valley, where our farm is located, is home to five colleges, an active organic farming community and the vibrant towns of Amherst and Northampton. The area contains plenty of rental housing and things to do while still retaining a small town feel. Currently the farm does not offer health insurance, but we are looking into creating a plan for farm employees. Free produce is also included as part of the compensation for this position.

December 29, 2009

The Poughkeepsie Farm Project seeks farm interns for 2010!
Poughkeepsie Farm Project’s Farming for the City program provides interns with hands on experience growing food and providing education and outreach to the community, weekly trainings and field trips, and meaningful employment which makes a real difference in the community. Interns work with PFP staff and members to grow 10 acres of mixed vegetables, operate a CSA, run a farmers market, teach children and teenagers about food and farming, practice and promote seed saving, and lead outreach efforts to increase food access and awareness of food in the City of Poughkeepsie. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) program.

In 2010 we offer three full-season internships, either 7 or 8 month positions. There are opportunities to gain a wide range of knowledge and skills through weekly workshops and through exposure to a variety of activities at the PFP. At the same time, interns focus on learning management skills in their area of interest. Farm interns focus on learning skills necessary in managing a farm (such as tractor work, harvest management and CSA management). Compensation includes a weekly stipend, vegetables, and training.

We're seeking dependable and good-natured interns with an active interest in farming as well as an interest in working towards a just and sustainable food system; good communication skills; the ability to take initiative and a desire to be a part of bringing about positive community change. Interested candidates are requested to apply by February 1, 2010; however, the positions will remain open until filled. For more information, or to receive an application, contact us at info@farmproject.org and visit our website at www.farmproject.org

Heaven & Earth Farm seeks Apprentices

Location: North San Juan, Nevada County, California

Dates: March through November 2010

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 and Vegan Food Preparation (and consumption!), Food Preserving Skills such as drying, juicing, fermentation, baking, canning, freezing.

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. We grow a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, berries, flowers, herbs, seedlings, ornamentals, chickens and bees, using mostly hand methods and limited machinery. We market to farmers markets, wholesale to stores and restaurants, and at select events. You will learn a lot and have a good time living and working on a diverse organic farm.

You will get housing and board, continuing education and a small stipend. Apprentices work 40 hours per week in exchange for excellent organic food, housing (trailer or tent) and $50 per week stipend. Hours above 40 are reimbursed at $8.00 per hour starting salary. There is 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, a good sense of humor, and open and ongoing communication. We need your commitment for the entire growing season, March through November. Sorry we are not able to accommodate short-term apprentices. If interested, please contact Amigo Bob Cantisano at orgamigo@gmail.com.

December 13, 2009

Sidehill Farm

Mail: PO Box 107

Packages: 137 Beldingville Rd.

Ashfield, MA 01330

413 625 0011

info@sidehillfarm.net

http://www.sidehillfarm.net

Sidehill Farm is a small-scale dairy and vegetable farm in the foothills of the Berkshire mountains. Our mission is to produce the healthiest, best-tasting raw milk, yogurt, fruit, and vegetables available by focusing on a total picture of health - of our customers, our cows, our crops, the local working rural landscape, and the robust biological and human community within which we all thrive.

Our dairy is seasonal, milking approximately 15 cows from March until Thanksgiving. The cows are rotationally grazed during the pasture season, and eat hay and haylage through the winter. We also have 2 acres in vegetables and herbs, and two large greenhouses for tomatoes, basil, vegetable seedlings, and winter salad greens.

We are looking for 3 apprentices for the 2010 season. Apprentices must have at least one year of experience farming with either vegetables, dairy, or livestock management, and be serious about learning to farm. We expect that apprentices will take on an increasing level of responsibility as the season progresses, so successful candidates will be organized, curious, motivated, observant, responsible, and have a positive attitude about the daily challenges of working and living on an active, diversified farm. A sense of humor always helps too. Dairy responsibilities will include milking, equipment and barn cleanup, fence moving for rotational grazing, pasture clipping, and monitoring herd health. Vegetable responsibilities will include greenhouse work, transplanting, seeding, cultivation, harvesting, cover cropping, compost making, and washing and packing orders. Additionally, there will be some farmer's market responsibilities.

The position runs from March until November. The workweek is 50-60 hours, Monday morning through Saturday afternoon. Sat evening and Sunday animal chores are on a rotation so everyone gets the occasional weekend off. Workdays are busy but fun, and we love to share the constant learning process of farming. Swimming, hiking, biking are right out the door, and lots of cultural opportunites are within a 20 minute drive.

Stipend is $500/month, plus housing, one shared meal per day, milk, yogurt, and veggies from the farm. Accomodation is in private trailers with running water and cooking facilities

Contact Amy or Paul at info@sidehillfarm.net (preferred), or call 413 625 0011.

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Greenview Farm seeks Two Apprentices

Location: South Kingston, Rhode Island

Greenview Farm is a busy 18-acre certified organic farm. We grow a wide variety of produce, herbs, and cut flowers. We market through a 160-member CSA, farmer’s markets, spring plant sale and local restaurants.

We hire two apprentices and hourly workers for the season, mid-April through October (students wanting to work hourly are hired during summer break). Workers take part in all aspects of the farm’s operation: greenhouse, field preparation, seeding/transplanting, cultivation, harvest, post-harvest and marketing.

Accommodations are available for apprentices. Plenty of farm produce is available for all workers. This is a great opportunity for those with a sincere interest in organic market farming. Hands-on experience with day-to-day workings of a busy, profitable organic farm. Serious inquiries only, please.

Please call (401) 788-0900 or e-mail okratown@msn.com with any further questions.

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The Practical Farm Training Program at Maggie's Farm

Farming is best learned by doing. With our rich heritage in small family

farming and a growing demand for local produce, there is no better time than

now and no better place than New England to begin to learn to farm! Our

Practical Farm Training Program is designed for beginning farmers. Your

classroom is our 160-acre farm, complete with organic market gardens, farm

animals, forest, pasture, barns and field equipment. Hands-on skills are

learned within the context of our farm, building confidence, expertise and a

deeper understanding of farming practices. Learning is grounded in the

practical realities of meticulous planning, rigorous work, direct marketing at

a vibrant Boston farmer's market, and managing our CSA program.

Student farmers at Maggie's gain direct farming experience that enables them to

take the next step toward establishing their own farming enterprise, joining a

working farm as a manager or assistant, teaching at a farm education program,

managing conservation lands, running a community garden, working in a farm

advocacy organization, or supplementing a professional career.

Admission is on a rolling basis. For more information :

http://www.farmschool.org/prog_practicalfarm.html

Since many of these previous listings are available each year, these links might be worth checking

2009 – Spring/Summer Internships are listed here.

2008 – Spring/Summer Internships are listed here.

2007 – Fall/Winter Internships are listed here.

2007 - Spring/Summer Internships are listed here.

2006 - Internships from 2006 are listed here.

2005 - Internships from 2005 are listed here.

2003-2004 - Internships from 2003-04 are listed here.