Sustainability Internships – Fall and Winter 2007

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 2006 go here, 2005, go here, and from 2003- 2004, go here.  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:

The Food Project list

ATTRA list

NOFA list

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

Also, I maintain a separate list of sustainability jobs, here.

December 5, 2007

 

The Apprenticeship Program
 
The Ecosystem Farm of the Accokeek Foundation is an 8-acre certified organic
vegetable farm (including blueberries, strawberries, figs, culinary herbs, and
cut flowers) on the banks of the Potomac River in Piscataway National Park. We
use solar power for irrigation and for potable well water. We operate an
80-household CSA. Internship starts March and ends in December.
 
The Ecosystem Farm hires two or three individuals for each growing season as
apprentices in the Jean Wallace Douglas Center for Land-Based Training. This is
an intensive "land-based training" program in organic vegetable production,
with opportunities to work in livestock production, for those who have a
serious desire to pursue farming as a way of life. Some apprentices stay on for
a second year with greater responsibilities. Our goal is to practice and
demonstrate a sustainable agriculture. The work is challenging physically,
mentally, and emotionally, although thorough instruction is provided in a safe,
organized, and nurturing manner. Accordingly, safety and personal
accountability are expected to be taken very seriously.
 
The apprenticeship program is an immersion program: an exchange of knowledge,
experience, and stipend for labor, attitude and effort - the premise of the
first year is that you will learn through doing how to grow food.
 
Qualifications
 
Applicants must have a strong desire to learn, to work hard, and to work well
with others. Applicants should be reliable; physically capable, emotionally
mature, take pleasure in teamwork. The apprentices typically work 55 hours a
week from April through October and fewer (40) hours during the other months.
Some prior experience in farming is preferred but not necessary.
 
Farming is hard work. Days are long, weeks are long, and the season can be
long. The weather might be 100 degrees with high humidity, or 44, wind and
rain. Weeks at Ecosystem Farm are 40 - 55 hours and sometimes six days a week,
depending on the season and tasks at hand. Apprentices are asked to work on
some weekends.
 
Work involves bending, kneeling, lifting up to 60 pounds, wielding large and
small tools and implements, standing and moving for long stretches of time.
 
There are some days when events cause us to work long and hard without
stopping. On these days, breaks can be few and rest little. The stress of
changing plans can be large. Sleep will come easily.
 
Apprentices are expected to keep a daily journal and complete reading and
writing assignments. The Accokeek Foundation sponsors a workshop series in
sustainable agriculture.
 
Apprentices are asked to commit to a full, arranged term; to pay attention to
detail, complete tasks, and keep records; to report to a farmer for
instruction, observation, and direction; to articulate observations,
curiosities, needs, and feelings of euphoria. Above all, to enjoy what we do,
keeping a positive attitude and a sense of humor, curiosity and goodwill.
 
Training
 
Apprentices will receive both formal (e.g., classes, workshops) and informal
instruction in the use of hand and mechanical tools, including tractor
operation.
 
Apprentices will be involved in all aspects of production, including greenhouse
work, soil preparation, planting, transplanting, use of drip irrigation,
cultivation and mulching, pest control, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and
marketing and sales. Apprentices will also experience many facets of CSA
operation and management, and philosophy of sustainable agriculture.
 
Benefits
 
We offer a generous monthly stipend, a health insurance premium, a binder of
selected readings, textbooks, and food from the farm. We assist the apprentices
in finding local and affordable housing. A Senior Apprenticeship position is
possible after the first season, which offers a higher monthly stipend and
greater responsibilities.
 
The Accokeek Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
To Apply
 
In hiring apprentices we consider:
• Your career aspirations and how this experience fits into that plan.
• What you expect or hope will come from this experience.
•   Your experience with physically and emotionally demanding work and 
  situations.
•   Your ability to follow instructions and to work efficiently,
effectively, and, with practice, quickness and agility.
• How you see yourself fitting into this environment.
• What you feel we can offer you and you can offer us.
• How you handle stress; what things you enjoy, response to happiness.
•   Your ability and desire to commit to a full season - or more - to the
    
  program.
 
Please respond to the following, using any format you wish:
 
• Tell us about yourself.
• Describe hard work you have done.
•   Tell us about how you learn - include your strengths and weaknesses
as a  student, and about a favorite learning experience.
•    Describe your experiences in agriculture. What interests you about 
  sustainable agriculture?
 
Please attach a short cover letter (include your address, email and phone
number), your responses, a resume and two or three references with their
contact information (phone, email, address) and their relationship to you. Some
follow-up questions may follow receipt of your application.
 
Candidates are strongly encouraged to arrange a site-visit.
 
Send all materials - and questions - by snail or e-mail to:
 
Mike Snow
Accokeek Foundation
3400 Bryan Point Road
Accokeek, Maryland 20607
msnow@accokeek.org

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

Volunteer Abroad With Unite For Sight in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer
Make A Difference!
http://www.uniteforsight.org/intl_volunteer

Save Eyes and Lives.  Every Eye, A Life.
Those who are blind in Africa have a four times higher mortality rate
60-80% of children who become blind die within 1-2 years
80% of blindness is curable or preventable

How Do I Apply?  The application as well as complete details about Unite For Sight's international opportunities are available at http://www.uniteforsight.org/intl_volunteer/

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

 

November 8, 2007

 

Groundwork Lawrence

AmeriCorps * Two VISTA Interns:  1) YOUTH PROGRAMS & 2) NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

 

The Organization

 

Groundwork Lawrence, Inc. is a locally-based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization working to create sustainable environmental change through community-based partnerships.

The formal mission of the organization is “to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships which

 empower people, businesses and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being.” 

 

Background on Lawrence

 

Lawrence, Massachusetts, a mill city of 72,000 located about 30 miles north of Boston was established as a planned industrial city in the 1840s.  Like many manufacturing cities, Lawrence has been hard hit over the last 30 years by loss of industry, jobs and capital, and remains one of the most economically distressed in the US.  Median household income is just $27,983, compared to $50,502 statewide.  Poverty rates are twice the national average, and unemployment rates (12-14%) are three times the state average. Lawrence has always been an immigrant city with Latinos comprising a 60+% majority of the city’s population; there is also a growing enclave of Southeast Asians.  Lawrence is also a youthful city with nearly 40% of its population under the age of 18.  Although Lawrence faces numerous challenges, there are also many emergent opportunities for sustainable redevelopment and engagement of residents in all types of projects, from tree plantings and the planning of vacant lot redevelopment, to river cleanups and kite festivals.  Although our target area is city-wide, our projects generally focus on the city’s most challenged and underserved neighborhoods.

 

YOUTH PROGRAM INTERNSHIP
Youth Program Implementation

 

The AmeriCorps*VISTA Intern will work with Groundwork Lawrence’s Education Manager and Deputy Director to assist with curriculum implementation, field trips, identification and development of internship placements, program planning and expansion, and general youth program logistics.  Groundwork Lawrence’s Youth Programs are an integral part of our organization’s stewardship and service-learning efforts.  GWL has two youth programs: Green Team is a year-long environmental service learning and leadership program for Lawrence teens aged 14-18 that incorporates hands-on learning in the field with environmental advocacy, project planning, and service project implementation.  The Lawrence Outdoor Youth Corps is currently structured as a summer-long outdoor job-training program for youth aged 16-18 that focuses on work along Lawrence’s waterways, including tree identification and maintenance, removal of invasive trees and shrubs, planting of native and beneficial species, and minimization of riverbank erosion.  Pending the final design and construction of the Riverwalk project (a 1.2-mile trail along the Merrimack River currently managed by Groundwork Lawrence and in the midst of the design phase), the Lawrence Outdoor Youth Corps program may be expanded to serve as the Riverwalk’s landscape maintenance crew on a three-season (i.e., non-winter) schedule.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Work with Groundwork Lawrence’s Youth Programs to:

1.                  Integrate our youth programs with GWL’s volunteer projects, as well as other aspects of our work

2.                  Work out in the field with one or both youth program teams from time to time

3.                  Build relationships with and among youth program participants

4.                  Development of the Green Team’s curriculum and implementing it with our youth participants

5.                  Support GWL staff in developing community food and wellness programs for youth

6.                  Organize and manage logistics for field trips; accompanying youth participants on field trips

7.                  Identify and develop possible internship placements for youth who complete our programs

8.                  Start a youth alumni database and tracking system, with the possible goal of establishing an alumni program.

9.                  Support GWL staff with general youth program logistics

 

Skills and Qualifications

 

1.                  Experience working with young people preferred

2.                  Experience or desire to work in multi-cultural settings

3.                  Experience in education, environmental issues, and/or the natural sciences preferred

4.                  Strong verbal and written communication skills

5.                  Strong interpersonal skills

6.                  Basic Computer Skills: Word and Excel, desktop publishing is a plus

7.                  Strong organizational skills and ability to balance competing priorities, deadlines and multi-task

8.                  Ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team (comfortable working with youth and seniors a plus!)

9.                  Bi-lingual skills (Spanish) are a plus.

10.              A CORI background check is required.

11.              Successful applicant must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.

 

 

NATURAL RESOURCES INTERNSHIP

Natural Resource Management Plan for the Spicket River

 

The AmeriCorps*VISTA Intern will work with GWL’s Executive Director to develop a Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) for the Spicket River, Lawrence’s 3-mile-long stretch of a tributary to the Merrimack River that flows through north Lawrence, home to the city’s lowest-income families and most densely populated neighborhoods.  Six years ago, Groundwork Lawrence managed a community-wide process from which a vision for the Spicket River Greenway (a series of multi-use trails and open spaces connecting neighborhoods and habitat along the Spicket River) emerged.  A series of planning and redevelopment projects along the Greenway has been in the works, one of which (a brownfield-to-open space conversion) was just completed in 2006 and another 2 parks will open this fall.  The City has recently been awarded funds for the site survey and select design for the Greenway and with this vision and progress, Groundwork is committed to developing the NRMP that will, particularly in the face of new developments on vacant lots near the river, guide the long-term enhancement of the Greenway in terms of river habitat, biodiversity, native species proliferation, invasive species removal, and minimization of erosion.  The potential impact of this work is far-reaching, as the NRMP could likely be applied to the city’s two other rivers—the Shawsheen and the Merrimack, where riverside walking trails are also planned. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Work with Executive Director to develop the Spicket River NRMP.  The specific tasks will include:

 

1.        Conducting a survey of invasive and native plants along the Spicket River.

2.        Researching precedents for NRMPs designed for comparable riverfront areas; adapt these examples as necessary to create the basis of a Spicket River-specific NRMP.

3.        Assisting Groundwork staff and volunteers (including youth) with clean-up and corridor enhancements and events.

 

Skills and qualifications

 

We are looking for a hard-working, dedicated, self-starter who desires a rewarding and challenging experience.

 

1.     Background in the natural sciences and/or environmental studies preferred.

2.     Strong verbal and written communication skills

3.     Strong interpersonal skills

4.     Basic computer skills: Word and Excel, desktop publishing is a plus

5.     Strong organizational skills and ability to balance competing priorities, deadlines and multi-tasking

6.     Ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team

7.     Bilingual skills (Spanish) are a plus.

8.     Experience and/or desire to work in multi-cultural settings

9.     A CORI background check is required.

 

 

BOTH INTERNSHIPS

 

START DATE

Positions are full time and one year long with the possibility of re-enrollment for a second year.

 

COMPENSATION

AmeriCorps*VISTA will provide a living allowance of about $410 (after taxes) paid once every two weeks. For all members that complete a year of service, they may choose either a $4725 education award or $1200 stipend.   

 

HIRING POLICY

Groundwork Lawrence is an equal opportunity employer.  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.  City of Lawrence residents are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Candidates with less work experience but a passion for youth and the environment are encouraged to apply.  Early applicants will be given top consideration.

 

All applicants must submit the following:

1.                  A resume

2.                  A cover letter.  Please address the following two questions in your cover letter:  How do your experience, passion and career goals connect with the mission of Groundwork Lawrence?  Why are you a strong candidate for this position?

3.                  A 3-5 page writing sample

4.                  An AmeriCorps*VISTA application must be completed online at https://recruit.cns.gov

5.                  The "Signature Page" from the AmeriCorps website (upon hire)

 

To Apply:  Please submit all requested information to:

 

Groundwork Lawrence

60 Island Street

Lawrence, MA 01840

FAX:  (978) 974 - 0882

 

No phone calls please. Email inquiries may be sent to hmcmann@groundworklawrence.org

 

August 23, 2007

 

EarthWorks Interns

I’m writing on behalf of Earthwork Programs, an organization providing long-term mentoring, wilderness skills and nature awareness education for Adults, families and kids of various ages.  We are beginning a search for interns to assist with our upcoming programs in Southern Vermont and Western Massachusetts.  For the past five years, we have had interns from UMass Amherst, Hampshire College, Amherst College, Antioch New England, Green Mountain college and the surrounding community. 

 

We are interested in reaching as many passionate, dedicated people as possible!  If you know of an individual or organization that may be of use to us, please pass on the word.  Our interns need not have experience with naturalist skills, but it is helpful.  Much more important is their team spirit, openness to learn, and commitment to communication and safety.  Experience working with kids is a plus. 

 

For more information on the intern positions, please see this link http://www.earthworkprograms.com/downloads/EarthWork%20Programs%20is%20seeking%20interns.pdf     .  If possible, I encourage you to print and display the flyer where interested students may see it.  For more information on Earthwork Programs in general, please visit our website at www.earthworkprograms.com .  Interested applicants may contact Frank Grindrod, Program Director, at 413-522-0338.

 

Thank you very much for your help.

Frank Grindrod

EarthWork Programs

Frank Grindrod, Program Director

P.O. Box 150, Amherst, MA 01004

Frank@earthworkprograms.com

www.earthworkprograms.com

 

August 10, 2007

Aquaculture Internship at UMass

I have been developing an 800 gal aquaponics system in the Ag Eng Bldg, as a demonstration/education tool 

This fall I will stock it with largemouth bass and yellow perch.   I have two beds of hydroponic plants -

these can be stocked with herbs and greens.   One bed uses high intensity sodium lights (800 watts) and

the other bed uses red and blue LEDs (130 watts).  

 

This system can provide students with an opportunity to learn about aquaculture, aquaponics and LEDs.

I would like to work with two students, training them to run the system, including monitoring the water chemistry.

You can earn credit for this work.

 

Contact me if you are interested…….

 

Craig Hollingsworth, Ph.D.                                          Tel:  (413) 545-1055
Department of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences               FAX: (413) 545-5858 
201 Agricultural Engineering Building                             chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu                                                    
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA 01003

 

 

 

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

 

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.