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:
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
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
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.
EarthWork Programs
Frank Grindrod, Program
Director
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.