Description:
We are in an exciting time for the field of food, farming, and sustainability. The desire for re-invention of our food industry is unprecedented and critically necessary. With less than two percent of the current population directly involved in farming, widespread education is needed to address the future of food security.
Our regenerative agriculture specialist, Theri Niemier, offers a limited number of summer internships to students wanting to understand the role of agriculture in environmental restoration. The internship is a 10-week experience in ecological horticulture and earth stewardship. It is appropriate for students interested in a host of intersecting fields of study including: agriculture, nutrition, earth sciences, and theology.
Our urban production site uses intensive annual and permaculture growing practices. We grow fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, and limited meats. Interns participate in all areas of production and aspects of the farm business including educational classes, youth farm camps, and our community sponsored agriculture programming (CSA). In addition, we partner with other nearby farmers to allow interns an even wider range of diverse and exciting farm experiences.
In short, the purpose of the internship program is:
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To help interns gain experience in vegetable, fruit, and meat production using proven organic practices that are mindful of sustainability with regards to the environment, the availability of affordable fuel, and the future food security needs of our local communities
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To help interns experience a variety of successful small scale, food producing farming styles
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To help interns know the steps, from planning to market, for food farming.
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To help interns understand food security issues that necessitate growth in small farming everywhere.
Internship Program Goals:
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To give interns experience in vegetable, fruit, and meat production using proven organic practices that are mindful of environmental sustainability, the availability of affordable fuel, and the future food security needs of our local communities.
- To give interns experience in a variety of successful small scale, food producing farming styles.
- To give interns experience in the steps, from planning to market, for food farming.
- To introduce interns to food security issues that neccessitate growth in small farming everywhere.
Duties and Responsibilities of Interns:
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Daily fieldwork, including animal maintenance chores and farming practices
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Using farm equipment, including hand tools, sprayers, tillers, and farm tractor
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Keeping detailed records on all farm activities
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Participation in weekly educational components, including presentations, workshops, farm tours, and movies
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Pre-reading assignment, includes The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Young Readers Edition) by Micheal Pollen
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Leadership roles with youth in an educational setting
Our farming experience is an immersion in nature. Some days are exhausting but always exciting and full of reward. A typical day on the farm starts early and includes field work and more physically demanding tasks until noon. Afternoons can include shade work, class work, or down time. Intern hours include Saturday mornings.
The internship program begins with five weeks of heavy focus on urban farming practices and course work regarding ecological agriculture. The second five weeks focus on fieldwork and education projects including but not limited to farm camps and leading volunteer projects.
Housing: Some host housing available.
Position Requirements:
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High school graduate, must be 18
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Candidates should have an interest in environmental restoration and food production/organic farming.
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Able to work hard mentally and physically; required lifting can reach 50 lbs
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Tolerant of sweat, dirt, sun, and rain (enjoying it is a plus)
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Able to work well as a team member and independently
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Able to work minimum of 10 weeks, start date May or early June (must sign intern contract)
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Able to secure a background check
Application for Internship:
Please download and complete the Internship Application and email to tniemier@gsms.org. Applicants will be contacted for an in-person or telephone interview, but please feel free to follow up on your initial application submission with an email or phone call.