Urban Farm Intern
Employer: Common Ground
Work Location: New Haven, CT
Term of Employment: May - August
Compensation Range: $16.35+ produce
Duties / Responsibilities
Job Description:
The Farm Internship for Emerging Urban Farmers aims to support the development of aspiring farmers and sustainable agriculture leaders. 4-5 interns will gain in-person experience and lesson-based learning in aspects of planting, growing, maintaining a diversified sustainable vegetable operation, small scale livestock management, and food justice issues. The internship balances a supportive place of learning and a fast-paced environment where we are working to feed a lot of people in our community during the Summer.
Specific farm tasks may include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, preparing for farm share (our Community Supported Agriculture program which serves 50+ New Haven residents with sliding scale weekly food shares) and markets, keeping crop records, caring for farm animals, processing food waste for our midscale aerated static pile composting system, and a variety of other tasks.
Interns will have embedded rotations through programmatic responsibilities like farm stands, compost production, and animal chores.
There will be field trips to learn from other farms and about food justice work going on in the New Haven area.
Interns are expected to teach or lead a conversation with the crew on a topic of their choice.
There are opportunities for additional hours doing weekend farm work or staffing our farm stands.
Desired Applicant Experience
Qualifications:
- Previous garden experience is not necessary although welcomed
- A strong interest in deepening farming + food systems knowledge + skills with a focus on food justice
- Willingness + ability to work hard, physically in all weather: be able to lift 25+ lbs and kneel/crouch for extended periods of time.
- Comes prepared and is adaptable to the ever changing priorities of the farm
- Good communication + interpersonal skills with people of all ages and a good sense of humor.
- Ability to learn, to ask questions, + also take initiative, to work both with + without direct supervision
- Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, + responsible behavior
- Uphold the safety procedures and precautions to keep ourselves and community safe
18 years or older