Craft Education Intern

North House Folk School is a dynamic, young, educational nonprofit committed to teaching traditional northern crafts while fostering lifelong learning. The school's curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and includes courses ranging from timber framing to northern ecology, birch bark weaving to artisan bread baking. 

The North House campus is located in northeastern Minnesota on the shore of Lake Superior and includes 2 historic timbered workshops (formerly warehouses), a timber frame "Fish House" classroom building, a timbered blacksmithing shop, a small house, and a 50' gaff-rigged schooner. During a typical year, over 100 regional artisans and crafts-people are featured as instructors.

Position Overview: 

North House Folk School's Internship program is dedicated to preserving the future of traditional craft by nurturing an interest in craft education & hands-on learning.  Interns increase their awareness of and exposure to various responsibilities involved with non-profit education and program management   Interns play an active role in day-to-day campus coordination, public outreach and administrative support while also developing traditional craft skills.

Responsibilities:

Support and participate in the mission/vision of the North House Folk School: "enriching lives and building community by teaching traditional northern crafts in a student-centered learning environment that inspires the hands, the heart and the mind."  The ideals of teamwork, dedication, responsibility, efficiency and creativity are central to the success of the organization. 

The internship's work schedule and time commitments are divided among various roles, each of which is directly connected to the daily affairs and educational vision of campus.  Tasks could include but are not limited to the following:

Public Outreach:

• Welcome visitors and public to campus providing interpretation of North House history and mission, as well as guiding campus tours
• Teach public programs for variety of audiences ranging from children to adults
• Serve in leadership role hosting summer demonstrations for public in key areas such as: Wood-Fired Bread Baking, Wooden Boat Building, Timber Framing, Blacksmithing, Basketry, Lake Superior Sailing, etc
• Host weekly wood-fired pizza potlucks for students and instructors

Craft Immersion: 

• Explore the world of traditional northern crafts via North House's curriculum, special events and public programs
• Purposefully build and develop individual skills by participating in self-selected coursework with the core of this learning happening during the first third of the internship
• Engage with 100+ talented and knowledgeable instructors visiting campus each year
• Opportunity to pursue culminating craft "sloyd" project that focuses on a key area of personal interest

Operations Support: 

• Ensure program success by preparing and maintaining classrooms
• Participate in hosting multiple seasonal special events
• Assist with front office projects, school store duties, answering phones, registering students, distributing catalogs and providing general administrative support
• Gain exposure to specific area of non-profit operation with emphasis in the following areas: communications, facility management, and registration

Qualifications:

North House is seeking dynamic, organized and enthusiastic persons with a passion for traditional craft and hands-on education!  Previous exposure to northern craft, experience facilitating small group learning and public speaking are all essential.  Interns are expected to maintain high standards, take ownership and pride in their responsibilities and show self initiative in enhancing their skills. 

Excellent verbal/written communications, organizational and computer skills.  Documented success managing multi-stage projects and background in engaging office projects that support educational programs.  Confidence developing working relationships with instructors and volunteers. A college degree, multiple years of college-level course work or similar life experiences with exposure to appropriate topics.  Applicants should be flexible, energetic and focused. 

Availability to work full time (40 hours/week, Wed-Sun, some evenings, some rotating Monday duties). Willingness to live on campus immersed in the rhythm of campus life.

Physical Requirements:

Position requires an ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, move around easily on the deck of a moving sailboat, utilize hand and power tools, climb ladders, and stand upright for a number of hours every day. All interns sail aboard North House's schooner Hjordis and thus are required to participate in a Coast Guard mandated drug testing program. Initial drug tests are administered at the start of the sailing season and random testing is done throughout the season.

Compensation: $400/month paid stipend plus $300/month tuition credit towards participation in selected courses.  Housing in harbor-side, timber-framed, solar-hot-water heated intern loft (with 2 other interns - shared living space, private bedrooms).  Includes utilities, local phone, and internet.  As compensation is paid, North House's intern program is currently not open to international candidates (as defined by US Labor laws).

Position Dates: Feb 13 to Nov 26, 2013, duration 9+ months, 3 positions available.  Five days of paid "time off" available depending on the program schedule. 

Inquiry & Application Timeline: Info packets available - August 15, 2012.  Applications must be submitted by closing date - October 15, 2012. Interviews take place during the 2 to 3 weeks following the closing date.  Applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their work as it relates to northern craft.  

To Apply:

Please request an information packet before applying.  Send your cover letter, resume, and references to: North House Folk School, PO Box 759, Grand Marais, MN 55604