Farm Internship

~ The Youth Garden Project (YGP) is a non-profit organization located in the breathtaking red rock country of Moab, UT. Our mission is to cultivate healthy children, families, and community through educational programs and the profound act of connecting people with food from seed to table. ~

Internship Overview

Farm Interns will have the opportunity to practice organic techniques and skills while working with the Farm Director in managing a combined production and education farm.  This internship provides mentorship and leadership experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career in agriculture and related forms of outdoor education and food activism.

Internship Details:

There are two available terms for the Farm Internship: one full season and one spring/summer season.  The positions are a full-time commitment from February 26, 2020 to November 13, 2020 (full season) and February 26, 2020 to August 14, 2020 (spring/summer).  Farm Interns will work 40 hours per week. 

• Internship Dates: February 26, 2020 to November 13, 2020 and February 26, 2020 to August 14, 2020.
• Number of Open Positions: 2 (1 for each term)

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Field work – including but not limited to: planting (direct seeding and transplanting), harvesting, weeding, bed prep and soil amending, mulching, cover cropping
• Set long and short term goals and establish task lists for completing work on the farm
• Collaborate with Farm Director in executing a full season farm plan
• Aesthetic maintenance and improvement of a vibrant and beautiful community space located in the heart of Moab
• Germinate seeds and propagate plants in our greenhouse. Serve a critical role in executing a Spring Plant Sale fundraiser that grosses over $10K for the organization
• Prune and thin fruit trees and assist in other orchard maintenance. Help to continue the conversion of our orchard into a dynamic space borrowing from permaculture concepts
• Observe and manage drip and flood irrigation systems
• Harvest garlic in the summer, plant it in the fall. Attend harvest and planting work parties at a local organic farm specializing in garlic
• Implement organic pest control methods
• Maintain a bin composting system, coordinate with local businesses in collecting and processing food waste for our system. Help to establish a new vermicomposting system in 2020.
• Expand efforts and possibilities for growing and saving seed
• Prepare and implement a 20 week CSA program
• Use a hoop house, greenhouse, and geodesic grow dome for season extension. Explore opportunities for increased revenues using these spaces throughout the season
• Regularly work with Youth Programs Instructors to incorporate lessons into the farm
• Collaborate with AmeriCorps VISTA Education Coordinator in building capacity and program development within our organization
• Use the farm to strengthen and build partnerships with other local non-profit organizations
• Work with Program Staff in further establishing Work-Based Learning and Summer Job programs with local high school youth
• Plan tasks and help facilitate volunteer groups and community volunteers to complete tasks on the farm
• Care for animals (chickens, cats, rabbits, and fish)
• Work at community events: Produce Stand Collective, Weed ’n’ Feed, Garden Dinners, Harvest Festival, etc.
• Help plan and advertise for events: Plant Sale, fundraisers, potlucks, etc.

Qualifications

Skills Desired:

• We seek an individual who shows a passion for food and all of the hard work that goes into producing it. 
• Some work or regular volunteer experience on a farm or market growing operation is desired. 
• Applicants must possess a very strong work ethic, positive attitude, problem-solving abilities, and be in good physical condition (ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs). 
• Interns are expected to be reliable, responsible and capable of self-directed work. 
• A candidate must also be a team player, flexible, and be open to involvement beyond farm work to help with youth programs and special events. 
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Note: applicants must be 21 or older. 

Education Opportunities

• Gain full-scale hands-on experience in organic farming
• Use a commercial kitchen to practice drying, canning, fermenting and otherwise processing fresh produce
• Develop opportunities for Value-Added Products
• Practice permaculture and natural building techniques
• Take part in a local food system and facilitate place-based learning
• Meet local agriculture, horticulture, and herbal medicine experts
• Gain valuable volunteer management experience
• Create opportunities to connect youth and families with gardens, food, and community
• Develop community events
• Much more!

Compensation

• Farm Interns will receive a stipend of $400/month. First and last month’s stipend will be pro-rated based on days worked. 5 days of vacation will be available for full season and 3 days for spring/summer.
• The Youth Garden Project will provide in-town housing. Farm Interns may move in the weekend before their term begins, and move out by the Monday following the close of the apprenticeship. Any extended stay beyond these times must be approved by the Executive Director.
• Access to YGP pro deals.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a brief cover letter and an attached resume with three professional references to Gabriel Woytek.
  
• Please include contacts for 3 professional references, with at least one reference that can speak to experience in an agricultural setting or related manual labor.  
• Please specify that you are interested in the Farm Internship, including which term (one or either).