Internship at Mission Driven Farm in New York

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General Description: Sky High Farm is a mission driven farm and non-profit organization that is committed to addressing food security and nutrition by improving access to nutritious food for New Yorkers living in underserved communities.  The farm sustainably grows organic fruits and vegetables and raises livestock exclusively for the purpose of donation.  We are a small, diverse operation entering our fourth season.

All produce harvested and livestock slaughtered through this initiative is donated to food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries in the region.  Our focus is on producing the highest quality food for a population that might not normally have access to it.  This means our efforts are as much directed toward quality as quantity.  We use all organic inputs in our crop production, and raise grass-based steer and lamb, as well as pasture-raised pork, chicken and eggs. To date we have donated more than 36,000 meals to those in need.

Our 40-acre farm, with 2 acres dedicated to vegetable production and 25 to pasture.  We cultivate a variety of vegetables using organic inputs and raise grass-fed beef, lamb, hogs, and chicken on a rotational grazing system.  We are located in Columbia County, New York, nestled in the bucolic rolling hills of the Hudson Valley.

Internship Starts: May 30, 2016
Internship Ends: October 14, 2016
Number of Interns: 4
App Deadline: April 08, 2016
Minimum Length of Stay: Entire Season Preferred

Skills Desired: Extensive farming experience is not required, however you must be enthusiastic about participating in all farm related activities and performing demanding physical labor in the outdoors during different types of weather.  Interns should be willing to learn new skills and be prepared to both take on individual tasks and work alongside colleagues in a team.  Most of all, they should look forward to having a positive and personally rewarding season and come with the goal of making the most of this opportunity.

Educational Opportunities:  Interns will progressively gain insight and experiential knowledge of the steps that go into farming and the processes required to successfully complete their execution.

Sky High Farm is an active member of Mid-Hudson CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance For Farmer Training).  Interns will gain exposure to alternative agricultural methods during site visits and have networking opportunities with regional farmers and apprentices.

Stipend:  Interns are given a stipend of $360 per week.  Housing and workman’s compensation are provided.

Meals: Interns are responsible for their own meals, and are welcome to any excess produce from our farm when available.

Housing:  On farm housing is available at no charge. Interns will have access to their own sectioned-off sleeping areas and share a common living and cooking space.  Internet is provided.  There is a washer and dryer on the premises.

Preferred method Of Contact: Email

Mission Driven Farm Internship Details: We work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday beginning at 7:30AM.  Weekends are free, but due to livestock and greenhouse responsibilities, each intern will work one weekend per month on a rotating schedule and take the following Monday and Tuesday off.

The workload will be varied, consisting of both livestock and vegetable production tasks.

Animal management activities include:

• Feeding and watering animals
• Collecting and packing eggs
• Cleaning animal stalls
• Moving electric fencing.

Vegetable production activities include:

• Planting and watering in the greenhouse
• Weeding
• Transplanting starts
• Spreading compost
• Harvesting
• Cleaning and packing produce for donation

Interns may also be asked to make local deliveries of produce to food pantries, or make pickups of processed meat from the slaughterhouse in our farm vehicle.

By nature, farm work is physically and mentally demanding.  Applicants should be excited about getting their hands dirty and immersing themselves in the work.  Weather can be unpredictable, some days are hot and dry, and others are cold and rainy, nevertheless all duties must be completed.  That said, we want to work as intelligently as possible.  Many tasks we will do in a group to lighten the load, support each other, and create a positive and nurturing work culture.

During downtime – there are plenty of agricultural and nature-based activities close by, including hiking, biking, swimming, historical sites, and horseback riding.

To apply for this mission driven farm position:

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references who can comment on your professional experience by April 1st, 2016.  In your letter please include:

– Any relevant experience

– Why you are interested in Sky High, our mission and this farming opportunity

– Your availability to begin work

Application materials can be sent via email, sam@skyhighfarm.org

Sky High Farm
675 Hall Hill Rd, Pine Plains, NY 12567

Phone: 518-398-1116

Email: sam@skyhighfarm.org

Website: https://www.skyhighfarm.org