Seattle Tilth Farm Works Intership

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Seattle Tilth Farm Works Farm Steward Intern for 2017

Internship Overview

Tilth provides farm business training and support to aspiring farmers in the Puget Sound region. This “farm incubator” program is called Seattle Tilth Farm Works and is located in Auburn, WA. Seattle Tilth Farm Works participants attend farm and business trainings, tour neighboring farm operations, and gain hands-on experience growing and harvesting food using organic practices.

Seattle Tilth Farm Works interns are involved in all aspects of the farm and work closely with program staff. As much as possible, Tilth seeks to create a participatory environment driven by learning-by-doing models. Interns learn about and participate in greenhouse management, field cultivation, irrigation systems, pest control, harvesting, post- harvest handling, distribution, and animal care.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Field work:seeding, transplanting, weeding, thinning, trellising and harvesting.
• Greenhouse:seeding, weeding, transplanting, and watering.
• Wash Station:washing, sorting, packing, labeling all crops.
• Tractor work:bed preparation and mowing.
• Distribution:delivering restaurant orders, distributing CSA, sales at farmers’ markets and setting up farm stand.
• Animal care:feeding, watering, collecting eggs.

Working on the farm requires the physical capability to contribute daily in a rigorous, fast-paced agricultural setting. Farm work offers an incredibly rewarding and demanding work environment and life experience. Interns should expect to work outside in all weather conditions including rain, winter cold and summer heat.

While much of the internship will be focused on hands-on learning, interns will be encouraged to participate in the Educational Program and pursue an independent project, which will provide the intern with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest while gaining project management experience. Seattle Tilth Farm Works staff will provide support and direction for educational aspirations.

Qualifications

• Tilth seeks applicants who are enthusiastic about agriculture and have a vision for themselves within the Seattle Tilth Farm Works community
• Reliable, responsible, self-motivated and hard working
• Ability to work independently, be self-directed and also work well as a member of a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work with an interpreter
• Physical ability to work daily with hands, wrists and back, and to lift 50 pounds regularly
• Basic computer skills

Details

Time Commitment: Interns will devote 32 hours per week to the farm for 3-9 months. Priority is given to applicants willing to participate in farm activities for the entire growing season, from February through November.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $200 monthly stipend
• Interns will have access to free, shared, onsite housing that is furnished and includes kitchen and laundry facilities and free wifi
• Interns are encouraged to participate in our twice-weekly classes and field trips
• Interns eat well from harvest surpluses
• Interns can gain up to six Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through Washington State University
• Interns may receive school credit if their institution allows

Seattle Tilth Farm Works interns gain valuable farming skills and are given an opportunity to experience the inner-workings of a non-profit with over 30 years of success. Interns will actively contribute to organic farming, local food systems, the environment, and social justice, while working with a team to accomplish common goals.

Work Site:
Seattle Tilth Farm Works
17601 SE Lake Moneysmith Rd
Auburn, WA 98092

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to rachelschindler@seattletilth.org

Visit https://www.seattletilth.org/get-involved/internships/stfw-intern for more information.