Farm Intern Wanted in Virginia, 2012-13

Farm intern wanted in Virginia, 2012-13. Tricycle Gardens, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing sustainable agriculture, nutrition education and healthy food access to Richmond, VA is offering internship. Tricycle Gardens has engaged thousands of neighbors and shown that the simple act of growing food is an incredibly powerful way to change the overall health of our community. Tricycle Gardens has grown and sprouted about across our region and our programs include: 5 community gardens, our HQ Urban Agriculture Demonstration Site, the Green Acre Permaculture Garden at the Science Museum of VA, the Children’s Garden at the Children Museum, The Healing Garden at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, and the Tricycle Gardens' Urban Farm.

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General Description: This position is ideal for an aspiring urban farmer, steadfast food justice advocate, or anyone who has a passion for growing good, clean, honest food. In collaboration with and under direction of the Farm Manager and Program Coordinator, Farm Interns carry out all aspects of the farm and greenhouse operations. Tasks include but are not limited to: soil preparation, seeding and transplanting, cultivating and weeding, irrigation set-up, and harvesting and processing produce. Farm Interns will also be responsible for managing and running the weekly Four Season Farm Stand and assisting in produce deliveries and compost pick-ups to local restaurants as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

Farm Interns must be punctual and reliable in attendance, and work hard and smart. Bringing a positive attitude to the farm is also paramount. Farm Interns must take pride in the quality of their work and be eager to engage in work that strengthens our local food system. The ideal candidate will be looking to deepen their knowledge by participating in all aspects of maintaining an urban farm.

Hours:

Farm Interns typically work an average of 12-15 hours a week during the Fall/Winter session & 18-20 hours a week during the Spring/Summer Session.

Fall/Winter Interns: September 1- February 28 (6 months)

September 1- December 31 (3 months)

Spring/Summer Interns: March 1- August 31 (6 months)

June 1- August 31 (3 months)

All internships can stand-alone or be paired with a half season (3 month) or additional full season (6 month) internship.

Skills Desired:

Attitude is everything. Common sense is appreciated. Personal motivation. Looking for positive, can-do folks who are open to learning new skills. Prior experience is not required, only a willingness to learn. The position requires physical stamina and heat tolerance. Interns will be expected to work long hours outside, lift heavy objects and use power tools occasionally.

Educational Opportunities: While working with Tricycle Gardens you will have access to all of our knowledge and experience as well as our small library. Depending on your interests or desired skills, it may be possible to provide appropriate learning projects and/or seek out opportunities within the community.

Interns will typically be working with the farm manager, other interns, and volunteers. The type of work they do varies seasonally but they can expect to have experience with: weeding, planting, planning, harvesting, packing, maintaining the orchard, hoop houses, and greenhouse, running the weekly Four Season Farm Stand, and teaching the next groups of interns. If you have other interests or skills, they are happy to discuss other ways you can contribute.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Isabel Eljaiek, Program Coordinator: isabel@tricyclegardens.org.