Farm to Table Garden Program Internship

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Farm to Table Garden Program Internship The Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm Kinderhook, NY

The Sylvia Center (TSC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire children to eat well through hands- on learning experiences on the farm and in the kitchen. Through our programs, children learn what fresh food is, how delicious it tastes, and how to prepare it for themselves and their families. In our Learning Garden, outdoor kitchen on Katchkie Farm, and in local schools and community centers, we teach skills that inspire children to establish independent healthy eating habits – so that they may lead healthy and productive lives.

Internship Description: The Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm is offering a 6-month internship for our Farm to Table Garden Program for the 2016 growing season. Working in collaboration with the Education Director and Culinary Instructor, the Farm to Table Garden Program Intern will learn to develop, prepare for, and eventually act as the lead instructor for the garden component of our farm to table educational programs. This individual will come to hold a leadership role in the management of the half-acre Learning Garden, manage the care of animals on the farm, assist in leading volunteers in the field, help with the culinary portion of the program as needed, help conduct special on and off farm events and programs, and provide general operational and administrative support to the non-profit. Educational opportunity topics include: farm to table education for children, small scale organic gardening, and basic culinary technique and meal creation. The Farm to Table Garden Program Intern will work directly with, and be supervised by, the Education Director.

Internship Schedule: The Garden Program Internship begins May 2, 2016 (with some flexibility) and ends October 28, 2016. Hours per week will average 40-45 hours per week, and will be up to 55 hours per week during our busiest 2-3 weeks in July/August. On a rotating basis, chores may be assigned on days off. The work week is generally Monday through Friday. Weekend workdays amount to 1 or 2 per month.

This work and learn experience is designed for someone who would like to:

• Teach educational garden programs that emphasize food literacy, nutrition, and the importance of eating local, fresh, organic, seasonal produce to participants of all ages.
• Take their beginner experience in organic gardening to the next level by taking on managerial responsibilities for a large, highly diverse learning garden and managing the care of chickens and small livestock.
• Learn basic culinary technique and creative seasonal cooking and work with children in this capacity.
• Do physically demanding farm work as well as challenging and creative program planning and office tasks.
• Be involved in all aspects of an organization working to create meaningful relationships between children and their food.
• Learn new skills by actively shadowing, inquiring, and doing.

Required Qualifications

• One or two full seasons of experience working on a small farm or an intensively managed vegetable garden.
• Degree or work experience in education, agriculture, natural sciences, environmental studies, horticulture, outdoor recreation, or related field.
  Strong interest in the farm-to-table movement, children’s health issues, and participating in culinary work.
• Experience working with children, ideally in an outdoor setting.
• A strong and cooperative work ethic and communication skills, a good sense of humor, and the desire to work as part of a close-knit team.
  Positive attitude, ambitious, motivated, organized, patient, flexible, conscientious, and responsible.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently on assigned projects.
• Ability to rise to the occasion with a positive attitude when unexpected tasks need to be completed.
• Desire to be involved in all aspects of a small non-profit organization.
• Current CPR and First-Aid Certification, valid driver’s license, and ability to operate a commercial van.
• Ability to work long hours (including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends), lift up to 50 lbs, and perform physical, outdoor jobs in all weather.

Compensation: Educational experiences as noted above. Healthy portions of farm produce. Eggs when available. Monthly stipend of $1440. Three paid personal days. (Please note that housing is not provided.)

To Apply: Please email your resume, cover letter, and three references, at least two professional, (include name, relationship, phone number, and email address) to Julie Cerny, Education Director and Garden Manager, julie.cerny@sylviacenter.org. For more information about specific job duties, please request via email.