Homer Hilltop Farm Internship in Alaska

General Description: Two-acres of farmed ground at 1,200 feet in the hills above Kachemak Bay, split between market garden vegetable production and commercial peony production.

Details of the Farm Internship in Alaska: Working on our small-scale vegetable farm will teach you much of what you need to know about starting your own small-scale commercial farming enterprise. We will cover crop planning, soil health, garden management, cover crops and other soil enhancement techniques, crop rotation, succession planting, crop selection, marketing, harvest, weed control and how to keep moose out of your gardens. Our farm would be especially beneficial for those looking to start farms in cooler climates using hoop houses and high tunnels as well as outdoor plots. 

Farm Internship in Alaska Starts: 05-01-2019 (negotiable)
Farm Internship in Alaska Ends: 10-15-2019 (also negotiable) 
Number of Interns: 2
App Deadline: 01-15-2018
Minimum Length of Stay: 2 months

Meals: Farming is really all about a love of food and we love to eat well! We typically have communal meals 3-4 nights a week and most lunches are eaten together. Food preparation and clean up is shared. 

Skills Desired: Basic farming experience is preferred but for someone with a demonstrable work ethic and enthusiasm, exceptions can be made. Most important is a learn-by-doing attitude. Basic carpentry skills and experience with machinery also a plus. 

Educational Opportunities: Interns are welcome to request tours of other farms in the area to further their experience base. There are also a wide variety of reading  materials and online sources that I can offer to enhance the experience. Interns are encouraged to keep records of their work, questions and areas where more research is needed. 

Stipend: I will offer a monthly stipend of $600-$800 depending on experience. 

Housing: The household & living arrangements: Our main house is a snug 1,600-square-foot space with one bathroom, a washer and dryer and, amazingly, a hot tub. You are welcome to use all of the facilities in the house, though I do encourage you to hang your laundry on the line rather than use the electric dryer when the weather makes that possible. During dry spells, we try to conserve water by taking quick showers and flushing when necessary only. There is also an outhouse for Wwoofers to use. Wwoofer cabin: The wwoofer cabin is 12×16 and sleeps two or three people. There is also a separate smaller cabin. These allow you some space from the hubbub of family life, but as there typically are two to four farm helpers at times during the summer, so you will likely have roommates and you must be comfortable rooming with someone of the opposite gender. 

Interested in the Farm Internship in Alaska? Email us at carisima@alaska.net