Homesteading Farm Job/Internship – Indiana

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Homesteading Farm Job/Internship at Lake Monroe Homestead – 2019

Our farm is located in southern Indiana approx. 10 miles south of Bloomington (Indiana University).  It is between 3 heavily used campgrounds and adjoins the Hoosier National Forest on three sides. We try to coordinate our product availability to sell from a roadside stand during the busy Memorial through Labor Day Lake Monroe boating season.  We are currently expanding in many ways, and seek a candidate for the Homesteading Farm Job/Internship capable of augmenting/coordinating many of the projects listed below.

• construction of a 78′ high tunnel 
• erosion repair/soil amendment/fixing compacted subsoil 
• irrigation system from a spring fed pond 
• terracing 
• free range chickens 
• 100% wood heat/cooking 
• trail systems 
• composting 
• non petroleum/electric hand tool maint. 
• beekeeping 
• rain catchment 
• fencing 
• solar 
• legal kitchen 
• homebased vendor products 
• mushroom cultivation 
• barter system 
• medicinal / tea plants 
• berries 
• livestock guardian dogs 
• solar dehydration & other preservation techniques
• Ag business plans

Ideally, Homesteading Farm Job/Internship candidates would have prior small farm/horticulture experience or formal education; but a strong desire to develop a sustainable rapport with nature through permaculture and homesteading is what is really important.  There is a somewhat vigorous physical component required, as our use of automation/mechanical advantage has been kept intentionally low.  For instance, we invest in high quality Austrian made hoes rather than tillers, split wood by hand, and extensively rely on wheel barrows and drag tarps.  On the intellectual side of the spectrum, the ability to research, think abstractly, and learn the particular business related nuances involved is desirable.  This is a family operation, partially “subsidized” by one member’s full-time outside employment.  Candidates could also partially support themselves through work in town, online, etc. or attempt to get by on what we are financially able to provide at this time.  This consists of a small regular cash stipend year round that equates to around $9/hr@40hrs/wk, assistance with transportation, food, other living expenses, additional irregular income that scales with the various growing seasons, and separate housing with utilities. 

Our intention is to find an arrangement/partnership that is mutually beneficial to all parties involved.  This will take some creativity, but a solid foundation has been laid, the motivation to succeed is present, and further investment has the potential for large returns.  The best way to continue a dialogue is to write us at lakemonroehomestead@gmail.com; after which I will provide additional contact information and we can go from there.  Thank you and I hope your summer is off to a great start.

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/