Third Way Farm Internship in Maryland

Posted on February 9, 2019 by Taylor in Education, Farming, Internships // 0 Comments

Christian Farm Internship at Third Way Farm in Havre De Grace, Maryland – 2019

A Meaningful Way of Life:
Being an intern at Third Way Farm is a well-rounded, full-bodied experience. Not only does this program deeply immerse a person into the daily rhythms of life on a diversified farm and in the care of its ecosystem, but it also invites participants into a community whose life carries purpose and meaning beyond the confines of the farm itself. Participating in this age-old and ever-critical human work of growing food and caring for the land will open you to pathways of life and wholeness within yourself and the world around you, enriching you in ways that will serve you on whatever journey that lies ahead. Changing the world, amidst the ever complexifying crises of climate change, economic injustice, food justice, and more, begins with remembering and living into who we truly are as humans: members and caretakers of this rich web of abundant, God-given life in Creation. If we learn together how to lovingly nurture the life all around us, growing wholesome food from the soil under our feet and with the animals that enrich it and us, we will not only bless ourselves, our families, and our local community with live-giving food, but will be contributing to the preservation of this world for generations to come. So, we invite you to come, learn, grow, and be transformed with us as an intern at Third Way Farm!

Whether you are considering sustainable agriculture as a vocation or way of life, or are interested in organic farming and just want to have an experience living it for a season, this internship program is for you!

The Dirt on the Third Way Farm Internship:
What does the internship include?

Farming! 50-55 hours per week of all things agriculture
Housing – live in our eco-sustainable intern house!
Food from the Farm – vegetables, herbs, eggs, pork
Stipend – Minimum $850/month
Farm Project Option – get funding and help to start your own farm project to create a product to sell or a system that improves the life of the farm; a great way to earn extra income and deepen your experience!

How long is it?
That depends. The farm needs interns year-round, and so we give preference to those willing to commit to at least 9-12 months. But, we also accept interns for shorter periods of 5-6 months, as well as strictly summer internships for 2-3 months.

What does it look like to be an intern at Third Way Farm?
At its heart, this is a sustainable farming internship program. The main aspects of work for interns will focus on our intensive organic vegetable, herb, and micro-greens production, and will also entail significant involvement in our rotational, pasture and woodland-based livestock systems. Interns will, throughout the season, partake in all tasks pertaining to the operation and life of this farm. A sampling of some major elements of this work include: sowing seeds, planting, harvesting, processing vegetables, bed/soil prep, livestock chores and pasture rotation, weeding, washing, deliveries and running farmers’ markets. By the end of the season, this internship will educate and equip you with all aspects of operating a diversified, regenerative farm. At the same time, it is our hope and goal for you to come away (or further into) this experience having “grown” holistically as a person.

A high level of responsibility, care and excellence is expected in all aspects and levels of work done here. We expect speed, efficiency, precision, awareness, and adaptability as key characteristics of our interns. At the same time, Third Way Farm seeks to cultivate an atmosphere of fellowship and fun in all we do, and we strive hard to make our work environment minimally stressful and maximally enjoyable. Team, faith, and community are essential values that undergird our daily experience at Third Way Farm.
Intern schedules will be set but flexible, typically entailing approximately 50 hours of work per week during our main season from April-October, and less during the winter season. Plenty of space for rest, fun, and self-care, however, is built into that work time. The work week will often include some work on Saturday mornings, and rarely, help with basic chores throughout the weekend. Extra-compensation will be offered for work beyond Monday-Friday and occasional Saturday mornings. 1 week vacation and sick/personal days are given when needed.

More Dirt on the Third Way Farm Internship:
What are we expecting of interested applicants?
Skills Required:

1 full growing season of vegetable farm experience preferred, but not required.
Willingness to perform physical, demanding work on a daily basis.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances
Willingness to listen carefully and follow instructions when engaging new work.
Ability to self-direct and manage when the tasks demands it.
Compatibility with a variety of personalities and diversity of co-workers, balanced by a confidence to work alone.
Driver’s license

Qualities Desired:

Positive attitude and determination to overcome adversity.
Open and mature communication: willing to share one’s thoughts/feelings and listen well to others.
Openness to working in a religious context. We are Christians committed to peace, social justice, and ecological regeneration; all applicants must be willing to work within these commitments, but need not share our Christian perspective. People of all faiths or no faith are welcome to apply.
Willingness to partake in the basic rhythms of intentional community, including weekly shared meals and occasional social gatherings, and optionally, bible studies or other faith-growing opportunities.

More details about what the Third Way Farm internship includes:
Compensation Package:
Stipend:
Stipends are offered based on experience, but will be offered at a minimum of $850/month, on top of the housing, utilities, food, and education included in the compensation package. Interns will have 3-month check-ins and evaluations with the owner, and raises will be offered at these times per good and dependable work. Farm Projects and Profit-share opportunities also available for additional income. See Internship description for details.

Housing:
Housing, utilities, cable, and internet/wifi are all provided to interns free of charge.
We have a beautiful, sustainably and ethically built intern house available for up to 4 interns/employees. Interns will have their own bedroom, and a shared kitchen, bathroom, and other living spaces. We also have a very nice RV/Camper with all the amenities including heat/AC, full kitchen and bath, hot water, 2 bedrooms, 4-season living capability. Privacy is always respected, but intentional community is encouraged between interns and the owners.

Food:
Interns are encouraged to take what they need from all that the farm produces, with minimal restrictions. This includes vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs, and pork.
Communal meals with farm staff are encouraged and can be shared anywhere from once a week to as often as people are interested to cook and eat together. Off-farm food for these occasions will often be provided by the owners, but taking turns sharing this responsibility will also be necessary.

Educational Opportunities:
Interns at Third Way Farm will be given a full-fledged immersion in the practices and skills of sustainable agriculture, particularly in those of intensive vegetable production and our pastured hen, pork, and sheep operations. By the end of the season, interns will be well-equipped and skilled in these practices, likely able to manage some or all aspects of these systems whether at TWF or another farm. Interns will also be given the opportunity to attend workshops or other educational tours and classes that might pertain to their interests in sustainable ag and especially the farm project they might choose to undertake @ Third Way Farm.

Farm Project Option:
All interns of Third Way Farm are given the opportunity to do their own farm project for which they can receive a profit share for the products their projects creates and sells. Land for growing crops, raising animals, flowers, mushrooms, and more will all be made available for such a project, and most or all of the upfront infrastructure or equipment needs will be provided by TWF. Interns will generally be expected to only invest their time and passion into their project, working mainly outside of regular farm hours, and will receive a share of the profit from what their project sells.

To Apply for an Internship at Third Way Farm:

Please email Tommy Shireman at thirdwayfarm@gmail.com. Include a resume, 2-3 professional references, a cover letter explaining your interest in this position, and your answers to the following questions:

1. What has inspired you to consider a vocation of sustainable farming, and particularly, an internship that entails mentorship within a Christian context? Please include a brief overview of any pertinent experiences you have in agriculture or food systems.

2. Why might this experience positively contribute to your life and the pursuit of your dreams/goals?

3. What unique gifts or strengths do you believe you can offer this farm and community?

4. What would you foresee to be your biggest challenge with life at Third Way Farm? From the physical and mental demands of an agrarian life, to the complexities of communal living, being away from family and friends, and comparatively limited income, the reality is, as in all seasons of life, challenges will arise here. Still, we hope to support and sojourn with you through whatever life entails during your time with us and beyond, so please don’t be afraid to be honest!

5. Please share anything else that you would like us to know about yourself that would be helpful in reviewing your candidacy for this position.

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/