Hampshire College Farm Summer Internship
Starting date: May 21, 2018
Ending date: September 3, 2018
Pay rate: $11/hour
The Hampshire College Farm Summer Internship Program provides a hands-on working and learning experience designed for college students interested in sustainable agriculture. Interns will work alongside farm staff to carry out daily operations of the farm’s diverse pastured livestock and organic vegetable production operations. Normal working hours are Monday-Friday 7am-4pm with a one-hour lunch break. Some weekend hours will be required. Interns must have a valid driver’s license.
Responsibilities include:
- greenhouse crop seeding and watering
- vegetable field preparation
- transplanting and direct seeding of vegetable crops
- vegetable weed control – including tractor cultivation and hand hoeing
- livestock care – watering and feeding of animals including cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens
- livestock pasture rotation and fencing
- general farm maintenance
Throughout the summer, interns will be given written information on soil health; plant fertility; weeds, disease, and insect ecology; crop rotation plans; planting schedules; and cover crop plans. Interns will also learn about animal husbandry techniques in a grass-based system; grazing strategies for a diversity of species; and the economics of running a livestock operation. Interns will have the opportunity to assist professors or conduct their own on-farm research projects if they wish.
The Hampshire College Farm is looking for interns with a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture. Farm work is often strenuous; interns must feel physically capable and willing to work hard in all types of weather. Interns will be properly and thoroughly trained for any new task. Benefits include trips to other local farms, admission to the NOFA summer conference, and receiving some veggies, flowers, and herbs for home use. For more information or an application, contact Nancy Hanson at nhanson@hampshire.edu.
Application deadline: March 1, 2018
