Agricultural Apprenticeships at Sustainable Nantucket

2012 Agricultural Apprenticeships at Sustainable Nantucket (MA), a non-profit organization established in 2000 that is cultivating a healthy Nantucket by building a better local food system, which in turn means a stronger economy for the island. We are actively expanding sustainable agriculture, on-island farm growth, encouraging entrepreneurial cottage industry, and helping to create new networks for our local agri-business community. Apprenticeship Description: The Sustainable Nantucket Agricultural Apprenticeship works in cooperation with individual island growers. Each apprentice will be placed with a mentor whose business corresponds as closely as possible with that of the apprentice’s goals, interests and skills. The apprenticeship will extend from June – August, although the start and end dates are flexible and will be considered on a case by case basis. The apprenticeship will involve a minimum of 200 hours of on-site work. The Apprentice will provide support to the local farmers by learning the sustainable agriculture and/or food production methods; the business of running a successful farm, and/or CSA; creating local merchant relationships; operating a farmer’s market booth; and contextualizing this experience within the wider perspective of the nonprofit. Responsibilities on the farm may include, but are not limited to: weed & pest management; sheet mulching; green house care; composting; propagating & transplanting; harvesting and packing; delivery; and CSA coordination. Training also includes harvesting and transporting products to restaurants, private customers and the Farmer’s Market as well as learning how to successfully set up a business, and run a booth at an outdoor venue. Sustainable Nantucket will act as coordinator and liaison between intern, grower/food producer and university program. To learn all about this opportunity and how to apply click "read more". And to find more internship and farm employment opportunities go to: https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/

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Qualifications: The Sustainable Nantucket Agricultural Apprenticeships are open to high school students, college students, post-college and mid-career individuals. A passionate and demonstrated interest in local, sustainable agriculture is the most important qualification. Highly preferred qualifications include experience with farming, a demonstrated desire to contribute to sustainable agriculture, knowledge of the field, and a sincere interest in a career in agriculture.

Hours and Compensation: Hours are determined by the individual grower and will fall between 20 to 30 hours per week. Apprentices are paid a minimum of $8/per hour.

Curriculum: To receive university credit, in addition to the on-site work, Sustainable Nantucket will require 5 short passage readings and responses. Each reading will not exceed 20 pages, and each response will be between 2-3 pages long. At the end the apprenticeship, the apprentice will have an exit interview and will submit a brief essay (1-2 pages) evaluating his or her experience.

Housing: Housing for the summer is the responsibility of each intern, however if needed Sustainable Nantucket will help facilitate an affordable housing search.

To Apply: Please submit resume, cover letter, a list of three references, and answers to the questionnaire to Amy Roberts at communityag@sustainablenantucket.org.