CSA Farm Internship in Alaska

Spring Creek CSA Farm Internship in Alaska, 2013 Spring Creek Farm is located on Alaska Pacific University's 800-acre Kellogg Campus in Palmer, Alaska. They are a seven-year CSA operating on about 1-1.5 acres of intensively planted beds within a 16-acre transitional hay field. In addition to growing for a 30-share CSA, we also grow for a small Farmer’s Market in Anchorage. The CSA season runs from late May/early June through early October.  We grow a wide variety of crops, including warm-weather crops grown in passive hoophouse/greenhouse structures.  Our season is short and cool, and many crops are grown from transplant.  We own a tractor for tillage and rely on hand tools for most things such as cultivation and compost spreading. Palmer is a small picturesque town of 6,000, located 3 miles from the Farm.  All basic amenities are available, from grocery stores (Safeway and Fred Meyers) to fine restaurants and coffee shops.  In the past, interns have gotten to and from town on bikes, by foot, by sharing rides, and by hitch-hiking.  We do have a couple bikes available for summer use.  The Palmer area is full of outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, etc.

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Expectations: Arrive early May, stay through September (dates are negotiable, but preference will be given to those who can arrive May 1^st). Interns must be willing and enthusiastic workers.  Farming can be physically challenging and monotonous at times; and summer weather conditions in South Central Alaska are often cool and wet. Interns will participate in all aspects of sustainable farming, including weeding, harvesting, planting, laying irrigation, fencing, compost-making, tilling, staffing CSA drops and Market tables. Interns are expected to treat each other with respect, and to communicate clearly with each other and to the farm manager. You will be working alongside the farmer everyday, therefore, expect an informal education through question/answer during the workday. Farming lectures/discussions is an option if there is interest.

Compensation: Interns agree to work ~32 hours/week (hours may vary with season) in exchange for a private wall tent, seasonal produce, and shared space in the Farmhouse. There is a $300.00/month stipend.

Accommodations: Consist of a private platform wall tent (roughly 8’ X 10’) supplied with a cot or mattress.  Interns will have full access to a shared house with bathrooms, kitchen, computer lab, washing machine/dryer and indoor living space.  Interns will be expected to share in the routine clean-up and caretaking of the house.

Requirements: No experience required. Some interest in agriculture is preferred.

Application: Please send a resume and a brief description explaining your interest in becoming a farm intern, and outlining any experience you might have, to Amanda Hull.  Please apply by March 31, but will accept applications until positions have been filled.  We will schedule phone interviews with qualified applicants.

Amanda Hull

Farm Manager

907-746-2795

ahull@alaskapacific.edu

www.springcreekfarmak.org