Farm interns Wanted in Minnesota

Buttermilk Falls CSA & Folk School Retreat is a beautiful historical farm and retreat center nestled among the forests and prairie lands of the beautiful St Croix River Valley just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities (Minnesota). For more than a quarter century, residents, interns and volunteers have continued in the traditions of providing delicious organic produce to individuals and families from all walks of life, living in sustainable and nourishing community and providing a site for essential nature-centered educational programs and retreats. At Buttermilk Falls Farm, garden interns are involved in all aspects of the farm and work closely with the farmers. Internship focus will be on vegetable production, including greenhouse management, direct seeding, field preparation, making/applying compost, weeding and cultivation, transplanting, harvesting, post harvest handling and interaction with our members, visitors and volunteers while completing these tasks. Working on the farm requires the physical capability to contribute daily in a rigorous, diverse agricultural setting. Farm work offers an incredibly rewarding and demanding work environment and life experience. Please consider this commitment before applying. You may read more about our farm programs, our mission and what is happening in our community by visiting our website: www.buttermilkcsa.com. You may also apply for the internship program there.

Tweet

Requirements:

We are looking for reliable, responsible and hardworking individuals who are able to follow directions and are especially interested in farming, gardening and food/resource sustainability. The ability to blur the lines between work and play is a major plus! Ideal applicants are available for a 6-month stay at the farm (May through October), with some 3-month or shorter term stays considered. Excellent people skills, initiative, and the physical ability to work daily with hands, wrists and back, and to lift 50 pounds regularly are desirable. Interns should expect to work outside in all weather conditions including rain, snow and daily summer heat.

In addition to being a CSA farm, Buttermilk also serves surrounding communities as a nature and folk-based education center, with visiting volunteer, organizational, and school groups throughout the year. Interns that are interested will have the opportunity to assist with the on-farm educational visits which include daytime/overnight visits and programming. All interns will be expected to interact with and direct volunteers throughout the season.

While previous farming experience is preferred, it is not required – however, it is essential that candidates are committed to the farming lifestyle and all that it demands. Finding a good match between what our farm can offer and the needs and expectations of an intern are incredibly important.

Details:

Accepted interns will live and work on the farm, and will share most meals in a communal fashion. Compensation includes room and board, with the food being one of the greatest perks of a farm internship! Interns will also receive a modest living stipend, usually around $200/month. Housing options are currently diverse and will be appropriated based on current numbers and dynamics. All options will include a shared bathroom with a shower, cozy sleeping room, laundry facilities and access to a shared kitchen/food storage. Interns are expected to work full-time on the farm with time off allotted as appropriate based on farm needs, usually from Friday afternoon throughSunday lunchtime. Some additional weekend work is requested on occasion This is a multiple household community, so it is important for interns to be comfortable sharing their living spaces with other people, and to have the ability to self-care in this type of environment.

To Apply

Visit our website www.buttermilkcsa.com and click on the “Internships” page. There you can read more about the program and fill out an application of interest. You will be contacted by a co-worker of the farm to set up an interview at that point – ideally, you interview in person at the farm, but phone interviews may be arranged. Please submit the applications ASAP, as we will begin our interviews for the 2015 season in February this year.