Farm Internship in Southern New Hampshire

Sun Moon Farm is looking for one or two interns for the 2015 season. This southern New Hampshire farm currently operates a vegetable CSA growing for 80 shareholders on 4 acres of a 130 acres property of mixed forest and field.  They cultivate crops using a mix of large tractor implements, small walk behind machines, and hand tools; they also follow organic growing practices.  The farmers are educators as well as farmers so teaching new farmers and food consumers, and sharing ‘the good life’ with others are important aspects of their calling to small scale agriculture. They are looking for individuals to come and work with them from May 1 though November 1, 2015, although a shortened season, such as May 15 to Sept 1, will be considered if an active college student is interested in a position.  No farming experience is necessary, but interns do need an ability to adapt and a willingness to work hard, outdoors.  Also, interns will have the most satisfaction from their time here if they are passionate about some aspect growing food, which could be anything from a botanical/scientific interest in growing to a passion for cooking good food.  Weekly hours will range from 40 to 60 depending on the time of season and weather. Weekends are usually slower paced, but depending on the market schedule and the needs of the gardens, they are not always free.

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Expect a diverse workload.  All planning and decision making usually happen in the winter months, so interns will only be able to see the plans they have made and will work making them come to fruit.  Daily responsibilities will vary: bed preparation, plant propagation, planting, maintenance of perennial plantings, weeding, harvesting, continued planting, and interacting with CSA customers will all be part of an interns role. It is the farmers’ hope that interns not only enjoy growing food for their customers, but also appreciate and deepen their connection to food as it passes from their hands into the local community of customers, neighbors and friends.

Most learning and instruction takes place during the course of an individual’s stay as each new part of the season unfolds.  Discussions are often impromptu, occurring during meals or field work.  They have an extensive library of agricultural and farm related materials and are willing to take the time to provide guided readings and discussions on topics that suit each individual’s interests as they arise.

A small weekly living stipend is provided to interns regardless of level of experience.  Interns live in the farmers’ house and have use of a communal kitchen (where CSA shares are prepared and bread is baked for customers). Lunches during workdays are provided; breakfast and dinners are generally not shared, although interns are given access to a pantry where certain staples are provided.  Upkeep and maintenance of their personal space is the responsibility of interns. No pets. Friends and partners are welcome to visit and help on the farm.  Driver’s license preferred. No smoking.

Please contact Craig Jensen via email: sun.moon.craig@gmail.com or phone: 603-899-2806.  He will send you an application and questionnaire for you to complete and return.  Any additional information, such as a CV, letters of recommendation, etc., is welcome and appreciated.  Applications are taken until positions are filled, which usually occurs by March 31.  For more information about the farm, please visit our website, www.sunmoonfarm.org.