Overview Thank you for your interest in interning at Newton Community Farm. The Internship Program (unpaid) offers the experience of working on an intensive market garden (the traditional term for small vegetable farms). Our small size means we utilize as much of our land for growing as possible and most of the work on the farm is done by hand. Our paths are narrow and we plant beds intensively.
Requirements
Working on an intensive market garden requires focus, care and precision. Interns need to be able to work quickly and efficiently while paying attention to details and carefully following verbal instructions. Farming is also physically demanding. Interns need to be able to lift, bend, and kneel repeatedly and work in all weather conditions—hot or cold, wet or dry.
Expectations & Accountability
Another goal of the program is to enhance interns’ sense of personal responsibility including punctuality and developing a strong work ethic. Interns will need to communicate directly with the Farm Manager Greg Maslowe or his designee. Except in the case of emergencies, staff will not return inquiries from parents. A member of the farm staff will review your performance with you at the end of the internship period. As with all jobs at the farm, your position can be terminated at any time at the discretion of the farm manager.
Service Learning
Interns will gain hands-on experience working on a farm. The list of tasks is varied and will include planting seeds, tending crops, harvesting plants, and preparing produce for distribution. Also, we strive to ensure that interns gain a well-rounded understanding of our food system so every work day, interns and their supervisor will engage in educational conversations about organic farming, sustainability, farm finances, marketing, labor issues, and a variety of other topics. Interns' interests will primarily direct the conversation topics. Internships are unpaid.
Schedule
Internships last for four weeks and are three mornings per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), 8 am to noon. This includes a break. We eat lunch at noon, and although it is not required, interns are welcome to join us for lunch. Please be aware that in applying for an internship, you are committing to being available for the entire term of the program on all days and hours noted. Please do not apply if you know you will have a conflict during the internship period.
Interested?
If this sounds like the internship you are looking for, please complete and submit this application. We will contact you to arrange an interview with the farm manager if we decide to pursue your application. We review applications on a rolling basis so if you are interested, apply as early as you can. Successful applicants will need to complete a medical form, photo release, and also submit a parent/guardian permission form including emergency contact information.
