Internship Opportunities

Internships in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Education

Phillies Bridge Farm Project offers practical internships in sustainable agriculture and environmental education.

Phillies Bridge Farm Project (PBFP) is a non-profit educational working farm on 65 acres in New Paltz, NY. Mixed vegetables are produced from on 5.5 acres for a 180 member CSA, local restaurants, low-income families, and on-site educational programs. The educational programs at PBFP offer school children, local youth, CSA members, and the general public opportunities to learn about and participate in sustainable and local food production. PBFP is committed to agriculture that is ecologically sound, community oriented and economically viable.

Internship in Sustainable Agriculture: Learn methods and practices involved in producing diverse vegetables without chemicals. Interns will receive training and practical experience in greenhouse work, field work, harvesting, cultivation, irrigation, care of livestock, general farm maintenance and CSA distribution. Interns will also learn about crop scheduling, harvest management, farm equipment care and use, and local marketing. We will attempt to expose you as much as possible to the decision-making that goes on at the farm, so that over time you will develop an understanding of the "behind the scenes" processes as well as the hands-on elements of small-scale vegetable production. We will also schedule visits to other local farms and time for discussing some of the practical concepts of sustainable agriculture.

Internship in Farming & Environmental Education: Work with the farmers and farming interns about 60% time in the areas described above. Work with the Education Director about 40% time to lead education programs on the farm and occasionally in the community. Programs include school field trip programs, a summer day camp, cooking programs for low-income families, and occasional public presentations, workshops and educational displays. Teach small groups of children and adults in hands-on activities that help them learn about and celebrate the cycles of nature that produce their food. Activities include: planting, harvesting, cooking and nutrition, creating a farmer's market, composting and soils, farm arts and crafts, farm history, caring for farm animals, nature trail hikes, cooperative games, music, and storytelling. Curriculum has been developed over the years but there is also opportunity to develop new activities based on your own interests and skills.

We are seeking interns to fill the following positions for the 2008 season:

• Full-season Farm Intern: Mid-March to mid-November
• Half-season Farm Intern: May to mid-August
• Full-season Ed. Intern: Late April to end of October
• Half-season Ed. Intern: Late April to mid-August

Compensation: Interns are expected to work hard alongside the two farmers 5 1/2 days a week with a good attitude. In exchange, interns will receive $800 monthly stipend, along with produce and eggs from the farm. On-farm housing in a furnished cottage is available to one of the interns or a couple. Preference is given to the intern with the longest position duration. Interns who live off the farm are given an additional $400 "housing stipend," increasing their total monthly stipend to $1200.

Interns will have the opportunity to participate in the CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) program (www.craftfarmapprentice.com), a cooperative effort of local farms which organize farm visits and structured educational opportunities for farm apprentices.

About the New Paltz Area: World-famous rock-climbing cliffs, the Gunks, are within a 10 minute drive from the farm, as well as 2 nature preserves featuring endless hiking/biking/cross-country ski trails, lakes, ponds and streams. The farm is a 5-minute drive from the town of New Paltz and with a library, restaurants, coffee shops, bars.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hard-working, motivated, focused, conscientious;
• Great attitude and a cooperative work ethic;
• The ability to work long hours and to perform physical, outdoor jobs in all weather (hot, cold, humid, rainy);
• In addition, applicants for the internship in Farming & Environmental Education should have prior experience teaching children, preferably in field settings. Additional experience with program planning, curriculum writing and exhibit development a plus.

To Apply: Send letter, resume, and names and phone numbers of 3 references to: Farmers, 45 Phillies Bridge Road, New Paltz, NY 12561 or info@philliesbridge.org.