Connecticut

01 - We are a community non-profit based in New London, CT.  Our mission is to make social change and pursue justice by transforming the food system from what it is to what it ought to be: healthy, sustainable, accessible and beautiful!  We work to encourage and empower broad participation in this effort.

This internship is an opportunity for an individual interested in learning farming, while at the same time engaging with community food security and social change.  The intern will assist with the organization, coordination and implementation of work and activities at the farm; help facilitate paid Youth Crew Members (ages 14 – 19) and the volunteer labor force at the farm. The farm is two acres of intensive, organically-cultivated land, a 1000-square-foot greenhouse, an irrigation pond and harvest barn/outdoor classroom situated as part of the WCS Experiential Education and Farm Center.   This position includes responsibility, rigorous service-learning, experiential education about agro-ecology & working with a diversity of people.

The primary duties and responsibilities of the interns include assisting with: the organization, coordination and management of the Youth Crew, WCS staff and students and volunteers at the Farm; greenhouse management and plant propagation (coordinate with WCS); implementation of weekly planting schedule for greenhouse seeding, field seeding and transplanting; insect and weeds control, fertility monitoring, and general field observation; and managing crews to do weekly harvests in season; soil-building program including composting; irrigation and equipment; staff for sales and marketing and donation of produce; and maintenance and monitoring of electric deer fence.

Desirable knowledge, skills, and abilities are: some agricultural experience & a strong interest in learning organic farming; experience working with youth and interest in youth leadership and youth development; an ecological sense, knowledge of dynamic interplay between food system, farming, natural world, society and individuals; ability to manage dynamic schedule, agricultural calendars, weekly schedules consisting of work with many people; strong communication skills:  ask questions, make observations and share that information clearly with others;  ability to comfortably lift up to 40 pounds repeatedly, wake up early and do physical labor; experience and interest in working with diverse populations - different ages and various economic, social and political backgrounds; ability to work with team and community members respectfully and with patience; and qualities of self-motivation, time management, flexibility and cooperation.

Special Requirements: Work in field, greenhouse, outdoor classroom and office.  Hard and repetitive physical work up to 8 hours/day.  Weekend and evening hours on occasion. Ability to provide transportation to/from farm. 

Commitment: ~1000 hours of service (average of 35 hours per week for 30 weeks); season runs approximately 4/10 through 10/10; time off during this period needs to be scheduled with maximum advanced notice and kept to a minimum

Stipend and benefits include: housing provided in down-town New London; food/living expense stipend of $75/week; an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables (if we have it you can eat it!).

02 - We are a small certified organic farm in its eighteenth growing season.  Our farm is  located in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut and operates on 10 acres of land.  We presently have a 50 member CSA and also sell at two local farmers’ markets.  We grow a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and small fruits.  In addition, the farm has four greenhouses, a large flock of chickens and several beehives.

Apprentices will be exposed to all aspects of the operating of a certified organic farm from crop production, cultivating, harvesting, to sales and marketing of our produce through the CSA and the farmer’s markets.

We are looking for two energetic individuals who wish to increase their knowledge of organic farming.  The work schedule would start in May and run through October.  Interns are expected to work six days a week with a stipend of up to $200/weekly depending on work experience.  Accommodations are a one room apartment with a separate entrance.  Apprentices can share meals with the family or have access to the kitchen in the main house.

If candidates are seeking college credit, we can help structure a curriculum and are willing to work with any college or university to fulfill the requirements of an independent study course (certified teacher).

03 –This farm is in its nineteenth year of operation.  The 55-acre farm is picturesquely situated in the Shepaug River Valley in northwestern Connecticut.  From sixteen acres of fertile river bottom soil and two large greenhouses, we grow a full variety of seasonal vegetables and cut flowers.  Our produce is sold at Connecticut farmer’s markets, natural food stores, and local restaurants.  We also make hay on our farm. Two greenhouses are used for general propagation and tomato production.  We also have a new commercial kitchen where we produce vegetarian, value-added food from our produce that we sell at farmer’s markets.  We also can vegetables and tomatoes for our winter market.

Four or five apprentices are given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of managing a successful small market farm.  These activities include plant propagation, cultivation (manual and mechanized), record keeping, farm management, harvesting and marketing at our busy farmer’s markets.  There are opportunities to learn the basics of soil fertility, greenhouse management, effective vegetable marketing and beekeeping.  Apprentices can also learn food preparation from our farm chef.  We are looking for apprentices who are energetic and hardworking, who wish to develop a hands-on, practical experience and who can contribute to the team effort that is required for a successful organic farm operation.  Since we are a small operation, we are able to give individual attention in areas that apprentices would like to explore and develop.  We are also members of CT/CRAFT apprentice program.

Since the farm is situated along the Shepaug River, there are opportunities for swimming and tubing.  The town swim pond also borders the farm as well as a large land trust with great hiking trails.  We are also about two hours from New York City.

Apprenticeships include room, board (veggies and basics), and a stipend of $225/week. Apprentices are needed from late spring through November.  Please call or write for more information and specific details. You can also see pictures of the farm and watch a farm video on our website.

04 – This farm is a certified organic farm located in Bethlehem, CT, located 2 hours from New York City. Located in the rolling Hills of Litchfield County the farm is easily accessed by train from NYC or Bus from Boston.

The farm engages in deep organic and permaculture practices. The farm house is extremely energy efficient and 100% solar powered. Presently 6 acres are under cultivation raising organic produce for a farmer’s market near Yale, local restaurants and healthy food store. Plans are underway to incorporate the farm into a small Ecovillage. 

WOOFers would work in all phases of production and also have the opportunity to learn about Green Buildings and Renewable Energy. Accommodations include a private room, and organic food, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free meals can be provided. English and Hungarian are spoken and there is no smoking. We can provide clothes and a bicycle and periodic trips to New York City.

Generally, the minimum stay for short term interns is two weeks. We do accept interns for the entire season and provide a stipend for season-long workers. There also exists an opportunity to become involved in the planned Ecovillage. We need help beginning in early March and running through late November.

05 - Apprentice sought for small certified-organic vegetable farm in eastern Connecticut.  Must be physically able with a positive attitude and willing to learn.  No prior experience is necessary.  Must work five long days shadowing the farmer and take two days off each week.  The work can be hard and in varying weather conditions, but has variety in its tasks.

There is the opportunity to learn all aspects of small-scale, intensive, organic vegetable growing and sales (“soil to seed to sale”) in exchange for room, board and about $80/week.

We prefer a non-tobacco-user with a driver’s license, able to work any day of the week.  We suggest a pre-hiring visit to the farm if possible.

Help is needed from April through October or any sizeable portion of that period, with a possible bonus offered for staying the time agreed upon.

This is a small, certified-organic (since 1989) farm along Connecticut’s eastern border.  We grow about thirty different vegetables and some vegetable seedlings on 1.3A, with a large hoophouse, a larger greenhouse and a “cool house” suitable for year-round production.  We sell at farmer’s markets and festivals, to stores, and through a subscription plan.