Garden Intern
Quantity: 2
2010 hiring complete; 2011 hiring begins in Fall 2010
The Basic Qualifications and Expectations are the same for this position as for the others (see "Essential Expectations"). Though Emandal is a farm, we are not a market farm. Our garden exists to support the kitchen, which in turn feeds 70+ people 3 meals daily from mid April-early October. With this is mind, we organize the garden to meet these demands. Our goal is to have as much fresh produce as possible during this time supply our weekly menus. Growing our own produce in a way that impacts the land as little as possible is very important to the gardeners here.
The garden is about an acre and a half of annual vegetable and flower production, and, in addition, fruit trees (apples, pears, plums, peaches, walnuts, and persimmons), brambles (blackberries, red raspberries, and golden raspberries), and other fruits, herbs and veggies are a part of the "edible (and also ornamental) landscaping." It plays an important part in both our Environmental Education (Spring) and Family Camp/Private Groups (Summer) both in the production of food, and for educational purposes.
A garden intern may have some knowledge of gardening and plants, but must posses a desire to learn and gain experience in a garden setting. He/she will be involved in all aspects of gardening from seeding to planting and beyond harvest. He/she must also be flexible, able to work independently and as part of a group, and willing to communicate. Ideally a garden intern would derive pleasure from a hard days' work, and the joy of being able to work outside. Realistically he/she will need to realize that working outside (in the cold, rain or heat) and physical labor are often taxing, and must be able to see the larger picture to get through day to day hardships and frustrations.
Main Responsibilities-Interns will assist Gardeners with:
- Garden set up, planting, thinning, weeding and fertilization of annual gardens
- Harvesting as well as post-harvest care of fruits, vegetables and flowers as needed
- Compost building and application
- Greenhouse care including watering, temperature control and pest monitoring
- Communicating with kitchen staff to determine their needs
- Garden Chore (during Environmental Education) with help of Naturalist
- Irrigation set up and repair
- Maintenance (weeding, dead-heading,etc.) of ornamental perennial beds
Other Responsibilities (as needed)
- Interact with guests when necessary- both children and adults will occasionally wish to learn and help in the garden during their stay at Emandal
- Preservation of foods when necessary-canning, freezing, etc.
- Weekend watering
- Flower arranging
Compensation
Minimum $100/week, plus room and board.
Tips during Family Camp/Groups.
Work Schedule
40 hours a week. Environmental Ed schedule (April-early June): M-F with some weekend watering
Family Camp/Group schedule (mid June-mid September): 5 1/2 days a week, schedule will vary
Dates of Employment
Full Season: April 28 – September 21, 2009
Summer Season: June – September 21, 2009
Preference is given to applicants who can stay for this entire period, but we will still consider applications for shorter time periods. End date in particular may be flexible dependent on needs of the business and staff member.
Garden Intern Application (PDF)
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please download the application, complete it, and send it to us, along with your resume and a page describing your qualifications and reasons for wanting to work in this position at Emandal. You may send your application and supporting materials to us via post.
- Emandal
16500 Hearst Post Office Road
Willits, California 95490