Fall 2020 Internship: Organic Farm and Alpacas
Why intern with us?
An internship at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice is a great way to connect with nature, learn about growing food and living more sustainably.
We are now accepting applications for up to eight interns for our fall 2020 program which begins in mid-August and ends before Thanksgiving. Located at beautiful Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, WVC is 80 miles west of Indianapolis. Here you’ll find a farm store, alpacas, chickens, bees, USDA certified farm with two high tunnels and two greenhouses, an orchard, a berry patch, and a classified forest. At WVC you’ll get to work with our team of dedicated and caring people. You’ll also work and live with other interns from all over the country, in this hands-on learning environment. WVC, established in 1996 by the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, is teaching, caring, inspiring for all creation.
Job Description: You’ll learn about the food supply chain, sustainability, eco-justice and what it takes to run a small USDA certified organic farm. Interns work approximately 35-45 hours per week, five days a week including some weekends.
Responsibilities include:
- Plant, mulch, weed, and other agriculture tasks
- Work with and produce items made with alpaca and other fiber
- Harvest, clean and pack vegetables, fruit, herbs and berries for farmers market and farm store
- Gather, clean and process eggs
- Feed and care for alpacas and chickens
- Maintain coops, barns and pastures
- Work in our farm store and assist at the local farmers market
- Attend monthly staff meetings
- Participate in field trips, educational seminars, and extracurricular enrichment activities
- Present a project of your choice at the end of your experience
Benefits:
- Internship may qualify for independent study
- A total stipend of $525
- Furnished, private room in a fully furnished house with heat and air conditioning
- Shared common spaces (with up to seven others) include fully outfitted kitchen, three bathrooms, living room, dining room
- One daily meal (your choice) in Providence Hall Dining Room seven days a week.
- Seasonal produce from the garden and eggs
- Wi-Fi
- Washer and dryer on premises
- Parking
- Household items such as laundry soap and cleaning supplies are included
Qualifications:
- 18 years old by Aug. 17, 2020
- Willingness to learn and the ability to self-direct.
- Physically fit, capable of lifting heavy items, and able to use basic tools such as a shovel and wheelbarrow
- Prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions
- Previous experience with animals is helpful but not necessary to apply
We welcome people of all faith traditions (or none), ethnicities, backgrounds, socio-economic demographics, sexual and gender orientations.
For more information about this internship please contact:
Sr. Mary Montgomery, WVC internship program coordinator internswvc@spsmw.org
NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic some program features may be adjusted to accommodate safety guidelines and protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Sisters of Providence. Any such changes will be outlined and discussed during the interview process.