River Bluff Farm

Current Operation:

Over 80 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers are grown on this small 5-acre farm. Organic methods are employed using manure and green cover crops as the basis for compost. The primary purpose of the farm is to provide healthy, chef-inspired organic food to about 40 local families through a CSA. Eggs and broilers are also offered in shares.

Internship Description:

The internship involves a season-specific curriculum, with hands-on skill building. Interns will work side by side with the field manager completing many tasks over the course of the growing season. Interns will spend time in the greenhouse planting seeds and handling seedlings. In the field interns will work to prepare the soil bed for planting, plant and transplant seedlings, irrigate, and hand-pick bugs as a means of pest management, weed, and harvest produce. Interns will also assist in the sorting and boxing of produce on CSA pick-up days. Interns will also be responsible for fulfilling other tasks as needed.

Intern Skills/Experience:

• Strong desire to become an organic farmer and/or community gardener and/or organic agriculture educator.
• Prefer previous farm work experience or background in farming.
• Prefer students with studies and/or interests relevant to farming, environmental, ag and food justice or gaining credit for internship.
• Experience using walk-behind tillers, garden shovels, rakes, hoes etc.
• Attention to detail very important (able to handle tender seedlings with care)
• Early morning starter, in good physical condition - Farming is hard work!
• OK with getting dirty, sweaty, or wet; interns will be working in all types of weather.
• All interns must have a positive attitude, an ability to receive constructive criticism, and a strong work ethic.
• An emphasis on hands-on physical labor and practice is very important.
• Must be comfortable working alone at times.
• Able to identify basic produce plants and differentiate from basic weeds.
• Strong back needed for crouching, leaning, stooping, carrying, etc.

Internship Stipends/Benefits:

• Farm is only 1/2 hour south of St. Paul.
• Freshly harvested produce, herbs or flowers to take home at the end of the week.
• Hands-on experience learning the elements of organic farming.
• Find respect for nature's well laid out designs.
• Gain knowledge and methods in organic farming for your career and/or personal gardens.
• Usually work side-by-side with Kelly, the field manager- who is willing to answer any of your questions!

Internship Timeline:

1-2 days per week, 8 hours per day OR 2 days per week, 4 hours per day. (Negotiable) May 15 through Sept. 30 (Negotiable) If interested in applying please send an email to wilsonkm@live.com with the following information:

1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
2. What do you hope to gain from this experience?
3. What date are you available to start and what hours/days you are available?
4. What is your favorite vegetable/herb/fruit to grow and why?

Check us out on facebook- www.facebook.com/pages/River-Bluff-Organic-Farm/203543599664711,or look us up on Localharvest.org- www.localharvest.org/river-bluff-organic-farm-M16635