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PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP
February 11th, 2020

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Production Internship is an opportunity for a select number of participants to learn and practice a variety of skills related to urban farming and small scale mixed vegetable production. You can learn more about our work at jvtf.org.

Our Farmers work hard to be both efficient and experimental with our farming practices as we establish a beautiful and diverse ecosystem in the city. Under the direction of the Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager, Production Interns will learn about soil preparation, crop care, harvest, and marketing of produce as they support the day-to day operations of our 3-acre farm in the heart of downtown Birmingham.

While the work will be hard, there are perks to being a Production Intern! This is a tremendous opportunity for growth and learning through attending agricultural classes and working alongside an experienced farm crew. In addition, interns have access to fresh produce as it is available throughout the internship. There is also the opportunity to earn college credit, but it must be coordinated by the student at the institution’s discretion.

 

JONES VALLEY TEACHING FARM (JVTF)
Founded in 2002, JVTF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2012, JVTF established Good School Food (GSF), a food education model rooted in academic standards and implemented in partnership with Birmingham City Schools. In the GSF model, JVTF designs and builds extensive teaching farm sites where staff deliver programming that connects students to food, farming, and the culinary arts through in-school and after school programming. Since 2012, JVTF has expanded the program to seven partner schools, including five in one distinct pre-K-12 feeder pattern in the Woodlawn community.

 

THE SITE
Over ten years ago, ground was broken and the first seeds were sown on a city block at the corner of 25th St and 7th Ave North. With over 250 varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers visible from interstate systems and skyscrapers, this three-acre urban farm continues to draw thousands of students, volunteers, and visitors to the heart of Birmingham each year. Though your primary responsibilities are in farm production practices, this role supports our education programs and furthers our mission.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR
● A demonstrated interest in understanding organic and sustainable growing practices
● Believers in the power of education and food
● A commitment to Social Justice
● An ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals
● A high degree of self-reliance, confidence, and initiative
● A positive attitude and the ability to hear, reflect upon, and implement feedback
● Individuals who are capable of lifting 50+lbs and participating in the demands of farm work for full days in varying weather

 

DURATION AND COMPENSATION
This is an unpaid learning opportunity with access to educational classes and organic produce as it is available. Production Interns are expected to work at minimum 10 hours per week in shifts from 8-12 and/or 1-5 during the work week between May- August. Interns are also required to attend a Thursday morning shift from 8:30-12, where they will learn from our Farm Manager about Integrated Pest Management, Cover Crops and Soil Health, Beekeeping, Crop Planning, and much more.

At the end of your internship in August, we can discuss the possibility of continuing as an “Advanced Intern”. Our Advanced Internship runs from August-November and you will be required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week in shifts from 8-12 and/or 1-5 during the week. The Advanced Internship program is great for individuals looking to further their on farm education into the fall and to experience an entire growing season at JVTF.

 

TO APPLY
To apply for this position please submit a letter of interest and resume with the subject “2020 Production Internship” to Farm Manager, Jessica Hill at jessica@jvtf.org. Deadline for this application is April 15th.