Website https://twitter.com/piedmontenviron Piedmont Environmental Council
Piedmont Environmental Council
Title: Community Farm Internship (two positions available)
Manager: Gilberts Corner Farm and Land Manager
Location: Loudoun County, VA – Aldie, VA
Job Classification: Part Time, Seasonal, non- exempt (25-30 hrs/week, May-September with flexible start and end dates (approx. 10-12 weeks)
Geographic Focus: The PEC Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows is located on a 141- acre PEC-owned property at Gilbert’s Corner in Loudoun County, Virginia (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105).
About PEC
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont since 1972. PEC empowers residents to protect what makes the Piedmont a wonderful place, and works with citizens to conserve land, protect air and water quality, celebrate historic resources, build smart transportation networks, promote sustainable energy choices, restore wildlife habitat and improve people’s access to nature.
About the PEC Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows
Launched in 2019, the PEC Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows is an 8-acre farm operation that grows produce for local food pantries, utilizing organic and regenerative techniques. The farm consists of 4.5 acres of vegetable production, 1 acre of orchard and berries, naturalized areas to support pollinators and beneficial insects, as well as a small flock of laying hens. Engagement with volunteers, schools, and community organizations is a vital part of the farm, which not only provides opportunities for the public to engage with their local food system and give back, but also fosters lasting relationships with the community. Highly visible through its productivity, use of a volunteer workforce, and engagement with the community, the Community Farm promotes the importance of land stewardship, access to fresh foods, and community care. Through the Community Farm, volunteers actively participate in local agriculture, local residents have access to farm tours and educational workshops, and families in need throughout Loudoun County benefit from increased access to fresh, healthy, locally-produced fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
Your Role
As an intern you will have the opportunity to cultivate your agricultural skills and build connections within the community. You will be involved in all facets of the farm operation and will develop a focus area over the course of the program culminating in an end-of-season project. Possible focus areas include but are not limited to:
- Volunteer engagement
- Farm-based education
- Greenhouse or field management
- Livestock
- Composting and soils
Regardless of focus area, interns will depart with a functional understanding of:
- Volunteer management and engagement
- Educational program development
- Farm safety
- Field preparation and management
- Seed starting and greenhouse management
- Direct seeding and transplanting
- Harvest and post-harvest handling
- Composting and fertility
- Pest, disease, and weed management
- Rotationally grazed poultry and livestock
- Orchard and berry systems
- Cut flowers
- Basic tool and equipment maintenance
- Supporting the whole farm ecosystem
This position will be based at PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105).
Qualifications
- While previous farm or garden experience is welcome, it is not required
- This internship is ideally suited for individuals 18 years old or older or those at the beginning of their farming journey
- Interested and passionate about pursuing a career in regenerative agriculture, food systems work, or farm-based education
- Comfort interacting with a diverse audience including volunteers of all ages, school groups, and other PEC staff
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions with limited facilities
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Reliable transportation to and from internship
- Ability to pass a background check
Compensation
This is a part-time, seasonal position. $20.00 per hour
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resumé to [email protected]. Resumé reviews begin immediately.
The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions and qualifications are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work. helps build the competencies and knowledge of our organization. Diversity of experience and skills, combined with passion, is key to our organizational identity. Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable job accommodations may be requested.