Company description

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

Launched in 2019, the PEC Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows is an 8-acre farm operation that uses sustainable practices to grow produce for local food pantries. The farm consists of 3.5 acres of vegetable production, 1 acre of orchard and berries, and naturalized areas to support pollinators and beneficial insects. The Community Farm is highly visible and uses volunteers and community engagement to promote the importance of land stewardship, access to fresh foods, and mutual aid. 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 and Clarke Counties benefit from increased access to fresh, healthy, locally-produced fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

Internship description

PEC is seeking to hire two Community Farm Interns to help support farm operations. PEC anticipates this position will work 25-30 hours per week, from May to September with flexible start dates (approximately 10 weeks). As an intern, you will not only have the opportunity to cultivate your agricultural skills such as seeding, planting, and weed management, but also 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.

Areas of Responsibility
Possible focus areas include but are not limited to:

• Volunteer engagement
• Farm-based education
• Greenhouse or field management
• Composting and soils

Regardless of focus area, interns will gain experience in:

• 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
• Orchard and berry systems
• Basic tool and equipment operation
• Supporting the whole farm ecosystem

Geographic Focus
This position is based at PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows, located on a 141- acre PEC-owned property at Gilbert’s Corner in Loudoun County, Virginia (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105).

Working Conditions and Physical Demands
This position will be primarily completed in the field. Fieldwork is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and is carried out with other members of the farm team, volunteers, and occasionally alone. Fieldwork is often physically demanding, including walking over uneven terrain, with a risk of exposure to natural hazards. Occasional lifting of materials up to 50 lbs is required. Occasional attendance at night or weekend events may be required.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in pursuing a career in regenerative agriculture, food systems, or farm-based education. 
• Comfort speaking 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 as we are located in a rural area with no access via public transportation
• Ability to pass a background check - required due to the work with small children
• While previous farm or garden experience is welcomed, it is not required
• This internship is ideally suited for college-aged individuals or those at the beginning of their farming journey

Compensation
This position is an hourly, non-exempt, part-time, seasonal position. $20/hr.

Application Process
Interested applicants should fill out our job application form at pecva.org/apply. Candidates must submit a cover letter and resumé.

Application deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025

 
The Piedmont Environmental Council strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all aspects of achieving our mission. 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 are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Read more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) commitments.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions 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 that translates to our openings. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process may be requested.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

March 28, 2025