Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Delphi Organic Gardens offers the experience of learning aspects of biodynamic, permaculture, and organic gardening methods in a designed setting. Our focus is small-scale production for growing fresh food year round. We welcome all applicants with an interest in sustainable gardening, regardless of academic pursuit. Our goal is to support theoretical instruction and research with opportunities for direct experience, training, and group discussion.

Delphi is a private ten acre estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounded by giant redwoods. Nearly all of the acreage is under management and includes ornamental and formal gardens featuring native plants and trees, as well as species from different parts of the world. Roughly half of the property is devoted to food production including mixed vegetables, legumes and grains, an extensive fruit orchard with numerous varieties, nut trees and a small vineyard. Only organic methods are used with animal manures supplied by the estate’s horses and chickens.

INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Interns will participate seasonally in soil development, irrigation, plant propagation, planting, disease, pest, and weed management, and food harvesting/processing/preservation. Interns will work closely with the Garden Manager in all aspects of a gardening responsibilities. Note that the intern must carry his/her own basic health care coverage. After all applications have been received and reviewed, Delphi Foundation will invite a limited number of candidates to participate in one-day on-site “working interviews." These interviews, held approximately 2 months before the start date, are designed to give the garden manager and the applicant an idea of whether the internship position will be a good fit. Final decisions on apprenticeships will be made around 6 weeks before the start of the internship period.

Stipend: $12/hour. Please note that work days are TUES/THURS/FRI only from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

SKILLS DESIRED

We are seeking applicants who are self-motivated, hard working, creative, eager to learn, good communicators, and in good physical condition (also able to lift 50 pounds). Previous experience in farm/horticultural work is helpful but not required. We welcome anyone with an interest in farming, gardening, or sustainable food systems as a livelihood or career, and a willingness to work full days in all weather.

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline