Calypso Farm and Ecology Center

Duration: 50 hrs / week during May through July

Location: Ester,  Alaska

Position Title:  Calypso Farm Apprentice Internship

Housing: Housing will be provided. This will most likely be tent camping – the intern would need to bring a tent.  We have several very nice, protected spots.  The weather in May and June is typically very mild and warm – 60’s – 80’s.  But it's Alaska so, the intern should be ready for anything. 

For more information: Calypso Farm & Ecology Center

Description:
The Calypso Farm Apprentice Intern would be fully integrated in the Farm Crew and involved in all aspects of farm production and marketing, including:
• Seed starting and greenhouse management
• Spring field and soil preparation
• Seeding and transplanting
• Record keeping
• Drip Irrigation set-up, operation and maintenance
• Harvesting and post harvest care of produce
• Cultivation 
• CSA harvest and distribution
• CSA Farm Note writing
• Restaurant marketing and deliveries
• Building compost piles
• Assisting with other Calypso duties as needed (events, educational programs, etc.)
Research and Education: Although you will be working along side experienced farmers in the field, we will also provide you with as much reading and discussion of sustainable agriculture practices and issues as you are interested in. Calypso has an extensive library and is always willing to acquire more materials if needed.

Qualifications:
A strong interest in small-scale sustainable organic farming; ability to participate in physical labor

Funding:
Available through the Center for the Environment Summer Leadership Fellowship Program; see application instructions.
 
Requirements:
Along with the Universal Application students must submit a cover letter describing their interests, experiences, and why they’d like to be a Calypso Farm Apprentice, a resume and three work-related references with contact information.

About the Organization:
Calypso Farm and Ecology Center is a non-profit, educational farm based in Ester, Alaska. We provide hands-on education to the Fairbanks community and our diversified farm feeds a number of local families. Our website provides introductory information on Calypso’s programs, volunteer and membership opportunities, and our future plans.
"Our mission is to promote local food production and environmental awareness through hands-on education in natural and farming ecosystems."

Calypso’s projects:

Schoolyard Garden Initiative
The goal of the Schoolyard Garden Initiative is to create a network of school gardens functioning as experiential learning environments for teachers and students during the school year and as food production gardens - maintained by the teenagers involved in Calypso 's Engaging Alaskan Teens in Gardening (EATinG) program - during the summer months.

Engaging Alaskan Teens in Gardening (EATinG)
Through the EATinG program, middle and high school students are paid each summer to grow food and operate small CSA programs and neighborhood farmstands in schoolyard gardens in Fairbanks. The EATinG program establishes mutually beneficial relationships where schools have gardens, youth have meaningful employment and hands-on education opportunities and the community has access to locally grown food!