White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) is looking for interns for our certified organic farm. Located at beautiful Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, WVC is 80 miles west of Indianapolis just a few miles off of Interstate 70.
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence since 1996, is teaching, caring, inspiring for all creation. The center provides opportunities for participating in creating systems that support justice and sustainability, locally and globally. Through organic agriculture, eco-justice education and social advocacy, White Violet Center strives to promote an awareness and way of living which support all life. We welcome people of all faith traditions (or none), ethnicities, backgrounds, socio-economic demographics, sexual and gender orientations.
At WVC we grow a variety of vegetables and flowers which we sell at our local farmers market and in our farm store. We also work with several area food pantries to help get fresh produce and eggs to our food-insecure population. In addition to our garden we have a flock of egg-laying hens and herd of alpacas that are sheared each year for their luxurious fiber.
We are a teaching farm.
This is an immersive, practical experience where you’ll learn firsthand about local agriculture, animal husbandry and fiber arts under the direction of our team of dedicated and caring people. You’ll also work and live side-by-side with other interns from all over the country. We can accommodate up to eight interns at a time.
Length of Service:
Individual internships are a minimum of three months up to one year
Seasonal cohorts are also available. You can see all your options here.
Job Description:
Interns work approximately 35-45 hours per week, five days a week including some weekends. Please refer to “A day in the life of a White Violet Center intern” to see what a typical day might look like.
Responsibilities include:
- Plant, mulch, weed, and other seasonal farm tasks
- Harvest, clean and pack seasonal produce, herbs, and flowers
- Feed and care for alpacas and chickens
- Gather, clean and process eggs
- Maintain coops, barns and pastures
- Work in our store and assist at the farmers market
- Partake in extracurricular enrichment activities
- Present a project at the end of your experience
Benefits:
- Free housing in furnished house with eight private bedrooms
- Monthly living stipend
- Monthly food allowance
- Seasonal produce and eggs
- Basic household items such as laundry soap and cleaning supplies
- Internship may qualify for independent study for college credit
Qualifications:
Farming is very rewarding but it is not for everyone. Please keep in mind that this is a working farm. You will get dirty. You will have to lift heavy things. You will encounter bugs that sting and bite. Requirements are:
- Must be 18 years old by the start of the internship.
- Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
- Willingness to learn and the ability to self-direct.
- Capable of lifting at least 50 lbs.
- Ability to use basic tools such as a shovel and wheelbarrow.
- Prepared to work in a variety of extreme weather conditions.
- Previous experience with animals is helpful but not necessary to apply
Apply:
Apply online. You will need to provide your resume, cover letter and two references to complete your application.