Hidden Villa is a nonprofit educational organization that uses its organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice.  Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco. Our mission is “to inspire a just and sustainable future through our programs, land, and legacy.” We are seeking an energetic, responsible team player to fill our Agriculture Intern position.  The position runs from the beginning of April until the end of the following March.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The general responsibility of the agriculture intern is to work directly under the supervision of the Agriculture Manager as a member of the four-person farm crew.  This is physically demanding farm work that involves all aspects of our farm’s production.  This internship provides the opportunity to live, work and learn on an organic farm and to participate in classes and other opportunities with other Hidden Villa staff.  This internship is a farmer-in-training program.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday (8-5 minimum) with seasonal extended hours.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Field work: seeding, transplantation, weeding, harvesting, irrigation, some tractor work, etc.
• Assisting in the operation of Hidden Villa’s Community Supported Agriculture Program
• Training and overseeing volunteer activities
• Perform basic ranch maintenance tasks and simple repairs
• Engage in meetings and activities of the staff of Hidden Villa
• Intern living and enrichment: Participate in communal living responsibilities with 10 interns.  Attend weekly educational enrichment classes provided for the interns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age with the ability to work outside performing manual labor. Valid driver's license and clean driving record (no major infractions) strongly preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED
A candidate with basic knowledge of plants and an interest in sustainable agriculture and farm management is desired.  Candidates must be self-starters with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision on occasion and must be able to work with a diverse group of children and adults, including volunteers.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position is a full-time, year-long, residential, exempt position.  A stipend of $525/month is provided.  Benefits include: housing, seasonal produce, meat & dairy products from the farm when available, holiday time, vacation, and sick leave.  No medical, dental or vision benefits are provided however an additional stipend of $100/month is included to offset any medical expenses interns may incur.   Obtaining coverage is the responsibility of the intern.  Hidden Villa is a non-smoking environment.
HOW TO APPLY
Please mail your cover letter, a copy of your current resume and completed internship application by January 16, 2012 to: Samantha Langevin, c/o Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 or via e-mail to [email protected] (electronic copies must be Windows compatible).  Telephone inquiries can be directed to (650)793-7565.  For more information, please visit www.hiddenvilla.org/programs/internship
Hidden Villa is committed to diversity in our workplace and our programs.  We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, disability or veteran status.