Sustainable Living & Farming Jobs

In the Spotlight

Multi-State Jobs (AR • CA • MA)

Looking for a hands-on way to experience sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty? Since 1944, Heifer International has helped more than 9.2 million families move toward self-reliance in 125 countries. Heifer works to end world hunger and poverty in a way that cares for the Earth by providing sustainable gifts of livestock and agricultural training to people struggling daily for food and income. In the U.S., the interactive Learning Centers (located in Arkansas and Massachusetts) teach the public about the root causes of hunger and poverty and the way animals and people can make a difference. Volunteers hold major responsibilities and perform duties such as facilitating team building activities, assisting with global village programming, leading tours, hosting the visitor's center, caring for livestock, tending the gardens, maintaining the facilities and providing operations support. Residential volunteers must be at least 18, live on-site and dedicate at least a month and up to a year, to full-time volunteering. Residential volunteers receive housing, as well as a stipend if you volunteer for a minimum of one month. The online application will allow you to create a profile that enables you to view listings of all available positions at each learning center.

• At the Heifer Ranch Global Village in Perryville, Arkansas, teenagers on an overnight learning experience see what it's like in a slum dwelling. Millions of people live in housing like this around the world. Come help open the world's eyes and make a difference as a volunteer at one of three learning centers in the U.S.

California Jobs more

Working with acres of organic gardens and farm animals... teaching children about the wonders of our natural environment... dishing up garden fresh, family-style meals... beautiful swimming holes of the wild and scenic Eel River... got you interested? Come explore the cycle of employment opportunities with Emandal—A Farm on a River: a unique place that not only provides a learning environment, but a chance to do something constructive while pondering life's options. This year's employment opportunities include naturalists & environmental educators, head gardener, garden intern and assistant, facilities assistant & animal caretaker, cooking enthusiast, clothesline concierge, and seasonal support staff. Employment dates range from a full season running from April 1 to mid-October to partial season commitments ranging from six weeks to three months. Benefits include a weekly salary, tips, meals (composed of home cooked delights, seasonal garden produce and in-house roasted coffee) and a private bedroom in shared housing. If you like the idea of working in the country away from the noise of the city with a congenial bunch of people, then working at Emandal might be for you. Applications are available online and accepted on a rolling basis. Explore current job openings or connect with Emandal for more information.

• Emandal Farm has been a place of learning, relaxation and exploration for over 100 years! Hosting environmental education school groups in the spring and family and private guests in the fall affords a variety of employment opportunities that are great for transitioning between jobs, investigating a new career path, or serving as a jumping off point for future exploration.

Connecting children, youth and the community to the earth and instilling a sense of responsibility for their environment, Hidden Villa offers innovative, hands-on programs promoting environmental awareness, multicultural understanding and humanitarian values. Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains on a 1,600 wilderness preserve and organic farm, Hidden Villa features a multicultural summer camp, a school-year environmental education program for elementary school children, a youth hostel, a CSA program and a variety of community programs. Yearlong Residential Internships in environmental education, community programs, animal husbandry and organic agriculture offer the unique experience of living and working on a small farm. Learning about practical living skills, organic gardening, sustainability, animal care, environmental education, nonprofit administration and hands-on, interactive and creative teaching techniques round out the internship experience. Along with the chance to reside in a beautiful place, meet inspiring people and receive formal and informal educational training, interns receive a monthly stipend, shared housing and seasonal food from the farm. Agriculture internships begin in February and March; the Community Programs intern starts in June; Environmental Education interns begin over the Labor Day weekend in September. Applications are available online.

Is it true that we can live out our dreams by creating our own realities? Find out how Cori Stennett's internship experience at Hidden Villa unlocked her door of opportunity.

Hawaii Jobs more

Come explore Hawaii in a different way! Based in a camp-like setting on an 8-acre working, organic farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for teens and young adults to recognize a desire for change. In addition to working with a counseling and treatment team to achieve weekly outcomes, a typical day consists of working the land while learning about permaculture, sustainability, basic living skills and Hawaiian life, with outings once a week. The treatment team consists of four to five Field Instructors: 1-2 Leads, a Health & Safety Instructor, a Support Instructor and/or an Apprentice. Each staff member will work eight-days on, six-days off from Thursday to Thursday. Compensation includes a salary as well as room and board during the working period (on your week off, accommodations are not provided). At minimum, applicants must have a bachelor's degree preferably in psychology, farming or outdoor education. If you can make a one-year commitment and have experience and enthusiasm for working with teens in an outdoor therapeutic setting, email your cover letter and resume to Human Resources.

• Blending a wilderness therapy model on an organic farm, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for students to recognize a want for change while learning about permaculture, sustainability, basic living skills and Hawaiian life.

Louisiana Internships more

As the only grassroots rebuild organization working exclusively in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, lowernine.org has begun an urban farming program making use of abandoned lots in the neighborhood, all of whose homes were damaged or destroyed by hurricane Katrina. Interns will be responsible for all aspects of preparing garden lots: clearing ground; tilling; adding organic soil amendments; installing and maintaining drip irrigation; and planting, cultivating and harvesting vegetables. In addition, the job entails working with community residents, attending meetings and workshops, working at a monthly farmer's market and community outreach. Applicants must make a minimum 6-month commitment, although a full year is ideal. Compensation includes a monthly stipend of $400 plus full room and board. There is a $300 fee to cover room and board during the first three weeks (which is to discourage couch surfers and freeloaders), but there are no costs beyond that. Highly motivated, conscientious folks who are interested in helping develop alternative models for the rebuilding and restoration of this historic neighborhood will thrive here. Some knowledge of organic gardening/farming is a plus, but the ability to learn quickly and work hard is equally important. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

• Get involved with a community gardening/urban farming pilot project! lowernine.org project goals include providing healthy, organic produce at affordable prices for the community's returning residents; maintaining unused property as community garden space; teaching sustainable agriculture and sound nutrition to the neighborhood's residents; and contributing to the recovery and growth of the community in a positive, healthful way.

Massachusetts Jobs more

With locations in the Boston suburbs and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Gould Farm is a compassionate, respectful family environment where people with mental illness learn to build more meaningful lives for themselves through work, recreation and community life. The services at the farm remain rooted in the belief that every person has something to contribute despite mental or emotional limitations. Serving as informal counselors, work team leaders and role models, most volunteers engage small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run this 600-acre farm. Volunteers generally work in one specific area of the farm, such as gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, childcare, administration or clinical work. Boston area program interns live in a smaller community and provide support, guidance, and advocacy for clients who are well on their way to leading more independent lives. A minimum commitment of 12 months is necessary, with opportunities available throughout the year. Benefits include a monthly stipend, housing in privates rooms, wholesome meals and full medical coverage. Mature, well-rounded and people-oriented individuals who are interested in learning and living in a therapeutic community are encouraged to apply. GouldFarm.org

• The unique spirit that resides in the rural community lifestyle at Gould Farm offers both meaningful work coupled with recreation, singing, music, crafts and a celebration of farming and life.

New York Apprenticeships & Jobs more

Featuring a biodynamic dairy farm, bakery, cheese-making operation, a 12-acre market garden and Waldorf school, Hawthorne Valley Farm provides ample opportunities to learn in new and exciting ways throughout the year. During the spring (January through June) and fall (September through November), interns with the Visiting Students Program teach school classes and conduct activities that focus on farm and country life for 3rd-10th grade students. Summer at the Farm Camp helps children build a reverence for life and community awareness though living, playing and working together on an active farm. Counselors and a variety of other summer staff (including kitchen assistants) work at either the House Camp (ages 8 to 11) or the Field Camp (ages 12 to 15). Farm Apprenticeship Training in biodynamic farming and administration of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is offered from 5-12 months with start dates in March, May/June and November. All staff members receive a stipend, housing and organic vegetarian meals. Contact Helen Enright for further information or explore their website for details on all their programs and job opportunities.

• Nurturing the land that nourishes us, Hawthorne Valley Farm teaching interns, farming apprentices and summer camp counselors work together on this unique 400-acre biodynamic dairy farm that combines care for the land and the creation of a welcoming place for children and young adults.

Vermont Internships & Seasonal Jobs more

Set on a beautiful 500-acre campus in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Farm and Wilderness (F&W) summer and year-round programs blend wilderness experiences, organic farms & gardens, living in community, cooperative work & service, life of the spirit and homegrown (and unplugged) creative arts. Quaker values are woven into the fabric of the community, creating an environment where people develop a deep regard for one another and explore a style of life that is simple, rugged and exciting. Each year, nearly 250 staff members are hired for seasonal work (225 of them in the summer). Positions include camp counselors, senior support staff, activity heads, carpenters, cooks & kitchen staff, drivers, farmers, gardeners, maintenance workers, nurses, outdoor educators, special event coordinators and trip leaders. Work can seem like play in the camps because a cooperative group spirit enriches all the experiences of swimming and hiking, building and farming, dancing and music, crafts and cooking, and sharing thoughts and emotions. F&W also employs seasonal crew and interns throughout the year in the areas of organic farming, maintenance, carpentry and retreat coordination. Compensation includes a modest salary, housing and meals (mostly from fresh organic produce grown onsite!). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

• The Farm & Wilderness Staff is made up of "doers." They have backpacked in the Sierras, run food drives for the homeless, worked to clean up the environment, promoted the concept of world peace, played in bands, built houses, operated farms, and climbed in the Himalayas. In any given year, more than half are returning for another season.

Virginia Internships & Volunteer Jobs more

Set in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Innisfree Village is a life-sharing community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Coworkers and residential volunteers work together on this 550-acre farm in a model therapeutic environment emphasizing empowerment, interdependence and mutual respect of all community members. Serving as houseparents, volunteers live together with coworkers in family-style homes throughout the village. After a one-month orientation period, responsibilities include cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, and finances of the house as well as caring for the personal needs of each coworker. Volunteers are also engaged in therapeutic and meaningful work in the bakery, community kitchen, farm, herb & vegetable gardens, the free school, weavery and woodshop.

Benefits include a private room, all meals, a monthly stipend of $250, 15 paid vacation days, access to onsite fitness facility, wireless Internet, medical insurance and two consecutive days off per week. Fifteen to twenty people, all with various backgrounds and nationalities, are needed each year. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and able to make a one-year commitment. Applications are accepted throughout the year; a visit to Innisfree prior to applying as a volunteer is strongly recommended. Learn more about the application process or take a sneak peek of your new work environment and the variety of people who live and work together.

Learn how the Innisfree Village community empowered Lisa Gerlits to find a new way to move through the world while volunteering again and again and again.

If you have a passion for flowers, Wollam Gardens is the place to work, learn, live and grow the floriculture dream. Over 60 varieties of cut flowers are grown on seven acres on this northern Virginia farm. Of particular interest are unusual cut-flower woodies (Quince, Hydrangeas, Cotinus, Physocarpus, Viburnums), fragrant bulbs (Oriental Lily, Mexican Tuberose), and dahlias (about 4,000 plants!). Each year, flower interns have the opportunity to learn all aspects of a cut-flower growing operation over a ten-week period (although shorter and longer-term opportunities are a possibility). Activities include seeding, planting, weeding, cutting and bouquet making at the farm as well as selling flowers at Washington D.C. area farmers' markets and high-end florists. Positions are available beginning in mid-March and continue through November (seasonally or the entire period). Compensation includes a $30-per-day stipend, private or shared room in a historic colonial farmhouse, meals, laundry facilities and Internet connection. Life on the farm is a communal-living experience—all apprentices will share in the chores of cooking, shopping, and cleaning. If you are creative, hard working, mindful, interesting, interested, social, thoughtful, and environmentally-friendly, connect with Bob Wollam through email or by calling 540.937.3222.

• The life-enriching floriculture internship at Wollam Gardens will teach you every aspect of a cut-flower growing operation—beginning with the magic of seed to flower in the fields to sharing your harvest with enthusiastic flower customers at farmers' markets and florists.

Unique Resources

Expand your sustainable living, farm and garden job search by exploring these keywords:

Whether you want to learn how to be a homesteader or live in harmony with your own land, The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live it will provide you with the tools and techniques to build a new way of life. (new edition released August 2009)

WWOOF Adventures
Working in exchange for your keep is the basis of Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF)—and you can do so in the U.S. and all over the world. Check out these links around the globe:
• Australia
• Italy
• Japan
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• International WWOOF
• WWOOF.org
• NOFA Vermont (USA)
• USA

I envisioned roaming the picturesque New Zealand countryside, living cheaply on farms, and spending my days happily sweating in the sunshine with like-minded people.

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