Volunteering and Interning
Here at Paradise Produce one of our goals is to help people learn how their food is grown, and particularly to assist others wanting to make a living by farming. Friendly competition is a good thing as it drives us to be better at what we do. More small farmers are needed!
We have volunteer and internship opportunities to learn the trade of farming. Please be aware that we cannot accept all volunteers as we have to look at how they will fit into our farm system. Education is geared toward those interested in farming as a career, not a home gardener, although it wouldn’t be altogether irrelevant for someone interested in home gardening exclusively. Due to limited space we must give preference to those we think will have a mutually beneficial working experience.
Here are some points that would be important to keep in mind for someone interested in volunteering or interning:
• Much of the work is very physical in nature. Even picking tomatoes can be physical after a while!
• A consistent schedule and commitment is needed (e.g. every Tuesday and Friday evening for the month of June). Our interns commit to at least 8 consecutive weeks at 8 work hours a week, usually Tuesdays and Fridays. However, if you would like to discuss a different day or time schedule please let us know.
• Although teaching/learning is a part of the internship work here, chores must be done to get customer’s food on time and the volunteer will be expected to work in a timely fashion. There may not always be time to stop and explain everything in length.
• You will learn how a real vegetable farm works.
• There may be times of the year when due to no work or having too much work, we are unable to accept volunteers. Internships run only through our CSA season.
You must read, understand and sign the Liability Release and information for volunteers and workers. Internship please fill out this application and email or mail it to us. You must be 16 years or older. Please e-mail us with inquiries!
Career Opportunities
If you are interested in working on a farm for your career but aren’t interested in the stress and responsibility of owning a farm, you might consider applying for work at Paradise Produce. While job opportunities will come in relation to business growth, feel free to e-mail us at any time to ask about current openings.