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Overview

The Farm School's mission is to connect people to the land. We cultivate community through sustainable agriculture. Our programs empower people of all ages, income levels, and various abilities by connecting them to the food system, each other, and the environment.

Our organization values the diverse skills and individuals that come together to create a thriving community and workplace. We are committed to the work we do, and bring our best selves each day, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we have fun, and enjoy the process of doing good in our community. We take care of each other and put people at the center of everything we do.

The focus of this internship will be to support operations (production and programming) at the Program for Visiting School’s Veggie Garden, a market garden and educational site that provides thousands of pounds of produce for free to communities and seniors throughout Athol, Orange and Dorchester, MA. The Farm School also provides farm-based educational programming to local youth, and strives to demonstrate sustainable growing practices. The Farm School Veggie Intern should have a desire to connect with, and work in service to, our broad community of youth, farmers, teachers and families of various ages, identities, and backgrounds.

Benefits of Interning with The Farm School

â–  A living stipend is paid at the beginning of each month Note: we provide housing/camping as part of this internship if needed. This stipend is meant to reflect a living stipend minus typical housing expenses for the area. We also offer farm provided meals 3 times per day and free farm products of fresh seasonal vegetables each week from the farm representing ( $800 per month in value) June-November as the season permits.

â–  You will gain knowledge and experience working on and managing a diversified farm.

â–  Make a positive impact in the lives of children, teens and partners communities.

â–  Access to many farm resources including a wood shop, tools, saw mill, commercial, forge, trail networks and orchards.

Intern Responsibilities

Assist Farm Manager in all aspects of farm operation:

â–  Seedling cultivation: Seeding, transplanting, thinning, and fertilizing.

â–  Greenhouse management of seedlings: watering, temperature control, and pests.

â–  Vegetable cultivation: Seeding, transplanting, weeding, and crop care.

â–  Harvesting, washing, and packing of vegetables for donation.

â–  Management of soil fertility, pests, and diseases, using organic and holistic practices.

â–  Operation and maintenance of farm tools and equipment.

â–  Site maintenance including: mowing, pathways, and vermicompost bins.

â–  Installation, maintenance, and operation of irrigation systems.

Assist with Community Events, Outreach, and Education:

â–  Summer Programming, Community Events, Day Trips, Volunteer Days and Overnight PVS trips will all take place during the internship period. Interns are expected to engage with community members and support staff during these events.

â–  The Veggie Intern will mentor and work alongside youth during the summer and fall months, assisting other farmer teachers holding educational and experiential programming throughout the season.

â–  Assist with donations to partners.

â–  Assist farmer teachers and youth with greenhouse, wash station, and field-related tasks.

â–  Join community groups on tours of the farm site.

Preferred Qualifications

Qualifications

â–  Responsible, dedicated, and organized individual

â–  Strong work ethic and a passion for learning how to grow food for community

â–  Ability to work early morning, evening, and weekend hours

â–  Ability to hustle and thrive under pressure

â–  Physically capable of manual tasks, including lifting 40 pounds

â–  Applicants must be CPR and First Aid certified by July 1st 2026

Bonus Points

â–  Experience growing food in a farm or garden setting

â–  Fluency in a language in addition to English

â–  Experience working in adverse outdoor conditions

â–  Experience in community building, education, and volunteer leadership

To apply for the The Farm School Veggie Internship:

Applications are due by May 15th , 2026 but will remain open until filled. In your cover letter, please include:

â–  Any previous volunteer and/or work in an agricultural setting.

â–  What skills or experiences will you bring to this internship?

â–  What do you hope to gain from this internship?

â–  What are your personal goals related to farming and/or community building?

â–  This internship is 5 months long, June through November, working full time, and up to 35 hours per week. Please share how this internship will fit into your life.

Hours Per Week

30-35

Desired Outcomes

Compensation

$15/hour