Farm development internship in Redmond, Washington

Are you interested in developing skills in business growth, sustainable enterprise, and contributing to regenerative agriculture right in Western Washington? This internship tailors a custom education and work experience program to develop transferable real-world skills developing a small organic farm just minutes from downtown Seattle.

Sound Vegetables’ market garden is a minimal soil disturbance business growing over 40 varieties of fresh produce and free-range poultry. Our techniques follow developing best management practices for local vegetable production, specializing in mesculn salad mix, tomatoes and fresh root crops. We raise pastured poultry and free-range chicken eggs for the local community. You won’t see us riding around on a tractor, but you will see some of the freshest produce available in Seattle grown intensively on our 1.5 acre patch just north of Redmond, WA.

Internships last 8-12 weeks and earn insight to the business model of Market Gardens day-to-day and provide opportunity for intern initiative to develop the business in exploratory and educational ways. Assistance with farm tasks include learning opportunities under close supervision. On a farm, hands on experimentation and familiarity with the plants, animals and seasons provides valuable experience. We want our interns to learn proficiency in the areas of their interest and prioritize mastery of those during the internship. Our curriculum includes a curation of reading assignments with discussions on various literature to guide the learning process for all partners and unlock the experience of those on the sustainable path before us.  Interns are encouraged to offer ideas to improve workflow on the farm and find new techniques. We are looking for team players with a sustained interest in farming to join us.

To apply, send a cover letter to [email protected] with your interest in local, sustainable, organic, fresh foods and mention any skills or passions which you possess or would like to develop.

Typical Tasks & Activities

• Assist with farm organization and upkeep
• Pruning and training vining crops
• Garden bed preparation
• Transplanting and seed sowing
• Building irrigation systems
• Caring for chickens
• Harvesting crops
• Developing markets and marketing with photography, writing, and documentation
• Researching recipes, cooking, and experimenting in the kitchen
• Creating written records of farm operations
• Inspecting crops to maintain quality
• Educational curriculum includes authors JM Fortier, Joel Salatin, David Madison, Helen and Scott Nearing, Mark Shepard, Eric Brende and others depending on the focus of the internship
• Community research and developing knowledge of local supply chains

This program is a great opportunity to learn about crops and best management techniques in small scale agriculture. More information about our farm and volunteer opportunities can be found at soundvegetables.com

Contact: Erik Goheen, Operations Manager

425-773-0470