Common Ground | Intern

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Common Ground welcomes applications from individuals interested in interning on our site. Most internships are available during the summer, but other opportunities may be available during the school year.

If you are interested in one of the internship opportunities below, please fill out our online application form. For information about internships, contact Rebecca Holcombe at rholcombe@nhep.com or at 203.389.4333 x1213.

We currently seek applicants for two internships during summer of 2012: camp counselors and garden interns. Please note: Intern positions are intended for college students, or for post-college applicants looking to gain experience in a new field.

Common Ground Camp Intern

The Common Ground Ecology Camp is operated by the New Haven Ecology Project, which is home to a charter high school and a non-profit urban farm and environmental education center. Campers enjoy lessons and activities that take advantage of the site’s 20 acres of forested hiking trails, wildlife and diverse natural habitats, and a working organic farm that includes production and education gardens and a variety of farm animals.

The primary work of the intern will be to serve as one of the lead camp counselors for campers ages 4 – 13. Campers are divided into groups by age, and some camps have a special theme (animals, outdoor skills, cooking from the farm). Interns may indicate an age and/or activity preference. Interns will learn camp curriculum, lead lessons and activities, participate in field trips, and in all other ways be involved in the daily operations of the camp. Camp curriculum is provided, but the opportunity to develop additional lessons and activities or a special project with the campers is available if desired. Interns who wish to work BEFORE June 25 will also have the opportunity to participate in a great deal of hands-on work on our on-site organic farm (planting, weeding, greenhouse care, general garden work, helping with animal care, etc).

Specific skills/experience required for the internship:

Ability to work with children in a patient, nurturing manner (staff training provided to help learn skills in this area)
Interest in and basic knowledge of the natural world
Willingness to get dirty and work hard in all weather (including summer heat & humidity and/or rain)
Ability to work on a team of adults and teenagers, including both taking and giving direction
Work includes being a supervisor and role-model for high school students working as assistant counselors. Some teenage counselors may be close in age to the intern, so the ability to work with a group of peers while still maintaining appropriate supervisory boundaries is essential.
Ability to carry a daypack with supplies, to hike several miles, and to be physically active for most of an 8 hour day.
Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs

Additional requirements:

All adult staff must attend “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” and become certified. Common Ground will pay for this training.

Detailed description of Summer Camp program

The Common Ground Camps provide a diverse group of children with a fun, safe summer experience, emphasizing building friendships and developing an appreciation for the natural world. Campers experience nature as an exciting place to explore, and discover how people, food, and the environment are interconnected. Campers come together on “common ground” as they discover that we all have the responsibility and opportunity to help protect the Earth. Over the years, the camp has evolved from a small group of campers and staff to an energetic community of over 200 children and adults who learn about how all things are connected, from dirt and sun to the food on our plate and the water we drink.

Campers participate in both structured and unstructured activities on the farm and in the forest. Depending on personal interests and skills, a camp counselor might lead farm animal care, take campers on a nature hike, lead a group in cooking a snack from the garden, be creative with recycled or natural materials, lead games that foster friendship and cooperation, explore the stream and catch crawdads, or coach a child on how to hold a chicken! Each day is different, but counselors will always have some assigned stations or activities and will also offer daily activities for small groups based on their interests and experience. Daily work involves being an integral part of this community, teaching, playing, mentoring, getting dirty, eating strawberries, rounding up chickens, bandaging knees, and making memories.

Internship logistics and details

Seasonal availability and duration: Internships are offered from June 4 through August 31, 2012. Minimum commitment is 6 weeks of full-time work, 35 – 40 hours per week. Interns who are applying to work with the Summer Camp MUST work from June 25 through August 10, 2012. Additional weeks may be added before or after those dates if desired.

Compensation: Internships at Common Ground are not funded and no pay is available for the positions. Many interns have been successful with securing funding through their college, and we are happy to complete any paperwork that will help an intern secure academic credit and/or funding for their efforts. Free seasonal vegetable gleanings are available most days!

Housing: Housing is not provided, however we are happy to recommend resources for securing affordable housing.

Transportation: Parking is available on-site, as are bicycle racks. We have a bus-stop on site (take the B1 bus from the New Haven Green), and we are walking distance from New Haven’s Westville neighborhood.

Applications: Please fill out our online application form.

Common Ground Garden and Market Assistant
New Haven Ecology Project is home to a charter high school and a non-profit urban farm and environmental education center. The site includes 20 acres of forested hiking trails, wildlife and diverse natural habitats, and a working organic farm that includes production and education gardens and a variety of farm animals.

The primary work of the intern will be to assist in maintaining our one-acre organic farm and to assist in running our weekly farmer’s market stands.

Specific skills/experience required for the internship:

Good communication and interpersonal skills with people of all ages
Good organizational skills and ability to multi-task
Willingness to get dirty, hot, and to work hard physically
Willingness to ask questions, and also take initiative, to work both with and without direct supervision
Ability to be physically active for most of an 8 hour day
Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs
An interest in learning about sustainable agriculture and local food
Maturity, and the willingness to be a positive role-model to young people working on the farm (including teenagers ages 14 – 18)

Detailed internship description and goals

The internship will have two distinct activities and goals:

1. Working on the one-acre organic farm:

Farm work will be done with our full time Farm Manager, caring for the farm through the growing season. Working on the farm, the intern will gain experience in all aspects of planting, growing, and maintaining a diversified organic vegetable operation. Common Ground grows nearly 10,000 lbs of fresh produce annually, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Specific farm tasks may include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, preparing for market, preserving food, maintaining irrigation, keeping crop records, fixing fences, mowing, and a variety of other tasks. Interns may also learn to operate the tractor. Several summer programs for children ages 4 – 18 take place on the farm. Interns do not have daily responsibilities for working with these programs, but must be mature and a good role model for all children on the farm. Interns may sometimes lead small work groups of teenagers who are employed by Common Ground, and will have the opportunity to interact with and lead groups of younger children (summer campers) if desired.

2. Managing an on-site farm stand and assisting with additional markets and farm events as needed.

Interns will have primary responsibility for setting up and managing our on-site farm stand, assisted by the Common Ground Youth Crew. An on-site market has been in high demand by our local neighborhood, and especially by the nearly 100 summer camp families who pass through the farm daily to drop-off and pick-up their children. Depending on the interest and skills of the intern, there may be opportunity to help with off-site mobile farmstands and/or help host weekend events on the farm.

Internship logistics and details

Seasonal availability and duration: Internships are offered from April 2 through August 31, 2012. Fall positions may also be available - please inquire. Minimum commitment is 6 weeks of full-time work, 35 – 40 hours per week. Most farm interns work Monday - Friday, but it is possible to arrange a schedule that includes weekend work, with 2 weekdays off instead if preferred.

Housing: Housing is not provided, however we are happy to recommend resources for securing affordable housing.

Applications: Please fill out our online application form.


	Internships INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Common Ground welcomes applications from individuals interested in interning on our site. Most internships are available during the summer, but other opportunities may be available during the school year. If you are interested in one of the internship opportunities below, please fill out our online application form. For information about internships, contact Rebecca Holcombe at rholcombe@nhep.com or at 203.389.4333 x1213. We currently seek applicants for two internships during summer of 2012: camp counselors and garden interns. Please note: Intern positions are intended for college students, or for post-college applicants looking to gain experience in a new field. Common Ground Camp Intern The Common Ground Ecology Camp is operated by the New Haven Ecology Project, which is home to a charter high school and a non-profit urban farm and environmental education center. Campers enjoy lessons and activities that take advantage of the site’s 20 acres of forested hiking trails, wildlife and diverse natural habitats, and a working organic farm that includes production and education gardens and a variety of farm animals. The primary work of the intern will be to serve as one of the lead camp counselors for campers ages 4 – 13. Campers are divided into groups by age, and some camps have a special theme (animals, outdoor skills, cooking from the farm). Interns may indicate an age and/or activity preference. Interns will learn camp curriculum, lead lessons and activities, participate in field trips, and in all other ways be involved in the daily operations of the camp. Camp curriculum is provided, but the opportunity to develop additional lessons and activities or a special project with the campers is available if desired. Interns who wish to work BEFORE June 25 will also have the opportunity to participate in a great deal of hands-on work on our on-site organic farm (planting, weeding, greenhouse care, general garden work, helping with animal care, etc). Specific skills/experience required for the internship: Ability to work with children in a patient, nurturing manner (staff training provided to help learn skills in this area) Interest in and basic knowledge of the natural world Willingness to get dirty and work hard in all weather (including summer heat & humidity and/or rain) Ability to work on a team of adults and teenagers, including both taking and giving direction Work includes being a supervisor and role-model for high school students working as assistant counselors. Some teenage counselors may be close in age to the intern, so the ability to work with a group of peers while still maintaining appropriate supervisory boundaries is essential. Ability to carry a daypack with supplies, to hike several miles, and to be physically active for most of an 8 hour day. Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs Additional requirements: All adult staff must attend “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” and become certified. Common Ground will pay for this training. Detailed description of Summer Camp program The Common Ground Camps provide a diverse group of children with a fun, safe summer experience, emphasizing building friendships and developing an appreciation for the natural world. Campers experience nature as an exciting place to explore, and discover how people, food, and the environment are interconnected. Campers come together on “common ground” as they discover that we all have the responsibility and opportunity to help protect the Earth. Over the years, the camp has evolved from a small group of campers and staff to an energetic community of over 200 children and adults who learn about how all things are connected, from dirt and sun to the food on our plate and the water we drink. Campers participate in both structured and unstructured activities on the farm and in the forest. Depending on personal interests and skills, a camp counselor might lead farm animal care, take campers on a nature hike, lead a group in cooking a snack from the garden, be creative with recycled or natural materials, lead games that foster friendship and cooperation, explore the stream and catch crawdads, or coach a child on how to hold a chicken! Each day is different, but counselors will always have some assigned stations or activities and will also offer daily activities for small groups based on their interests and experience. Daily work involves being an integral part of this community, teaching, playing, mentoring, getting dirty, eating strawberries, rounding up chickens, bandaging knees, and making memories. Internship logistics and details Seasonal availability and duration: Internships are offered from June 4 through August 31, 2012. Minimum commitment is 6 weeks of full-time work, 35 – 40 hours per week. Interns who are applying to work with the Summer Camp MUST work from June 25 through August 10, 2012. Additional weeks may be added before or after those dates if desired. Compensation: Internships at Common Ground are not funded and no pay is available for the positions. Many interns have been successful with securing funding through their college, and we are happy to complete any paperwork that will help an intern secure academic credit and/or funding for their efforts. Free seasonal vegetable gleanings are available most days! Housing: Housing is not provided, however we are happy to recommend resources for securing affordable housing. Transportation: Parking is available on-site, as are bicycle racks. We have a bus-stop on site (take the B1 bus from the New Haven Green), and we are walking distance from New Haven’s Westville neighborhood. Applications: Please fill out our online application form. Common Ground Garden and Market Assistant New Haven Ecology Project is home to a charter high school and a non-profit urban farm and environmental education center. The site includes 20 acres of forested hiking trails, wildlife and diverse natural habitats, and a working organic farm that includes production and education gardens and a variety of farm animals. The primary work of the intern will be to assist in maintaining our one-acre organic farm and to assist in running our weekly farmer’s market stands. Specific skills/experience required for the internship: Good communication and interpersonal skills with people of all ages Good organizational skills and ability to multi-task Willingness to get dirty, hot, and to work hard physically Willingness to ask questions, and also take initiative, to work both with and without direct supervision Ability to be physically active for most of an 8 hour day Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs An interest in learning about sustainable agriculture and local food Maturity, and the willingness to be a positive role-model to young people working on the farm (including teenagers ages 14 – 18) Detailed internship description and goals The internship will have two distinct activities and goals: 1. Working on the one-acre organic farm: Farm work will be done with our full time Farm Manager, caring for the farm through the growing season. Working on the farm, the intern will gain experience in all aspects of planting, growing, and maintaining a diversified organic vegetable operation. Common Ground grows nearly 10,000 lbs of fresh produce annually, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Specific farm tasks may include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, preparing for market, preserving food, maintaining irrigation, keeping crop records, fixing fences, mowing, and a variety of other tasks. Interns may also learn to operate the tractor. Several summer programs for children ages 4 – 18 take place on the farm. Interns do not have daily responsibilities for working with these programs, but must be mature and a good role model for all children on the farm. Interns may sometimes lead small work groups of teenagers who are employed by Common Ground, and will have the opportunity to interact with and lead groups of younger children (summer campers) if desired. 2. Managing an on-site farm stand and assisting with additional markets and farm events as needed. Interns will have primary responsibility for setting up and managing our on-site farm stand, assisted by the Common Ground Youth Crew. An on-site market has been in high demand by our local neighborhood, and especially by the nearly 100 summer camp families who pass through the farm daily to drop-off and pick-up their children. Depending on the interest and skills of the intern, there may be opportunity to help with off-site mobile farmstands and/or help host weekend events on the farm. Internship logistics and details Seasonal availability and duration: Internships are offered from April 2 through August 31, 2012. Fall positions may also be available - please inquire. Minimum commitment is 6 weeks of full-time work, 35 – 40 hours per week. Most farm interns work Monday - Friday, but it is possible to arrange a schedule that includes weekend work, with 2 weekdays off instead if preferred. Compensation: Internships at Common Ground are not funded and no pay is available for the positions. Many interns have been successful with securing funding through their college, and we are happy to complete any paperwork that will help an intern secure academic credit and/or funding for their efforts. Free seasonal vegetable gleanings are available most days! Housing: Housing is not provided, however we are happy to recommend resources for securing affordable housing. Transportation: Parking is available on-site, as are bicycle racks. We have a bus-stop on site (take the B1 bus from the New Haven Green), and we are walking distance from New Haven’s Westville neighborhood. Applications: Please fill out our online application form.