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Sunfield Biodynamic Farm and Waldorf School encompasses 81 acres of the Chimacum watershed in Port Hadlock, Washington, USA (on the Northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula.) The maritime and temperate climate has wet, mild winters, and dry sunny summers. The farm consists of a 5-acre school campus and gardens held by 42 acres of fields and pasture, 8 acres of wetlands, and 26 acres of forest. The farm is Integrated with the pre-K-8th grade Waldorf school and its primary objective is to provide immersive educational experiences for students and the community that are grounded in the practical tasks and seasonal rhythms of agricultural and ecological stewardship.
Internship dates: Option A: April 1 to October 31
Option B: September 6 to August 31
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months
Internship Details: Agricultural work is physically demanding but immensely rewarding. It opens the senses and awakens keen observation skills. It enlivens thinking and brings one into a direct relationship with the foundations of our existence. It is mundane and profound. Agricultural experiences help one more truly stand on the Earth or lie under the Stars. Paying attention will pay you back! Above all, it is nourishing and healing work that will feed your whole being.
Interns will be involved in all aspects of the farm and will work both independently and alongside other interns, the farm manager, and the farm educator. Interns will learn from these skilled and dedicated mentors and divide their time between the needs of the farm and assisting in farm education programming. This includes all aspects of annual vegetable production (from seed to seed), care of perennials (pruning, mulching, & irrigation), pasture and animal husbandry. Daily animal chores are a major aspect of the internship. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in designing educational experiences and delivering high-quality farm and outdoor education for different ages.
Hours will fluctuate depending on the season but will average 30 hours per week. Evening work is required 1-2 days per week. Midday we generally don't work in the fields and gardens. Instead, this is time for weekly lectures and question/answer sessions, tours of nearby farms, or forest walks. If they choose, interns will also be provided with a personal garden plot to tend in their free time. They are welcome to join in seasonal community festivals on the land and other happenings (wood fired pizza parties, spoon carving, and willow basketry.)
The ability to pass a background check and a desire to work with children is a must. We are in a very active and thriving farming community near Port Townsend and are at the doorstep to Olympic National Park. Extracurricular activities abound! This internship is rich in opportunities that beckon individuals striving for regenerative agriculture, social renewal, and above all, knowledge of Self.
Educational Opportunities: Sunfield is also known as “The Land for Learning.” It is operated by Sunfield Education Association–a non-profit with the mission: to steward, to educate, and to serve. Education is the primary focus at Sunfield Farm and Waldorf School, and we are committed to providing a holistic balance of education and work experience for all interns. Most of your learning will happen experientially, in the fields, but once a week we will have “class time” to explore Biodynamics concepts, farming basics, and visit other local farms, or take a deeper study of Anthroposophy.
This internship will also prepare participants for a career in farm education, place-based education, or outdoor education. The farmer educator, a veteran Waldorf teacher who founded the school, will mentor interns and work with each to develop their teaching skills in the outdoor class setting.
Skills Desired: Those interested in Biodynamics or Waldorf education are encouraged to apply. Attitude is everything. An interest in learning, working hard, and trying your best is all we ask. Communal living and any teaching or farming experience is also a plus. Applicants should be physically able to perform most farming tasks.
Meals: Interns have free access to seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, dairy, and eggs from the farm. These items will by no means fulfill all dietary needs. However, interns are also provided space & time for growing vegetables/herbs to supplement their diet.
Stipend: $250 per month.
Housing: Interns live communally on-site in the three-bedroom farmhouse. The house has a kitchen, dining room, living room, wood stove, shower, laundry, & bathroom.