Updated July 5, 2022: Application period is closed
Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) invites applications from diverse candidates as we seek a California Field Intern to support our mission work and help transform the food system starting with seed.
As a part of the CA Research and Education team you will play a vital role in OSA’s work to grow organic seed systems that are democratic and just, support human and environmental health, and deliver genetically diverse and regionally adapted seed to farmers everywhere. Your assistance in conducting field research enables our team to share improved seeds, expand seed knowledge, and demonstrate participatory research models to bring broad benefit to the success of ecological and ethical food and farming systems.
This position is an opportunity to learn seed growing and seed research skills through an applied on-farm internship position in Arcata, CA. Candidates should have prior experience with gardening, farming, or field work. The primary responsibility of this position is to support daily field operations at the OSA California regional office in Arcata, CA and at trial sites in Shively and Camp Grant, CA. In addition to the wage compensation, this position will receive hands-on education in plant breeding, variety trials, and seed production. This position will work directly with OSA’s Assistant Director of Research and Education, but will also require unsupervised work managing multiple remote farm sites. A drivers license and working vehicle are necessary for reaching trial sites in Shively (50 miles from Arcata) and Camp Grant (55 miles from Arcata).
Responsibilities and Scope of Work (including but not limited to):
- General field work and cultivation – seeding, planting, field preparation, irrigation, weed and fertility management, and harvesting
- Assist in record keeping and documentation of supplies, seed sources, and field activities
- Participating in trial evaluations, harvests and data collection and summarizing
- Harvesting, cleaning, germination testing, tracking, and storage of seed produced
- Participate in and support outreach and educational activities
- Assist in general organizational and maintenance tasks (both in the field and in the office) Contribute to farm safety, systems improvement, team building and feedback opportunities
- Assist with field visits and events with partnering organizations and supporters
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and ability to lift at least 50 pounds
Details and How to Apply
»» Term: Seasonal position from June-November 2022, flexible start and end dates
»» Hours: 60% time at 24 hours per week (prefer 3, 8-hr workdays)
»» Wage: $20/hr plus mileage reimbursement to trial sites, eligible for paid time off
»» To Apply: Please send a resume and one-page letter of interest to Jared Zystro at jared@seedalliance.org. Your letter should address your prior experience in farming and seed work (if you have any – not required!) and share why you are interested in pursuing this internship position. We will begin contacting applicants and scheduling interviews in late June.
