Horticulture Internship in Southern California – Organic Orchard Research - Spring/Summer/Fall 2026

Zava Ranch is a veganic, chemical-free orchard in Ventura County, California, (one hour from Los Angeles) dedicated to regenerative land stewardship and thoughtful food production. This internship is designed for a horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, or plant-science student seeking a rigorous, field-based learning experience rooted in real orchard systems.

This is not a general farmhand role. It is an applied learning and research opportunity that integrates orchard management, plant physiology, soil health, and sustainable production systems. The intern will work directly with the orchard team to observe, document, and participate in the biological and operational rhythms of a working orchard.

This is a field-based position. Much of the work takes place outdoors in warm and sometimes hot Southern California conditions. Interns should be prepared for physical activity, sun exposure, and seasonal variability in workload.

Learning & Research Focus Areas

Orchard ecology and tree physiology

Seasonal growth cycles of citrus and perennial fruit trees

Veganic soil management and nutrient systems

Water use, irrigation strategy, and drought adaptation

Pest and disease pressure in chemical-free systems

Post-harvest handling and fruit quality

Small-scale agricultural systems design

Data observation: phenology, yield patterns, and plant response

Hands-On Activities May Include

Monitoring tree health, flowering, fruit set, and growth stages

Assisting with pruning, harvesting, and orchard maintenance

Digging, planting, and supporting new tree establishment

Participating in soil preparation, composting, and mulching

Observing and documenting plant stress responses and recovery

Supporting post-harvest handling and packing workflows

Assisting with experimental plots or observational trials

Maintaining simple field notes or research logs

Contributing to seasonal reports or a capstone reflection

What This Internship Provides

Direct exposure to orchard systems in a real production environment

Mentorship in sustainable and veganic growing practices

Opportunity to connect academic theory with living systems

Experience suitable for coursework, thesis support, or independent study

Insight into the operational realities of small-scale agriculture

Ideal Candidate

Enrolled in or pursuing horticulture, agriculture, plant science, environmental studies, or a related field

Curious, observant, and comfortable working outdoors

Interested in systems thinking and biological processes

Capable of independent work and reflective documentation

Physically able to perform sustained outdoor labor in hot weather, including digging, planting, lifting, bending, carrying harvest crates, and working on uneven ground

Comfortable using hand tools (shovels, pruners, rakes) and participating in soil preparation and tree establishment

Able to spend extended periods in sun, dust, and variable field conditions

Reliable, safety-minded, and attentive to instruction

Values ecological responsibility and food integrity

What We Offer

Zava Ranch provides on-site housing and daily meals for interns, creating a fully immersive learning environment within the orchard. In addition to room and board, interns receive a modest stipend to support personal expenses. We are also able to coordinate with colleges and universities to support academic credit, including providing learning objectives, supervision documentation, and progress evaluations when required. This structure allows students to focus fully on hands-on learning, research, and field experience without the burden of securing separate housing or food during the internship.

Because the ranch is located in a rural area, interns must have their own reliable transportation to and from the property for personal errands, appointments, and off-site activities.

How to Apply

To inquire about this internship, please contact us with your resume and explanation why you are a good fit for this farm internship experience:

Email: info@zavaranch.com
Subject line: Horticulture Internship Inquiry