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Internship description: 

The REED Center (TRC) is seeking one or more environmental interns to join our team! We are a Maryland-based nonprofit using practices grounded in eco-agricultural and permaculture principles to transform degraded land into productive and resilient food forests that support both diverse ecosystems and human communities. Working at TRC’s Morning View Food Forest is an opportunity to get your hands in the soil, engage with plant and animal habitat, and learn about food forests and perennial food systems. Interns can elect to specialize in certain areas based on their interests, such as agricultural research or permaculture design.

 

Responsibilities could include:

Hands-on activities at Morning View Food Forest:

  • Planting, mulching, harvesting, processing, and other activities related to food forest production
  • Expanding the nursery
  • Constructing ponds and studying hydrology
  • Developing energy systems and infrastructure

Research:

  • Conducting ecological agriculture research
  • Analyzing data on soil, water, plant health, crop yields and much more

Business & Enterprise:

  • Exploring potential ecological business opportunities that can be generated from a diversified ecosystem
  • Proposing a business that you might like to start and operate

Policy:

  • Exploring different policy avenues to support ecological agriculture
  • Identifying current programs (ie, grants, easements, government tree planting) that can expand the various facets of ecological work and ecological education

Creativity & Connectivity:

  • Examining relationships with art, language, and history
  • Participating in field trips to other ecological businesses
  • Fostering community in various ways

 

During the internship, participants will gain:

  • A hands-on understanding of harvesting, caring for, and processing plants as well as permaculture design techniques that benefit both humans and the environment
  • Access to seasonal intern and volunteer-wide events in perpetuity, including permaculture community days, movie nights and camping
  • Professional development opportunities in environmental research and sustainable agriculture; support for interns to hone a career path beneficial to themselves, their community, and the planet
  • Free participation in eco-agricultural classes and events when offered

 

Qualifications:

  • Is passionate about the outdoors and nature, interest in hands-on ecological work
  • Ability to engage in physical activity outdoors under various environmental conditions
  • Able to work independently
  • Able to work collaboratively within a team
  • Is a self-starter; strong work ethic and commitment to the land and team
  • Has good attention to detail
  • Previous study or internship in the areas of permaculture, ecology, or farming is encouraged, but not required

 

Location: Middletown, MD

 

Salary/Stipend: None (unpaid internship)

 

Internship Timing:

  • Internships can begin anytime after April 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
  • 40 hours per month
  • Participants choose at least two of the following weekdays: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday (preferably at least 5 hours per day and consistent days week-to-week)

 

How to Apply:

  • Email your resume (either formal or informal) and cover letter to internship@thereedcenter.org (rolling deadline for applications) as well as your availability in the next few weeks for an interview.
  • Your cover letter should include answers to the following questions (as well as anything else you feel might be directly relevant to your application):
    • 1) Have you done outdoor work in the past? If so, please describe the work you’ve done.
    • 2) Are there any limitations we should know about in advance, such as health or scheduling constraints?
    • 3) How do you plan to get to and from The REED Center?
    • 4) What most interests you about this internship?
    • 5) What do you hope to gain from your time spent at The REED Center?
  • Please acknowledge that you understand there is no financial compensation offered with this internship.
  • Applicants selected for an interview will be notified via email