Morven Kitchen Garden Farm Crew Intern (Student Wage)

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Morven Kitchen Garden is seeking UVA students passionate about sustainable agriculture and community outreach to serve as farm crew members. Interns gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, including crop selection and season planning, vegetable cultivation for soil health, natural resource management, and small-scale agricultural tools and techniques. They also help lead educational and service events and learn about regenerative agriculture, including seed-saving, food sovereignty, reduced tillage, and integrated pest management. The role supports the Morven Sustainability Lab Strategic Action Plan through three goals: EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE, and CO-CURATE. Farm crew members help develop practical farming skills, support Morven’s work as a living laboratory for sustainable land practices, engage the community through outreach and events, and preserve records and materials documenting Morven’s land stewardship. The position is for the spring academic semester, with the option to continue during the summer if work performance is satisfactory. The schedule is 10 hours per week while classes are in session and 20 hours per week during UVA’s summer vacation, on a consistent schedule between Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend shifts may be required. Compensation is $15 per hour, plus a portion of the farm’s fresh produce. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.

Requirements

Current full-time student at UVA; current graduate and undergraduate students are welcome.
Submit a resume and cover letter.
Have a reliable means of transportation to and from each work shift.
Be able to interact and communicate respectfully with people of all backgrounds.
Be able to safely lift up to 40 pounds unassisted.
Have an interest in farming and/or gardening.
Have a passion for sustainability and/or natural resource management.
Demonstrate attention to detail, good listening, and communication skills.
Be able to work both as part of a team and independently.
Be able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
Work a consistent weekly schedule within Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; occasional weekend or evening shifts may be required.
Be available for 10 hours per week during the academic term and 20 hours per week during UVA summer vacation.

Responsibilities

Learn and lead planting, weeding, harvesting, and farm equipment operation, including operating weed whackers and tractors.
Assist the Morven faculty and staff team in executing the Morven Sustainability Lab Strategic Action Plan and supporting Morven as a living laboratory for sustainable land practices.
Participate in a student leadership team that develops initiatives and coordinates workshops, guest speakers, projects, and other programming with Morven staff.
Engage the community through volunteer events, educational workshops, and food security outreach, and serve as an ambassador to the 500+ annual garden volunteers.
Wash, weigh, and pack fresh produce for UVA Dine wholesale, local food insecurity efforts, and the Community Supported Agriculture membership program.
Create and share social media posts and website content about Morven.
Maintain accurate logs and organized records in compliance with Good Agricultural Practices certification.
Capture photos and videos of programs and save them to the Morven Kitchen Garden archive.
Learn and share seed-saving for crops of cultural importance and contribute to the seed donation program.