Garden Intern

The Company

With 20 historic buildings and a working farm and garden, Hancock Shaker Village is open April through December for self-guided tours, demonstrations, talks, and programs ranging from concerts to goat yoga. The museum, open to the public since 1960, celebrates the history and legacy of the Shakers, a religious group that lived communally and sought to realize the perfection of heaven on earth by espousing values of equality and pacificism. The year 2024 marks the 250th anniversary of the Shakers’ arrival in America from their founding country of England; the year offers opportunities for reflection and celebration of the Shakers’ significant influence on American culture and design. To learn more about the Village, visit our website at hancockshakervillage.org.

The Opportunity

We are looking for two hard-working, joyful interns to work alongside our CSA manager and other garden staff to cultivate our extensive vegetable gardens, located at the heart of our historic site. You will expand your knowledge of sustainable vegetable production in such areas as plant health; weed, disease, and insect management; crop rotation plans; seed starting and care of young plants; greenhouse management; and planting and harvesting schedules. You will also help with the preparations for and operating of the weekly CSA pick-up. You will use historic and modern tools and learn more about historic as well as contemporary gardening practices best suited for creating a sustainable, regenerative farm. You will enhance communication skills in interactions with the public and CSA shareholders. Depending upon needs and interests, you may also maintain the medicinal herb garden, help with occasional barn and livestock chores, and assist with Village initiatives that present the sustainable working farm to the public. 

Desired Qualifications

The ideal garden intern should have a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture; have demonstrated ability to take direction and work both independently and as part of a team; have success working in a dynamic environment; be able to lift at least 30 pounds; and have a fitness level that allows working actively outdoors for extended periods in all kinds of weather (heat, humidity, rain, wind, cold spells—the plants need care no matter what!) An interest in history is a plus; prior experience with gardening is helpful but not required. Patience is essential.

Compensation and Application Instructions

The internship is full time (35-40 hours/week) and may include weekend shifts. Weekly schedules will be determined in advance of arrival by the intern and their supervisor.  Interns receive a stipend of $2,500, paid in weekly installments of $250. Interns are also offered on-site housing in the shared intern apartment in one of our historic buildings. Interns must provide their own meals and transportation. Because of the distance from shopping and other amenities, access to a car during the internship is highly recommended for a better experience but is not required. 

Applicants should submit 1) a letter of interest explaining why the internship is a good fit for you, 2) a resume, and 3) the names and contact information for two professional or academic references.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received no later than Friday, March 29, at 5 pm.