Internships at Heathcote Community

Interested in finding out about intentional community first-hand? Want to learn skills in natural building, carpentry, gardening, permaculture, cooperative living, or homeschooling? Then maybe an internship at Heathcote is the thing for you.

Heathcote’s internships are a combination of hands-on learning, research, and experimentation. While we have a wealth of experience, we are still developing and fine-tuning our methods. Sustainable living, natural building, and permaculture are vast fields that are continually evolving.

We don't have any internships available during the winter.  Starting in April, 2011 the following internships will be available:

Internship in Gardening and Sustainable Community Living (April through October 2011)

The intern will work in our organic gardens under the guidance of experienced gardeners. Much of the work will be done independently. Specific duties include preparing beds, starting seeds, planting, weeding, watering, natural pest control, harvesting, food preservation, composting, and maintaining perennial plants. The intern will also have the opportunity to undertake special garden projects such as designing and planting a perennial forest garden, and implementing our forest stewardship plan. Interns will work 20 hours per week in exchange for their room and they will pay $200 per month for food. They will be housed in our 150-year-old historic grain mill and integrated into all aspects of community life, including chores, meetings, and social events. A minimum one-month commitment is required.

Qualifications: Must be enthusiastic, responsible, reliable, flexible, able to do hard physical work, and willing to learn through trial and error. Must be willing to live in rustic accommodations with a simple, healthy diet. Should have an interest in rural community living.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP

1. Complete the written application, including a resume and three references. The application questions are printed below. You may submit your application electronically to info@heathcote.org or via postal mail to:

   Heathcote Community
   21300 Heathcote Rd.
   Freeland, MD 21053

2. After receiving your application we will contact you to schedule an interview.
3. Do an interview by phone or in person.
4. Come and visit for a day or two. Visitor Weekends are the best times to visit. To schedule a visit call Carol at 443-491-3486.

Here are the application questions. Please copy the questions and include them with your application.

1. What is your name, address, phone number and email address?
2. Which internship are you applying for?
3. When can you begin and when would you like to conclude your internship?
4. What do you hope to learn and accomplish during your internship?
5. What skills do you have? (ie. gardening, carpentry, organizing, computer, etc.)
6. Can you work well without supervision? (Please explain.)
7. What do you like the most about yourself?
8. What do you like the least about yourself?
9. What is your experience with children?
10. What is important to you about interacting with children?
11. Do you have any special needs?
12. What concerns or questions do you have?
13. When can you do an interview?
14. Where did you hear about our internship program?
15. Please attach your resume and 3 references.