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SMOKEY HOUSE CENTER |
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INTERNSHIPS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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Energy Efficiency & Organic Gardening Internships Introduction: Smokey House Center is a nonprofit organization that partners with public schools to provide adolescents with a hands-on, environmentally-based curriculum that integrates academic disciplines. At Smokey House, young people work with experienced adults on ecological research and farm and forestry tasks - - learning, in the process, science, math, ecology, communications, reading, writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. We offer two applied-learning programs -- our Youthwork Program for at-risk high school students and our Environmental Field Studies Program for mainstream and at-risk middle school students.
About our Internships: We believe a good internship involves a careful match between the needs of our organization, and the learning goals and interests of the intern. We work with each intern to develop a program that will meet your individualized learning goals. We are offering two types of internships at this time: · Energy Efficiency Internships provide an opportunity to play an integral part in updating the efficiency of our facility including weatherizing homes and conducting an energy audit with a contractor. This internship emphasizes the practical application of efficiency measures, and will often integrate high-school student participation into tasks. · Organic Gardening Internships provide hands-on experience in a variety of organic farming techniques while working independently and with students. There will be an initial orientation/training session. Most of our internships are semester-long, full-time positions but part-time internships and internships that are longer or shorter are also possible. Additionally, it is possible that a qualified applicant may wish to gain skills in both organic agriculture and energy efficiency; a combined internship is an option.
Energy Efficiency Internship Description: We are looking for a qualified candidate to carry out energy efficiency updates at our facility, while also researching alternative strategies for further sustainability (perhaps including long-term solutions for our heating systems and energy production [wood boilers, wind turbines…]). Specific tasks include: Conducting an Energy Audit, with a contractor, on at least one house on the property. This will give us a more detailed understanding of our starting point and future goals and will include a cost benefit analysis. Such an audit might also provide ideas about which larger, more intensive projects (like totally re-insulating houses) could be implemented. There may be procedures that a contractor can show staff, which can then be applied by the intern and student workers to other homes on site. Increasing thermal efficiency; a process which we hope to begin by early fall and finish by December. This will be carried out in two main ways: § Insulation: The focus of traditional insulation will be in attics and basement sills. Blue board and plaster insulation will be added on foundations. We may discover that some of this work can only occur seasonally (like blue board), so an earlier start may be necessary. § Air seal: Air sealing would include varieties of caulking, weather stripping, and door sweeps. Air seals will be added around chimneys in attics, chimneys which are not being used will be plugged, and an assessment for other air leaks will be completed.
Availability: An Energy Efficiency Intern Position is available for the fall of 2008. Continuation of an internship through the spring of 2009 may be possible. Potentially a qualified applicant may wish to gain skills in both organic agriculture and energy efficiency; a combined internship is an option. Qualifications: · Genuine desire to work with our organization to increase its efficiency and sustainability · Good oral and written communication skills · Interest in working with youth · Ability to work as part of a team (including our maintenance staff and outside contractors) · Competence researching energy issues independently · Basic understanding of energy principles, and experience in energy efficiency and carpentry · Willingness to learn new tasks · Driver's license in good standing · Some background in agriculture, alternative energy, natural sciences, forestry, and/or working with youth is helpful but not necessary
Stipend: A stipend of $140-175/week. Housing may be provided.
Organic Gardening Internship Description: Interns in the organic gardens work independently and alongside youth crews in the everyday operation of Smokey House’s diversified organic farm. Much of the work will focus on the 1.5 acre organic vegetable gardens which supply a 50 member CSA program and weekly farmer’s market sales. Interns will learn about soil preparation, seeding, transplanting, weed and pest control, irrigation, greenhouse management, harvesting, and marketing as they assist in carrying out these tasks. Other work may include, but not be limited to, blueberry cultivation and harvesting, haying, animal husbandry, and Christmas tree care.
Availability: Organic Gardening Positions are available from now through mid-October. Continuation of an internship through the fall of 2008 may be possible. Again, a qualified applicant may wish to gain skills in both organic agriculture and energy efficiency; a combined internship is an option.
Qualifications: · Genuine desire to work on a small, diversified, organic farm · Interest in working with youth · Ability to work individually and as part of a team · Driver's license in good standing · Ability to carry out hard, sometimes repetitive physical labor, and willingness to work in extremes of heat and sun, cold and rain · Some background in agriculture and/or working with youth is helpful but not necessary.
Stipend: A stipend of about $140/week. Housing may be provided.
For an application, click here or contact Shana Stewart, Smokey House Center, 426 Danby Mountain Rd. Danby, VT 05739; (802)293-5121; internships@smokeyhouse.org
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