High Desert Seed & Gardens

Last Updated On: febrero 14th, 2022 at 01:06PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
22764 hwy 550
Montrose, Colorado, 81403

Primary Contact: Laura Parker
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 970 240-3701
    Email: laura@highdesertseed.com

Secondary Phone
    Type: -----
    Number: 970-275-3409
    Email:

Website: http://www.highdesertseed.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: Positioned in the fertile Uncompahgre Valley at the base of the San Juan Mountains, High Desert Seed And Gardens offers an opportunity to be part of the dynamic farming team. Come learn, laugh and live on our 60 acre farm/ranch bordering the Uncompahgre River. Grounded in the principles and practices of organic agriculture, biodynamics, and the tenants of Holistic Management, our mission driven operation values people and their input. We farm on 4 acres and are constantly adjusting and learning to hone our craft as we work towards a truly regenerative farm system. We grow hundreds of varieties as part of our seed business and grow produce for market. We love unique, beautiful, resilient and most importantly tasty varieties.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: April 2022
Internship Ends: 10/31/2022 (Also opportunity for full time year round employment)
Number of Internship Available: 1-2
Application Deadline: 3/1/2022
Minimum Length of Stay: 4 Months

Internship Details:

High Desert is looking for hardworking and passionate team members. Work will include planting, weeding, harvesting, record keeping and assistance with customer services. Intern will work in greenhouses and field production. Our goal is to create a fun, educational work experience that supports a viable business. We engage with the larger farming community by teaching seed classes, through harvest dinners, volunteer work days, and hoe downs!
This individual will work closely with the farm manager and crew to carry out daily tasks to accomplish our vision of producing high quality produce and seed.
Duties and skills you will learn include:
-Greenhouse management and skill in growing healthy seedlings
-Cover crop management
-Planting – transplanting, direct seeding, using push seeders
Flood and drip irrigation
-Harvest of various vegetable crops and seed crops
-Seed saving (rouging, selection, threshing, seed cleaning)
-Honing hand cultivation skills
-Learning composting skills
-Pest management
-Learning season extension techniques
… and more

Educational Opportunities: Intern will learn everything about running a small scale farm based in sustainable farming practices, as well as running a seed production farm. Intern will gain an introduction to seed saving, setting up field trials, food safety, production planning, and marketing aspects of the farm. Intern will learn basic growing skill in the green house and in the field. In addition they will learn various technique for maintaining / building soil heath, managing weeds and pests. Intern will be involved in flood and drip irrigation. Additionally they will have the opportunity to learn food preservation and culinary skills.

Skills Desired: Previous work on a production farm is a plus but not required. We would like to see applicant have an excellent work ethic, is self-motivated, and the ability to work with a team and the public. Interns must be able/willing to work outside and lift 40 pounds. Please provide resume with at least three professional references, and a cover letter describing your interest in farming and working with us. Qualifications: -Passion and commitment to organic (regenerative) farming practices, local food systems, and interest in seed saving. -Desire to learn and be challenged -Good communication skills -Some farming experience is a plus but not required -Ability to give and receive critiques -Expect to be involved in weekly and monthly check - ins in addition to regular farm meetings -Ability to do repetitive detail oriented tasks -Mind for efficiencies -Proficient motor skills -Active and engaged mind and love of observation and learning -Great team work ethic -Stamina for long physical days outside -Good at self regulating phone use -Ability to lift and carry minimum of 40 pounds -Good overall physical condition and able to squat and stand

Meals: We cook and eat a mid day feast together most everyday. You will have access to food produced on the farm as well as grass finished beef from Parker Pastures, farm eggs, and staple goods (flour, oats, beans, etc).

Stipend: Paid hourly + Room and Board. Pay negotiable depending on experience.

Housing: Camper trailer is available for the Summer months. Other options may be available.

Preferred method of Contact: Phone or email (Do not message via social media or text)