Applications for construction and sustainable agriculture internships in 2012 will be accepted as early as January 2012. The construction internships involve basic carpentry, earthen plaster, lime finishes, a solar installation, and site preparation for 4 net zero homes and would probably begin in May. There is a 6 week minimum time commitment for all internships. Download a 2011-12 construction intern application here.  Sustainable Ag internships can begin as early as February 2012, but more likely in May as well. Download a sustainable agriculture SARDapplication2012here.

Available Internships

Construction Internships:

Lopez Community Land Trust (LCLT) is building four more affordable homes in 2012 as part of a sustainable building project.  We are offering construction internships with involvement in all aspects of the building process, including earthen plastering techniques, solar installations, earth-friendly finishes, and possibly straw bale construction.

Specifically, the 2012 internships will involve mixing and applying lime plasters and washes over earthen plastered walls, building trellises as part of the passive solar element, constructing deer fencing, path construction, sola r installations, and a host of other tasks connected with completing this small net zero neighborhood.

Interns will be expected to exhibit initiative and self-motivation, and treat the experience in much the same way as they would employment. Interns will be expected to be punctual and follow the work schedules outlined by construction supervisors. Additionally, all interns will be required to attend safety talks and skill classes.

A construction internship with the Lopez Community Land Trust can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience. Interns learn valuable skills that will be used for a lifetime, while experiencing the beauty and nurturing spirit of a progressive rural community in a natural setting. At the same time, participants are part of an exciting project to provide stable, affordable housing in a community threatened by an expanding gap between housing costs and wages.

Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development:

This internship offers a unique opportunity to combine on-farm learning with participation in the ongoing work of the LCLT’s Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) program. LCLT’s staff will work with each intern to develop a flexible workplan/learning contract that will take into account each intern’s interests or needs, while meeting LCLT’s program and field/farm work needs. Local farming and horticultural opportunities range widely. Examples include: landscaping design and nursery business, salad greens operation, a winery, market garden, and livestock production.

For both internships, hours may vary but internships can involve up to 40 hours/week, between work on local farms, or on LCLT construction projects and work for your host. Housing will be arranged (could range from a room in a family home, to a small cabin, to a tent/tipi campsite) for the length of the internship. Interns will need to provide their own transportation.

General responsibilities of interns:

• Begin internship on an agreed upon date and stay with the program for the entire contracted time Commit to a negotiated workplan/learning contract
• Submit a program evaluation at the end of your time with LCLT
• Participate with an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn
• Adhere to all policies of the LCLT and local laws
• Project a positive community image