The Field & Fork Program offers internships every semester for UF undergraduate students looking for agricultural experience, college credit, and the chance to explore the practical and applied components of our local food system.
Applications for general internships for Fall 2024 are being accepted now! To apply, please complete this online application no later than April 22. If you wish, you may also send a resume and cover letter to Kelli Brew at kelliabrew@ufl.edu. Final decisions will be made the first week in May. Interested applicants should sign up to volunteer at the farm as soon as possible so we can get to know you, and you have some experience of the work we do. You can start the process here.
Interns have the opportunity to work in the field learning all aspects of producing food for the Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry on campus, to network with community organizations and industry partners, and to be part of a diverse team learning and growing together.
All interns develop personalized learning objectives in collaboration with Field & Fork staff and join in weekly intern meetings in which we read and discuss a series of topics concerning sustainable food systems. The program is 10+ hours a week for the duration of the semester, so that we all get the most learning and productivity from the experience. We work in three-hour shifts during weekdays (no weekend work for the most part!) and also have some hours dedicated to outreach on campus and at events, so bear that in mind as you’re considering applying. We try to be flexible about timing, but it can get tricky with a heavy course load.
Interns will help with various aspects of the farm and will focus on specific projects and programs throughout their experience. Projects and roles may vary by semester, but here are a few examples:
- Compost: Research and manage an efficient composting process on-site to feed farm soils.
- Harvest: Oversee harvest, post-harvest processing, and delivery to Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Pantry.
- Propagation: Help manage our greenhouse to grow seedlings for the farm.
- Outreach: Develop and conduct an engaging and fun social media and outreach campaign.
- Integrated Pest Management: Help manage pests, pollinators, and predators in our agroecological system.
- International Forest Garden: Enhance and grow the diverse agroforestry space.
- Gleaning: Work with local farms to harvest excess produce from the fields.
We prioritize providing internships for students looking to further their academic program through for-credit internships, however we also offer a limited number of paid internships. Exceptional students may be invited to stay on for a second semester, to serve as a paid Team Leader!
Please feel free to reach out to Kelli Brew at kelliabrew@ufl.edu with any questions or to discuss opportunities. We’re looking forward to working with you!
