Food Systems Internship

StarIsland, Isles of Shoals, NH

Description: TheFood Systems Intern will work to build and support a dynamic island food system and connect StarIslandwith the growing Seacoast New Hampshire local food movement.

This will be accomplished through:

Vegetable, herb, and flower garden management: Routine maintenance, planting and crop rotation, basic equipment maintenance, irrigation lay-out and repair, weeding, harvesting.

Working with garden volunteers.

Preparing produce for staff/guest menus and staff salad bar; preserving produce through drying, canning, and freezing.

Interfacing with food service department management to provide food/food products for staff and guests.

Assisting with care and daily oversight of island livestock (poultry, possibly pigs).

Working with food service management and other staff to identify opportunities to incorporate both island food products and other locally sourced produce into staff and guest menus.

Assisting with daily compost management and projects.

Working with environmental services team to identify projects of interest related to sustainability then implementing 1-2 specific projects.

Participating, as a member of the environmental services team, in general day-to-day tasks, sustainable system tours, and environmental education programs.

Internship Site:StarIsland, Isles of Shoals, NH

This is a residential position on StarIsland. StarIsland is part of the Isles of Shoals, a small group of islands just off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. The island is home to a seasonal conference center serving nearly 300 guests a week and operated by just over 100 staff members. StarIsland is a great place to be a part of a dynamic community, experience island living, and enjoy a unique natural environment.

Sustainability on StarIsland

The Green Gosport Initiative (GGI) is StarIsland’s sustainability program. The GGI focuses on supporting the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle across the island, but also describes the general approach to island energy, water, food, and waste systems. For information about StarIsland see . For more information about StarIsland sustainability see .

Desired qualifications/skills/coursework: Student pursuing degree in sustainable agriculture, horticulture, environmental studies, or related field. Proven communication skills and ability to speak publicly in group settings. Safe, cooperative, respectful individuals who will thrive in the close working and living quarters of StarIsland’s remote setting.

Supervision:StarIsland Environmental Services Manager and Garden/Compost Coordinator

Start and End Dates: 12-week period between mid-May and mid-August 2017(exact start/end dates are flexibile)

Time Commitment: 36-42 hours/week.

Compensation: $1500-$2000 stipend will be provided in 3 monthly payments. Position also provides the opportunity to earn 3-6 credits through the intern’s institute of study. Room and board is provided, including all meals, dormitory-style accommodations in staff quarters, and a rustic island environment. Island residency is required 5-6 days/week with transportation to and from the island provided from StarIsland’s dock in Portsmouth, NH. Upon completion of internship, can apply to work both through ‘end of season’ (mid-September) and into ‘close-up’ (October). During internship contract, there may be opportunities to make additional income.

How to apply:

Submit (as PDFs) a resume and cover letter to by Monday, January 23rd. Please also complete the general StarIsland employment application: selecting Food Systems Internship as first job preference and including the two requested references.