APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE

Carlson SEEDS Internship

Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Design and Stewardship


 

Program Dates: June 5- August 5, 2011
Stipend: $2300 plus .5-credit academic internship & housing as part of the Leaders for Social Change Program
Eligibility: Current Sophomore or Junior
Application Deadline:  Monday, February 21, 2011

The Carlson SEEDS internship program is designed to engage students in the SEEDS project.  The SEEDS project utilizes 50 acres of land in Northfield Township which will be used as a tool and a laboratory to accomplish the following:

  • obtain a deeper understanding and appreciation for environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture;
  • foster experiential learning, discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship;
  • create and strengthen local community;
  • produce healthy food.

Through these four general themes it is hoped that student participants will grow intellectually, thoughtfully and relationally and become leaders in environmental stewardship, social innovation and community building.  Our outcomes will improve the health and well being of individuals and the local community while developing students to lead lives of inquiry, learning and service.

The SEEDS intern will be involved in fulfilling the mission of the SEEDS project by

 being a part of a working farm and place of learning and discovery. 

He/she will be responsible for working with the farm manager to connect a fifty acre parcel of land to the four goals by spending your time in three major areas: 

  1. Implementation of an Orchard Guild - Building upon the work of St Olaf student Emily Rose Pfalzgraff, the intern will design and implement a plan providing for perennial plants, water conservation and improved soil quality.  The intern will work with local nurseries to purchase and plant the Orchard Guild. 
  2. Development and implementation of the communication strategy - The intern will design and promote creative strategies for connecting community members of all ages to the SEEDS Project.
  3. Providing physical labor and support – The intern will engage in the daily responsibilities of maintaining the farm as determined by the farm manager.

Expectations:

1.  A positive and inquisitive attitude, hard working and a heart for community engagement.

2.  Flexible schedule, including early morning hours and some evening hours.  The normal schedule will be 7:30-12:00 noon on the farm and 2 evenings per week (6-8:00) on the farm in order to be a part of the community farming experience.  Rainy days and some afternoons can be used to facilitate the communication strategy.  Additionally, some Saturday mornings as a part of the Northfield Riverwalk Farmers Market will be required.

3.  Part of a team environment helping to problem solve, think creatively and having a thirst for learning and teaching.

4.  Be a part of planning and early preparation for the summer internship during second semester.  (This is not meant to be overly time consuming, but could be 2-3 hours per week during second semester as time permits).

5. Full participation in the Leaders for Social Change Program.

Application Requirements:
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with Kris Estenson <estensok> prior to applying for the internship position.

Applicants are to prepare a Cover Letter and Resume, addressed to Greg and Nancy Carlson, stating reason of interest for the program and individual qualifications.  Include the name and contact information for a St Olaf faculty reference, and one other person who can speak to your work ethic and abilities. 

All application materials are due: Monday, February 21, 2011
Upload the following information to Ole Career Central:

Cover Letter*
Resume*
Login to Ole Career Central via the directions above login box

  1. Save your application, cover letter(s) & resume to a common location.
  2. Upload your resume & cover letter(under the "Documents" tab on the blue menu bar)
  3. Apply for the internship by searching for St. Olaf College as the "employer" & Carlson Seeds Internship as the "position". Once you select the position, click on the "Available Positions".
  4. On the right hand panel, select your resume, cover letter(s) and application under the drop down fields. Click on "Submit".

** A selection committee will evaluate the applications and arrange for individual interviews with select applicants. 

Contact Kris Estenson <estensok> or Andrea Kubinski <kubinski> (507) 786-3268 if you have any questions about the program or the application process.