Garden Internship – Hands‑on Organic Gardening Experience

About the role

Join OAEC’s 2027 Garden Internship and immerse yourself in a 50‑year‑old bio‑intensive garden. Working side‑by‑side with the Garden Manager, you will gain practical experience in organic food and flower production while supporting the community and retreat guests.

Key responsibilities

• Turn over garden beds, plant, and manage propagation in the greenhouse.
• Build and maintain compost piles and oversee food‑waste management.
• Operate irrigation systems and conduct rodent trapping.
• Perform weed control, harvesting, and general garden upkeep.
• Facilitate weekly volunteer activities and assist with the OAEC nursery and plant sale.

Required profile

• Physical stamina for manual, outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Enthusiasm to learn gardening through hands‑on experience.
• Motivated self‑starter comfortable working alone and in groups.
• Interest in developing management skills by leading volunteer activities.

Required skills

• Basic knowledge of garden bed preparation and planting.
• Familiarity with greenhouse propagation techniques.
• Understanding of composting and waste management.
• Ability to operate irrigation equipment and perform pest control.
• Experience with weed management and harvesting practices.

What we offer

• Mentorship from an experienced Garden Manager.
• Hands‑on training in organic gardening methods.
• Opportunity to contribute to a thriving community garden.
• Potential pathways to leadership roles in farming and horticulture.