Internship
Robinette Farms Internship Program
Robinette Farms is a diversified small-scale family farm located in Martell, Nebraska, just 15 minutes from the capital city of Lincoln. We grow over 80 varieties of vegetables on about 6 acres, raise hens for eggs, have a small flock of Katadhin sheep, raise pigs each season and keep honeybees. Robinette Farms markets our produce and meats to a 125 member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, 2 Lincoln Farmers’ Markets, and a handful of local restaurants. All of our goods are grown or raised using organic and sustainable methods, but we are not currently certified organic.
Interns work and live on the farm from April through October. We are looking for hardworking individuals who have strong self motivation and a strong desire to learn about small-scale farming. Previous experience on a farm is helpful but not required. Good communication and customer service skills are a must. We are looking for interns that like to work hard and learn through doing.
Job Description
The purpose of our internship at Robinette Farms is to provide real life training for future small-scale farmers. Our goal is that interns could leave here and start their own operation at some level. The internship requires long hours and hard work on a daily basis, but also provides the experience of learning the ins and outs of farming. Interns will receive in the field training and first hand details of managing a small diversified farm. We are looking for highly motivated people who will work quickly and smartly and who have the drive to learn all they can about starting a small farm.
Interns are involved in every aspect of the farm’s operation, from weeding to selling at weekly Farmers’ Markets. Farming is a lifestyle that requires rigorous work but is also very rewarding. Interns are essential to the successful operation of the farm each season, making it important that we find the right fit for both the intern and the farmers.
Details
Interns can expect to work anywhere between 40-65 hours per week, fluctuating with the seasons.
Interns receive a monthly stipend of $600, subject to taxes.
Housing is provided on farm. Each intern has their own bedroom in the staff farmhouse with shared kitchen, bathroom and living areas.
Interns have access to farm produce, eggs and some meat throughout the season.
Once a week, we hold informal mini-classes on various aspects of farming. Among other things, we discuss details of financial planning, crop planning, planting and greenhouse schedules, animal care, grazing management, equipment use and maintenance, and anything else interns express specific interest in.
Qualifications
We are looking for reliable, responsible and hardworking individuals who are able to follow directions and communicate well with others. Applicants must be available to begin work the first week of April and commit to staying through the growing season, which ends October 31st.
Excellent people skills, initiative, and the physical ability to work daily with hands, wrists, knees and back, and to lift 50 pounds regularly are required.
Interns should expect to work outside in all weather conditions including rain, snow and daily summer heat of 90-100 degrees under humid conditions.
While previous farming experience is preferred, it is not required, however it is essential that candidates are committed to the farming lifestyle and all that it demands. Finding a good match between what our farm can offer and the needs and expectations of an intern are incredibly important.
Requirements
A valid driver’s license.
We cannot house pets or partners on the farm.
No smoking on the farm. Tobacco carries a virus that kills tomatoes, peppers and other crops!
A vehicle for personal transportation (we are 15 miles from downtown Lincoln).
