Position Overview
There are currently 7 gardens at PMRCAA, that are part of the larger regenerative agricultural program. These include a kitchen garden that provides food for guests in residence, a native plant pollinator garden, a tea garden, and a textile and dye floral garden. This position allows for a hands-on learning experience in regenerative farming and gardening systems, environmental stewardship, and land use best practices. The Garden/Floral Project Intern would be involved in all aspects of the kitchen garden, from seed to table, be a part of day-to-day care in all gardens, and learn how to create and work in a variety of sustainable farming systems including no-dig beds, hugelkultur and trench composting.
For the 2024 season, this position will have particular emphasis on the expanded area of our No-Dig Dye Flower and Cut Flower Garden. There are two, new, hoop houses and additional no-dig beds planned throughout the season. This position will work with expected planned expansion to growing area. Staff also support a demonstration plot similar to one of the regenerative pastures, and a pollinator hedgerow. This position will also assist in planting using permaculture techniques.
The ideal candidate is passionate about sustainability, soil health, and has a healthy curiousity about learning and experimenting with a variety of ways to grow within a closed loop system.
The Garden/Floral Program Intern will report to the Garden/Floral Project Manager for daily direction and will have the opportunity to learn from and engage with regenerative agriculture and ecological restoration professionals. They will also work with the PMRCAA and Roundhouse Team at-large to help with on-property projects including hosting visiting artists and local organizations, regenerative agriculture activities and unique facility development. The Intern will also work with the Communications team to assist with social media and newsletter messaging around PMRCAA.
The position is based in Sisters, Oregon. Housing is not provided.
Essential Functions
- Provide general garden support, including planting, weeding, seed collection, irrigation management, plant propagation, deadheading and harvesting.
- Assist with the care of trees, shrubs, lawn, flower beds and gardens by watering, pruning, fertilizing and noxious weed reduction.
- Harvest product from textile dyeing garden to help produce dyes for fabrics and other materials.
- Assist with installation and care of new garden beds and pollinator borders.
- Occasional assistance at a booth at the Sisters Farmers Market
- Assist staff with project preparation for groups visiting PMRCAA.
- Inform staff of unusual situations, safety concerns, injuries and other issues that may arise.
- Occasional other duties on behalf of PMRCAA and The Roundhouse Foundation as assigned.
Minimum qualifications
- A demonstrated interest in local food systems, sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship or gardens.
- A hard-working, self-motivated individual who can function on their own or as part of a team, who is comfortable working outdoors in a variety of conditions.
- Interested and willing to learn about the integration of arts and farming/agricultural practices.
- A creative problem solver and innovative thinker with the ability to face shifting priorities and conditions.
- Personal qualities of honesty, transparency, integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for PMRCAA and the Roundhouse Foundation mission.
Desired qualifications
- Familiarity with plant identification, seed saving, and experience growing food and flowers.
- Pursuing a career in agriculture, environmental programs, or similar fields
- Understanding of Indigenous cultures and Inter-Tribal relationships across the Pacific Northwest
- Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred.
- Lived rural experience.