Flower & Berry Production Intern

, Iowa

Office Hours: varies

Position Title: Flower & Berry Production Intern

2022 Farm Internship Position

The Lavender Farm’s Background:

The Lavender Farm is one of Eastern Iowa’s newest horticulture enterprises, dedicated to providing beauty and joy for all visitors who pick the flowers or purchase bouquets. In addition, the farm is developing berry production from a wide variety of well-known, and not-so-well-known, berries. The 2-acres under horticulture production are part of 40 acres of trees, native prairie grass, and open spaces. The farm is located in northeast Johnson County, in the small town of Sutliff, 6 miles south of Lisbon, and 7 miles northeast of Solon, Iowa. Sutliff is the home of the historic Sutliff Bridge (construction was finished in 1897), and two Johnson County Conservation Board Nature Preserves – the Chia Fen and the Cedar River Crossing.

The Lavender Farm will open U-Pick spring flowers in April 2022 – tulips, daffodils, bearded iris, Dutch iris, and grape hyacinths. U-Pick and sales of cut flowers at local farmer’s markets will continue through mid-June. In late June/early July, the U-Pick lavender experience will open to the public and will run through mid-August. The Farm plans a short, encore lavender picking season in mid-September through mid-October. From late June through October, employees and Interns will pick berries to sell fresh and as preserves.

OVERVIEW OF THE FARM INTERNSHIP:

The Lavender Farm Internship is a unique position that offers a meaningful and varied experience to work outdoors, gaining valuable skills in production and business management of a small horticulture farm. Working directly with the owner and partner, the Intern will be involved in all aspects of the farm, including:

· Planting flowers, berries and other plants,

· Picking/deadheading flowers,

· Picking berries and asparagus,

· Weeding using a variety of hoes and hand weeders, and by pulling weeds,

· Insect control,

· Watering with hoses and water cans,

· Gathering plant material to compost, turning and watering the compost piles,

· Spreading dry fertilizer and watering plants with liquid fertilizer,

· Pruning lavender and berry plants with hand pruners and sheers,

· Grounds maintenance, such as picking up sticks and trash, and smoothing rough areas with rakes and hoes,

· Be courteous and helpful to customers of all ages by answering questions and guiding them to good flower picking locations,

· Work at local farmers markets and events to sell flowers, berries, asparagus, and jams.

The Intern is strongly encouraged to journal about their experience and photograph extensively to develop posts for the Farm’s social media channels and blog posts.

Minimum Requirements for Interns:

Must be self-motivated and willing to work long hours in all weather conditions during the entire shift. In the summer the weather will be very hot and humid. In spring, there will be days of cold, rainy weather. Must be willing to work hard doing manual labor with garden hand tools. Must be considerate and courteous to all types of customers. Must have a commitment and desire to serve others and share the joy of raising flowers and berries.

Some experience gardening or working on a farm is beneficial, but not necessary. Must be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds to carry watering cans, sacks of fertilizer, and move long garden hoses, which are heavy. Must be able to crawl on ones hands and knees to plant, weed, and pick berries. Must be able to bend and crouch for long periods of times, in addition to the other physical demands associated with intensive, small-scale agriculture.

Only closed-toe shoes will be allowed on premises, and steel-toed boots/shoes are recommended. The intern must provide his/her own clothing for working outdoors.

Important Values:

Candidates who have a passion for working outdoors and caring for plants will find this to be a very rewarding and educational experience. Interns who enjoy helping people experience the beauty of flowers and who enjoy learning how to care for flowers and berries will have a very meaningful internship.

Candidates must have a commitment and desire to serve customers with kindness and compassion. These skills require patience, openness, strong communication skills, a sense of humor, and the ability to truly listen to others.

Other Important Information:

The intern will need to bring a sack lunch and snacks. Occasionally, meals will be provided. There are restroom facilities, and a place indoors to keep belongings. Interns will need to provide their own transportation to and from the Farm.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Interns will be welcome to work from late March through October.

THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT LIST ALL DUTIES. INTERN MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES BY THE STAFF OR SUPERVISOR. INTERN WILL BE EVALUATED ON PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECTS LISTED AS WELL AS INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. ON-SITE HOURS WILL BE NEGOTIATED WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HARASSMENT, SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH THE HOST.

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