Farm Program Assistant

Do you have an interest in agriculture? Are you interested in supporting an equitable food system for our Island community?

Island Grown Initiative is seeking a hardworking and community-oriented staff member to support multiple programs on their regenerative farm including gleaning, CSA, food distribution and deliveries, and field work. This position will be responsive to the interests and skills of the applicant. This position reports to the Gleaning Manager.

About the Employer
Since 2006, Island Grown Initiative has worked to build a strong local food system for all on Martha’s Vineyard. Today, their programs touch the lives of the majority of year-round islanders. Between farm to school education for every island child, food access programs that support more than 1 in 5 year-round residents, and a 42-acre regenerative farm that helps heal the environment while producing abundant food for the community, IGI has become an integral part of the fabric of life on the Vineyard.

Details

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Hours: Full or part time schedule ranging from 20-40 hours per week

Duration: July 1st - August 31st, with possibility for extension

Opportunity Open to: Applicants must between 16 - 21 years old

Duties + Responsibilities

  • Assist Gleaning staff during gleans with volunteers and groups of various ages and ability levels.

  • Record harvest and delivery data.

  • Perform various farm-based tasks - maintain supplies, clean storage bins, etc.

  • Assist with packing wholesale orders and weekly and biweekly CSA shares.

  • Harvesting, washing, packing produce.

  • Weeding and other maintenance of community garden, landscaping, pollinator plantings, and perennial fruits.


Skills + Experience

Required skills:

  • Detail-oriented, observant.

  • Clear and honest communicator with excellent listening skills.

  • Willingness to learn and discuss new ideas, ask questions.

  • Adaptable to dynamic needs of IGI programs.

  • Self-motivated, able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

  • Ability to work hard while maintaining a positive attitude.

  • Willingness to work in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, cold, etc.

  • Capable of sustained manual labor, including the ability to safely lift 30 pounds repeatedly.

The ideal candidate is:

  • Interested in farming and exploring a future food-related career

  • Passionate about food access and community

  • Is eager to learn

Compensation

Compensation: $18-$20 per hour, commensurate with experience

Perks:

  • Access to fresh food from the farm! 

This internship will..

Help you develop the following skills:

  • Gain experience in self-directed work

  • Learn proper produce handling and food safety protocols

  • Work with people of all ages and abilities

  • Learn about regenerative farming practices like rotational grazing, cover cropping, and more

  • Work with a team in a fast-paced environment

  • Learn about food access on Martha's Vineyard

  • Learn about local and regional food systems

  • Get immersed in local agriculture

CAMP! Internship Program Requirements

BootCAMP!
CAMP! interns are required to participate in BootCAMP – a weekend of in-person professional development workshops. Topics covered include professionalism, goal setting, skill development, financial wellness, and preparing a professional profile.
Upon completion, interns will receive a certificate of completion. Exemptions may be permitted under exceptional circumstances.

When: Saturday + Sunday | June 27 + 28, 2026

Location: In-person at Slough Farm in Edgartown, MA.
More details coming soon!

End of Program Celebration
During the End of Program Celebration, interns will reflect on their personal and professional goals and accomplishments relating to their internship experience.

How to Apply

Please send a letter of interest and resume to astrid@igimv.org

More information here.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.