Farm Management Intern
Hogar Luceros del Amanecer, located in Camoapa, Nicaragua, is primarily a program to help children from families that are troubled or living in extreme poverty get an education. It is operated by The Sunrise Foundation, a US 501c3 non-profit, incorporated in Williamsburg MA, and registered as a foreign NGO with the government of Nicaragua.
For six years the Hogar has been operating a farm of about 25 acres at the edge of the town with the objectives of providing nutritious food for the children, teaching the children sustainable farming, and providing an example of environmentally sound farming methods for the community. (Camoapa is a highly deforested area of Nicaragua, due mostly to aggressive promotion of cattle production.) Up until now we have grown corn, red silk beans (a mainstay of the traditional local diet), and vegetables for the meals we serve the children at the project. We have kept a few pigs and some laying hens. However, we are on the brink of developing our farm to be not only self-sustaining, but also to bring in an alternative source of revenue to support our children’s programs. We have started several hundred fruit and nut trees, are experimenting with other crops and animals, and we have ideas for developing a nursery as a local business. Our long term goal is for the farm to produce one or more saleable products to pay for itself, thus making the whole program more self-sufficient.
Job Responsibilities
We are looking for a Farm Management Intern to be a significant part of this initiative. S/he will work with the project administration to assist in planning and development as well as to carry out the day to day operation of the farm. This will include hands-on work planting, weeding, watering and harvesting crops; as well as supervising students from the project, volunteers and occasionally hired farm workers in these activities. S/he will be responsible for maintaining schedules and priorities, keeping track of supplies and equipment and of workers’ time. This job will also be a great opportunity for someone who is interested in both small business development and nonprofit management in an international setting.
Training Opportunity
We are working with INATEC, the Nicaraguan government vocational training agency. We currently have an INATEC instructor working with us to develop our farm and train our personnel. In addition, the intern will be eligible to take weekend and short term free courses at the INATEC facility in Juigalpa, about an hour away by bus, on such topics as Organic Pesticides, Nursery Techniques and Management, or Management of Fruit and Nut Trees. This is a great opportunity to learn the latest techniques and theories in tropical agriculture.
Qualifications and skills
We are looking for an individual who is flexible, motivated to learn and has a sincere interest in being part of this exciting initiative. S/he needs to be interested and informed in the areas of sustainability, ecology, food and farming systems, and international development and have some experience with organic farming or permaculture.The person we need will have a good working knowledge of Spanish, or be a native Spanish speaker with good basic communication skills in English.
Specific qualifications:
- Post-secondary study in basic related sciences – chemistry, biology etc.
- Computer literate – able to find relevant information on the internet and use Word and organize files
- Skilled in prioritization and time management, scheduling tasks
- Relevant study and work experience in farming
Also helpful: Experience or training in setting up and /or running a small business
Arrangements, time and compensation:
- The job is located in Camoapa, Nicaragua (2 hours east from Managua, in the central highlands.)
- Room and board will be provided, as well as a small stipend to be negotiated.
- A commitment of one year is required. A longer stay is welcomed and encouraged.
Applications
Please send a cover letter and resume to The Sunrise Foundation, Farm Management Intern Hiring Committee at hogarlda@yahoo.com or via mail at P.O. 210 Box Williamsburg, MA 01096.
