Seasonal Farm Intern

About The Kalamazoo Nature Center

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized as one of the top nature centers in the country, KNC encompasses 1,500 acres of wooded countryside and more than 15 miles of hiking trails through some of Michigan’s most beautiful habitats.

Supervisor: Farm Director

Classification: Part-Time, Temporary

Compensation: $16/hour

Schedule:

• May 1 – November 20
• May:
  Monday–Friday
• June–September:
  Tuesday–Saturday
• October–November:
  Monday–Friday

DeLano Farm is an educational, interactive example of ecologically sound, regenerative agriculture located on a historic Michigan farm dating back to the 1850s. Our ~3-acre farm operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that blends experiential learning with high‑quality produce. At DeLano, the farm is everyone’s classroom — and learning happens by doing. We are part of the growing no‑till farming movement, exploring its potential to build healthy soils, sequester carbon, and combat climate change.

The Seasonal Farm Intern position is a hands‑on, work‑based learning experience. Interns learn by actively participating in the daily operations of a working farm — seeding, transplanting, harvesting, educating shareholders, and maintaining the land — alongside full‑time and seasonal staff. This is not a classroom‑based internship. Education occurs through shared labor, observation, mentorship, and real responsibility. Interns are fully integrated into the farm crew and are expected to contribute meaningfully to the physical work that keeps the CSA running.

While the bulk of the experience centers on working with the team in daily farm operations, there is space and flexibility to explore a particular agricultural interest (such as soil health, crop planning, no‑till systems, composting, or education/outreach). Farm leadership will work with interns to identify areas of interest when possible, while ensuring that core farm responsibilities remain the priority.

This role is physically demanding, outdoors in all weather, and best suited for individuals who enjoy working hard, learning through action, and being part of a supportive, mission‑driven team.

• Work alongside farm staff in daily production tasks
• Guide CSA shareholders in tending and harvesting in the gardens
• Participate in harvest days (Tuesdays & Fridays)
• Transplant, seed, water, weed, mulch, and harvest crops
• Assist in cover‑cropping and composting beds in preparation for winter
• Maintain tidy, organized workflow and farm spaces
• Operate small equipment (training provided), such as mowers and weed whips
• Drive tractors and pull wagons (training provided)
• Interact with guests in a friendly, welcoming, and educational manner
• Take direction from full‑time, seasonal, and temporary staff
  
  Serve as a welcoming and engaged KNC role model
• Learn and apply new skills as farm needs evolve

• Commitment to life‑supporting, restorative agricultural practices
• Ability to communicate clearly and create a welcoming environment for people of all ages and skill levels
• Interest in biology, ecology, agriculture, environmental education, or related fields
• Strong work ethic and commitment to the full season
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record (required for operating KNC vehicles and equipment)

• Outdoors in all weather conditions
• Physically demanding work throughout the day
• Frequent bending, crouching, kneeling, lifting, and repetitive tasks
• Regular exposure to insects, soil, plants, and farm animals

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, and training.