Resident Internship Program

**PLEASE NOTE: Internships are not available for 2024.

Resident Internship positions are available to early-career individuals who have a strong interest in the ceramic arts, the culinary arts, and/or farming.  Craigardan seeks individuals who are actively engaged and productive people who are curious and wish to discover more about the intersections of food, farming, and the arts.  Interns are integral members of Craigardan’s community.  This is an excellent opportunity for emerging artists and aspiring agriculturalists to gain a wide range of skills in a supportive experiential learning environment, and it can add significantly to a professional resume and portfolio.

Resident Internships are work exchange positions focused on the growth and education of the individual.  Each participant receives mentorship and hands-on learning, housing and utilities, a farm share, a materials budget, and either studio space, kitchen time, or a land section for their own cultivation in exchange for approximately 30 hours per week of work in the respective area of internship interest and responsibility. This time will also include rotating chore responsibilities on the farm and in the farm store. Participants are expected to spend an additional 15 hours per week on their own individual projects and attend all lectures and special programs.  The internship program is a rigorous, 45 hour-per-week commitment; but participants receive support, encouragement, knowledge, an enriching residency experience, and professional development opportunities in return.  

As with all residents, Interns are responsible for purchasing any additional groceries and preparing the remainder of their own meals in the family-style kitchen.  participants are encouraged to take time to explore outdoor activities and cultural opportunities in the Adirondacks and in the Champlain Valley: regions known for hiking, rock-climbing, biking, fishing, canoeing and swimming, along with food gatherings, music festivals, and multi-cultural events.  All resident interns are responsible for any additional expenses and transportation.


Three options are available:

Farm + Food Internship

Studio Internship

A combination! Art + Farm Internship

Each internship is a minimum 3 to maximum 6 month position.

Farm + FOOD Internship

The Farm + Food Intern will work directly with Craigardan staff in all aspects of our small-scale, working farm from seedling to plated meal.  This position allows aspiring farmers to gain valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a small diversified farm.  Interns will gain technical skills, academic knowledge, and hands-on experience through hard, rewarding work. They practice sustainable food production, seasonal food preparation and preservation, and land stewardship as they become ambassadors for a more sustainable food culture and a stronger food system.

Interns receive:

  • private bedrooms and shared living spaces

  • kitchen time, studio space, or land section as appropriate and necessary for personal project work

  • a weekly farm-share, harvested fresh from Craigardan’s lands and our partner farms; a fully stocked pantry, and 1 family meal each week

  • A budget for project materials

  • access to all programs and classes at no cost

  • one-on-one mentorship, program guidance, and career path assistance

Responsibilities:

  • an average of 5+ hours of work per day, six days per week on the farm and in the kitchen under the direction of the farm and kitchen managers; hours will include weekends and special events

  • 15 hours of personal work per week [minimum] dedicated to the resident intern's area of interest

  • working with animals, planting and harvesting vegetables, weeding, and building/maintaining infrastructure improvements

  • help plan and prepare one meal each week for the Craigardan community (staff and residents) and special events

  • assist with cooking and farming workshops; the community farm program; and the farm store

  • assist with preserving seasonal harvests using root cellar storage, freezing, canning, fermentation, butchery, etc.

  • assist with kitchen and farm cleanup and maintenance

  • Present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the community lecture series.

Requirements:

  • a positive attitude

  • must be able to safely lift 50 lbs and to perform moderate to heavy physical labor indoors and outdoors in all weather

  • ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as in a team

  • excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to work collaboratively

  • interest in the intersection of food, farming and art and a strong desire to live, work, and participate communally in a remote, mountain environment

  • A degree in agriculture or a related field is not required; though applicants should be those who have gained some hands-on experience, are serious about a future in agriculture or farm-to-table eating, and are highly motivated to continue their education

Two positions are available each Season:

  • 3 months minimum / 6 months maximum - May through October

What Farm + Food Interns learn:

  • A variety of techniques to open new fields and make beds without heavy machinery using animals, plastic and mulch techniques, and hand tools

  • Choosing gardens based on: sun exposure, soil composition, existing plant growth and how that will impact future production, and other factors

  • How to work with livestock to increase fertility and productivity for vegetable and pasture production

  • How to maximize production on limited acreage - both for animal grazing and vegetable production

  • Animal Husbandry including pasture rotation, animal health, and slaughter

  • How to harvest and assemble a weekly farm share

  • Processing vegetables - pickling, freezing, cooking

  • Prepping and cooking a variety of products and ingredients with a focus on seasonal and local foods

  • A deeper understanding of diversified farming and integrated farm plans

  • How to work efficiently and effectively on the farm and in the kitchen

Studio Internship

The Clay Studio Intern will work directly with Craigardan staff in the organization and execution of all studio processes, classes and workshops, kiln firings, and general studio maintenance.  This position allows an aspiring ceramist with the opportunity to work with and assist professional artists, gain valuable teaching, technical, and organizational skills, and develop their artistic voice.  Interns receive private studio space and opportunities to sell work in the farm store gallery.

Interns receive:

  • private bedroom and shared living areas

  • private studio space with basic equipment and furnishings

  • a weekly farm-share, harvested fresh from Craigardan’s lands and our partner farms; a fully stocked pantry, and 1 family meal each week

  • A budget for materials, firings, and project specific equipment

Responsibilities:

  • an average of 5+ hours of work per day, six days per week under the direction of the executive director; hours will include weekends and special events

  • 15 hours of personal work each week [minimum] dedicated to producing own studio work

  • ordering materials, making and reclaiming clay, mixing glazes, loading and firing kilns, stacking wood, handling student work

  • maintenance of the Studio and completing general clean up and studio projects

  • studio assistant for classes and community outreach projects with the opportunity to teach

  • organizing studio critiques and meetings

  • Present a slide lecture or other presentation to program participants and the public as part of the community lecture series.

Requirements:

  • must be able to safely lift 50 lbs and perform moderate to heavy physical labor indoors and outdoors

  • a BFA or BA with a concentration in ceramics preferred, and/or an extensive pottery apprenticeship, or equivalent experience; college juniors or seniors enrolled in a BFA or BA program with a concentration in ceramics will be considered

  • knowledge of studio equipment and operations

  • ability to prioritize tasks and work independently as well as collaboratively

  • excellent communication and time management skills

  • enthusiasm for working in a complex studio environment with others

  • interest in the intersection of food, farming and art with a strong desire to live and work communally in a remote, mountain environment

  • applicants are those who are serious about their future in the ceramic arts and who are interested in building upon their skills and developing a strong portfolio

One position available each summer:

  • 4 months Summer - end of May through September

What Studio Interns learn:

  • How to organize, operate and maintain a professional working and teaching studio

  • Electric, wood, and salt kiln prep, firing and maintenance

  • A deeper understanding of ceramic materials including clay body and glaze development, research, testing and mixing

  • How to teach ceramics classes to kids and adults

  • Materials inventory, ordering and sales

  • Gallery operations from advertising to installation to sales

  • How to organize and lead special events such as open studio days, community workshops, and studio critiques

  • How to work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic studio environment

Click on APPLY for deadline information

PLEASE NOTE:  All resident interns are responsible for their own transportation and any personal tools or expenses.  The internship program requires a large commitment and does not leave time for part-time jobs.  We strongly recommend financially planning ahead to take full advantage of this hands-on opportunity.  Interns are required to carry basic personal health insurance or other documentation showing healthcare support.  All residents contribute to common housekeeping work.  Applicants are encouraged to schedule a visit to Craigardan prior to applying.