Internship

As an intern, you will have a chance to "learn by doing" and will have a long term and in-depth relationship with the Eco-design Center.  Interns work closely with our on-site staff doing a variety of projects including gardening, tree planting, building, plumbing, and advertising.  Occasionally interns will work with our partner organizations at their farm or greenhouse.  Interns are expected to work 4-5 days, 4-6 hours a day on SLC projects.  Remaining time can be used for personal projects and study. 

A typical intern day:
7:00 am    Meet for breakfast and decide what project working on today
8:00 am    Plant trees with other interns
12:00 pm  Lunch break
2:00 pm    Weed garden patch or help plumb new shower
4:00 pm    Go swimming, take shower, read book, relax
6:00 pm    Help prepare dinner
7:30 pm    Evening presentation, movie, or drum circle around campfire
10:00 pm  Quiet hours
 
Throughout the summer, interns are given the opportunity to participate in extracurricular learning activities that take place on the campus.  We host two Permaculture Design Certification courses, a number of evening and weekend workshops on building, gardening and renewable energy.  
 
Cost: We ask interns to contribute $300 per month to the Sustainable Living Coalition.  This money is used to supply materials and tools for projects.  This money is also used for food purchases.  Interns are expected and encouraged to obtain as much of their food from onsite gardens as possible.  This becomes easy as the growing season progresses.   Interns who worked  for at least 8 weeks have the opportunity to take a Permaculture Design Certification Course at a discounted rate of $1000.  Attendance at all other workshops is free.  Interns are expected to help prepare and organize the set up for classes.  A number of field trip opportunities including: Midwest Renewable Energy Exhibition in Wisconsin, the Des Moines Iowa Art Festival and Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah Iowa will also be available.  These trips are optional for interns and cost $50 each. 
 
Accomodations:  We have ample space for tent camping.  Indoor lodging is limited.  We ask each intern to bring their own tent or small trailer.  No electrical, water or waste hookups are provided.  We provide indoor sleeping space in the main building during inclement weather.  Interns are welcome and expected to use the kitchen in the main house to prepare group meals.  Two showers in the greehouse and outhouses are also provided.