Organic Ag and Sustainable Food Systems Intern
Playa Viva is a sustainable boutique hotel and development project located on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. Our mission is to revitalize, regenerate and restore a vibrant and diverse ecosystem and simultaneously foster sustainable economic opportunities in our surrounding community.
We are seeking a dedicated intern to help support organic farming and garden-related projects, both in the community and on our farm. The Playa Viva project is a growing and evolving business in which interns serve as ambassadors in the community for Playa Viva’s work, bringing skills and knowledge to both our neighboring communities and to our staff. As such, individuals best suited for this role are “people persons” who want to help be part of a movement to promote sustainability in the area and help Playa Viva achieve its goals. This is an opportunity to live and be a part of a rural community development project via a sustainable tourism operation.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Planting, harvesting, weeding, mulching, tending to chickens, etc.;
- Support the implementation and maintenance of community garden projects;
- Participate in the weekly Saturday farmers’ market in Zihuatanejo (Eco Tianguis Sanka);
- Conduct small presentations on organic farming and environmental stewardship in local schools (preschool, elementary, and high school);
- Support training/capacity building of staff and relevant actors in the community;
- Support farm management and organization;
- Support the link between farm and kitchen;
- Strengthen Playa Viva’s and the Eco Tianguis’ relationship with small-scale local producers;
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of and practical experience in vegetable production, tree nurseries, and/or integrated agricultural systems;
- BS/BA in Agronomy, Horticulture, Sustainable Food Systems (or a related field) and/or equivalent experience working in related fields;
- Passion and interest in sustainable agriculture, nutrition and community development;
- Willingness to work in a team environment as well as be a dedicated, proactive self-starter;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to exercise sensitivity among cultural differences;
- Flexibility and willingness to learn new knowledge, skills and attitudes;
- Strong resiliency skills (i.e. some life experience showing ability to achieve in difficult circumstances).
- Willingness and ability to perform physical labor and work in a tropical remote environment;
- B2 or ILR 3 minimum level of fluency in Spanish;
- Fluency in English (for integration with hotel guests);
- 3 month minimum commitment.
Benefits
- 100USD monthly living stipend;
- 2 meals per day Monday – Friday (during working hours);
- 1 meal on Saturdays (purchased at Saturday market);
- Shared accommodation at Casa Blanca (shared house in town with other international volunteers);
- Transportation to and from PV Hotel;
- Improving language and other new skills;
- Making new and lasting friendships;
- Becoming acquainted with another country, its people, and its culture; and
- Making a contribution to Mexico’s rural community development.
How to Apply
If interested in applying, please send your resume and a 1-page cover letter (roughly 600 words) to volunteer@playaviva.com and npwolf@gmail.com expressing your interest in and qualifications for the role by APRIL 15TH 2018. Please include in your cover letter or in your email when you are available to start the position and for how long you are available (ideal start date is mid-May 2018). You can address the letter to Ms. Melissa Luna and Mr. Nick Wolf. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Letters can be written in English or Spanish. Interviews will be conducted in 50/50 English/Spanish to gauge fluency. For more info, you can see the full advert here.
Comments are closed.