Farm Intern (Part-Time, Paid Internship – Up to 3 Months) in North Reading, Massachusetts at Cooperative for Human Services

We are seeking a Farm Intern to support daily operations at our farm and help create a safe, healthy, and engaging environment for visitors and program participants. This is a hands-on, part-time paid internship designed for individuals interested in working with plants, animals, and people in a supportive, mission-driven setting.

The Farm Intern will assist with animal care, garden maintenance, activity implementation, and general farm operations while upholding our organization’s values and commitment to person-centered, inclusive environments.

This role is ideal for students or early-career candidates interested in agriculture, environmental work, human services, animal care, or experiential education.

• Support daily care of animals and gardens (feeding, monitoring animal health, weeding, planting, harvesting)
  
• Help maintain farm grounds and contribute to a safe, welcoming environment
  
• Assist with group activities and programming for participants with varying needs and abilities
  
• Collaborate with staff and managers to suggest and support activity ideas
  
• Help maintain inventory of activity and farm-related supplies
  
• Participate in special programming and events (e.g., small animal visits, barbecues, cooking activities)
  
• Communicate professionally with participants, families/guardians, staff, and visitors
  
• Uphold safety protocols, confidentiality standards, and organizational policies
  
• Serve as a positive role model in conduct, professionalism, and reliability

• Interest in working with plants, animals, and people
  
• Comfort working outdoors in most weather conditions
  
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
  
• Reliability, professionalism, and punctuality
  
• Ability to follow safety protocols and organizational guidelines
  
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus (not required)
  
• Previous outdoor, farm, or animal care experience is a plus
  

• Primarily outdoor, hands-on farm work in varying weather conditions
  
• Some work may occur in office settings, program spaces, or community locations
  
• Combination of standing, walking, bending, and light lifting
  

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
  
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform light physical labor throughout the shift
  

• Gain real-world experience in a mission-driven organization
  
• Build hands-on skills in agriculture, animal care, and community-based programming
  
• Work in a supportive, team-oriented environment
  
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of others