We offer a "hands on" learning experience that we call an Intern program. It is available to committed individuals who have been pre-approved and have a real desire to learn how to grow their own food and experience living in a small community setting. 

We are not looking for individuals who simply want a place to camp for the summer nor, is it a 9 to 5 "job". Working hours are "not". This is a lifestyle .. when the work needs doing .. we do it. Sometimes the days get long, sometimes short. It is not expected that anyone on the Farm work on Sunday with the exception of tending the animals needs.. We are willing to teach those who would like to learn what we have learned and be a part of our community for a while and learn to do what we do on a daily basis. This activity would have primary focus on gardening techniques from seed to harvest. In addition you might expect to be involved in other activities ranging from construction to bee keeping and everything in between. You might be hoeing weeds one day ... fixing some plumbing the next or cutting some fire wood or making some home made biodiesel. We have a small milk goat herd and two chicken yards.  You may want to become involved in these activities if this is your area of interest. However, the primary focus would be on learning how to grow your own food. We do not offer class room schooling or formal structured instruction. Rather, down to earth, real life experience in community living..

It is our hope that those who choose to spend time with us would walk away with some basic skills to help them get started in their own small community and be able to teach others the skills they have learned. 

We have limited accomadations for those who wish to participate in the Intern program and can comfortably accomadate 4 or 5 individuals. 

To maximize your learning experience we have found that those who arrive early in May and stay through mid to late September or early October will gain the maximum benefit from this learning experience. Those who can only stay for shorter periods are also welcome but will only be subject to learn bits and pieces of the program. The longer the learning period the more you will learn and will provide you with the skills necessary to plan what to plant, plant seeds, transplant in the greenhouse, prepare garden grow beds, transplant to the garden area, tend the garden area (including weeding), water, feed and tend the plants until harvest time and possibly help with some home canning. 

We understand that not all applicants can schedule their stay with us for this full term but strongly recommend this approach for the maximum learning experience.

A word about compatibility ... of primary importance in a small community is that all individuals can get along. After all, we will be seeing a lot of each other and working together many hours. The old saying goes "one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel". We cannot tolerate contention and back biting. If it is found that any individual does not "fit in" ... they will be asked to leave. 
All this said ... we are a pretty easy going group, enjoy each others company and welcome new ideas and faces.

We are sorry to say, due to world unrest, that we are not accepting applications from third world countries, except South and Central America.

Below are some commonly asked questions ... if you do not find an answer to your question please   email us at montanamac@gmail.com or jsmith9k@gmail.com

How do I apply for an Intern position?
We request in writing or by email a resume and/or formal letter, with references, stating why you are interested in participating in Corvallis Conservation Farm and what you feel you can contribute to the program, expressing your special interests and goals. Please provide your social security number or equivalent to be used for a background check. We will need your signed, written permission for approval to do so. Also, please print out, complete and mail the Prospective Intern Questioner (please email or mail and we will send you the form) . We will respond promptly to your expressed interest. All decisions regarding application for new Internship shall be at the sole discretion of the Conservation Farm Community Board.

When does the Intern program start?
Generally the Intern program is a spring and summertime activity. To get the full benefit of the learning experience it is suggested that Interns arrive as early in the spring as possible. We start planting seeds in the greenhouse and preparing the garden growing areas in early May. 
We have college student Interns who arrive as soon as their school activities allow. 

How long does the program last?
Generally the program begins in May and will last through the harvest of the vegetable gardens in September or early October. As a general rule we do not offer accomadations during the winter season. Hwever, it never hurts to ask as there have been occasions when exceptions have been made.

What is expected?

It is expected that interns participate in the work to be done.  This is not a JOB.  It’s a lifestyle.

An interview with the Board at the end of the internship is normal. We value your input and strive to continually improve the Intern program. We embrace Christian values and therefore, you will not be expected to work on Sunday. A small stipend is provided.

What about drugs, alcohol

We do not use illegal drugs or alcohol and have a Conservation Farm policy that the same is not welcome on the property. If this policy is not acceptable to you ... please do not apply. 

What about lodging and food?
Individual intern shelters do not have water, power or sanitation but are equipped with a twin size bed and dresser for personal clothing. You must bring your own bedding, pillow, personal items such as wash cloth and towels.
All  have access to our central facility with a kitchen, toilet, shower, washer and solar dryer (clothes line).   The interns will work out their own schedule for use and cleaning of these facilities.  Interns may eat what they help produce on the conservation farm at no cost to them. Meals will be prepared by the interns in the community kitchen. Foods produced on the farm during the summer are always plentiful. There are a few staples provided such as flour, sugar, salt, etc. All other groceries will be the responsibility of the individual intern to purchase.  It is the responsibility of the Interns to keep the community kitchen clean and tidy.
You will be expected to wash your own dishes and pickup after yourself. The maid left on the last train :)

What about a vehicle? 
Most interns arrive in their own automobile. If you choose to arrive by plane or bus prior arangements can be made to pick you up in Missoula. However, we do not supply a vehicle for Intern use but you are welcome to "hitch a ride" with one of us if we are going to town.

 Religious affiliation
The Conservation Farm is not a religious organization and there is no religious affiliation. We respect every person's right to worship as they choose. 

Have a question? .... want to leave a comment?  ... We look forward to hearing from you!

please send email to:   montanamac@gmail.com or jsmith9k@gmail.com