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VA FARMS intern

Internships at TALMAR

TALMAR is currently accepting applications for VAFARMS interns. This internship is limited to veterans who have earned a certificate of participation or certificate of graduation from TALMAR’s VAFARMS program.

An internship is any carefully monitored meaningful learning employment experience in which an individual has intentional professional goals and reflects actively on what he or she is accomplishing throughout the experience.

TALMAR is uniquely positioned to offer internships to adults who are seeking either a career in agriculture or a career in nature-based therapies.

Breaking New Ground/ VA FARMS

TALMAR has been providing horticultural therapy programs in Baltimore County since 2005. TALMAR launched its Breaking New Ground program for veterans seeking vocational training in a therapeutic environment in 2016. Since 2019, TALMAR has worked with the VA Maryland Health Care System to implement the VA FARMS program, which is an initiative of the Office of Rural Health. 

TALMAR’s VA FARMS 2020 report included a “Plan for Program Growth”, wherein internship opportunities for veterans who would benefit from another season of work at TALMAR may be made available. Interns will focus on field work, including estimating harvest yields and troubleshooting issues with pests, soil, and irrigation. They will also be responsible for guiding small groups of veterans through daily chores and field work. Interns WILL NOT attend the classroom portion of the VA FARMS program and will be supervised by the TALMAR staff member other than the VA FARMS instructor.

Requirements: 

  • previous participant in TALMAR’s Breaking New Ground or VA FARMS program. Preference for graduates of the program,
  • Comfortable working and assisting individuals of diverse backgrounds,
  • Able to complete or supervise manual labor independently (planting, weeding, mulching, harvesting),
  • Responsible use of tools, equipment and facilities with a priority in safety,
  • Able to work outdoors in extreme hot or cold for extended periods of time,
  • Small engine maintenance/ repair a plus,
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Interns will:

  • meet weekly with the Executive Director or Farm Manager to discuss progress/ impediments
  • self-evaluate progress every three or four weeks for a total of 4 evals in 15 weeks

Compensation: minimum wage stipend. Interns are not eligible for health or retirement benefits. Interns do not earn sick or vacation time.

Interested and qualified veterans should apply to TALMAR’s Executive Director via email at talmar@talmar.org. Subject line: VAFARMS Internship.