Internship Organic Farming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Organizational Summary: MA'O Organic Farms (MA'O), located in Lualualei Valley, Waianae, is a social enterprise of the Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation (WCRC), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Established in 2000, MA'O grows organic food and new leaders for a sustainable Hawaii. For the first 18-years in operation MA'O managed 24-acres of certified organic land, now we’ve grown to 280-acres in Lualualei Valley. This new aina presents a huge kuleana – to manage land and water with aloha, and to radically increase the production of nutritious local organic food, while empowering a new generation of leaders to serve Hawaii nei. Position Summary: The Mahi'ai Akahi (Processing) role is an introductory staff position focused on Processing Shed (PShed) operations and post-harvest produce handling activities. This role may be pursued concurrently with college or other educational pathways. Through the training model of ma ka hana ka 'ike (learning through doing), the Mahi'ai Akahi will be immersed in a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment. Working alongside a team of Managers and youth interns, the Mahi'ai Akahi primarily supports Processing & Quality Control operations as part of MA'O’s operational and workforce development model, while also supporting Saturday Farmers Market operations and limited Harvest & Production support, consistent with operational needs, training, safety requirements, and role classification.Work Location: MA'O Organic Farms, 86-148 Puhawai Rd. Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii 96792Schedule:Schedules may vary depending on responsibilities and operational needs.Must be available to work holidays, Saturdays, occasional Sundays, early mornings, extended shifts, or modified schedules based on operational, seasonal, staffing, or organizational needs.Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 6am to 5pm (1 hour unpaid lunch)Saturday: 5am/6am to 5pm (30 minutes unpaid lunch)Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday: Off Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Processing & Quality ControlSupport the processing and packaging of fresh organic produce for co-producers, farmers markets, and the CSA program in accordance with food safety, organic certification, and quality standards. Uphold organic standards, food safety practices, and food quality expectations in all aspects of processing.Wash, sort, trim, cut, and prepare produce by hand or with equipment to meet organic, food safety, and co-producer quality standards, with increased responsibility for accuracy and quality control.Accurately bunch, weigh, count, and package produce to order specifications, supporting order accuracy and fulfillment standards.Assist with order fulfillment by ensuring products are accurately picked, properly washed, correctly labeled, loaded into appropriate produce bins, and stacked or staged for delivery, as assigned.Support sales and distribution operations through accurate processing, packing, and staging of products, contributing to efficient order fulfillment and overall business operations. Maintain daily cleanliness and sanitation of the Processing Shed (PShed), washing machines, equipment, and tools in compliance with food safety standards.Monitor product quality during processing and promptly report defects, shortages, or safety concerns to supervisors or managers.Communicate product quality issues, shortages, or approved substitutions to co-producers or internal teams as directed.Safely operate processing equipment, washing machines, pallet jacks, and other designated processing tools as trained and authorized, and in accordance with safety protocols.Complete required logs, counts, and documentation for inventory, food safety, and quality assurance.Maintain accurate cooler and product temperature logs to meet food safety standards.Participate in required food safety and organic certification audits, trainings, and inspections, as assigned. Farmers MarketSupport, coordinate, and progressively manage Farmers Market booth operations, including preparation, setup, customer engagement, and breakdown activities, in alignment with MA'O’s standards and training model.Coordinate and support day-before and day-of Farmers Market preparation, including organizing supplies, equipment, produce, and staffing needs, in collaboration with supervisors and leadership.Check assigned farm vehicles to ensure they are fueled, clean, and in proper working condition prior to Farmers Market use, and report any concerns to supervisors. Operate vehicles only if authorized, trained, and in possession of a valid driver’s license, as applicable to assigned duties.Prepare, check, and load Farmers Market tools, supplies, and equipment, which may include tents, tables, table weights, cash handling materials, point-of-sale equipment, toolboxes, and related items, ensuring readiness for market operations.Ensure tablets, card readers, and other point-of-sale tools are fully charged, functional, and ready for use prior to departure for the Farmers Market.Verify and document cash and change prior to the market; ensure funds are secured during transport, use, and return; and support proper cash-handling procedures in accordance with MA'O’s financial controls and training.Load produce on the day of the Farmers Market to maintain quality control, and assist with unloading produce and equipment at both the farm and Farmers Market site.Set up and break down the Farmers Market booth safely and efficiently, in compliance with food safety standards, workplace safety practices, and market requirements.Provide friendly, professional, and culturally respectful customer service; assist customers with product selection; and process payments accurately using approved payment systems.Engage with community members and represent MA'O’s mission, programs, and produce in a professional and respectful manner in a public-facing environment.Develop and apply working knowledge of produce varieties to answer customer questions and recommend appropriate alternatives when items are unavailable.Ensure safe food handling and appropriate product display at the Farmers Market booth, including temperature control and maintaining clean display surfaces.Uphold MA'O’s standards of food quality, food safety, and community representation at all times during Farmers Market operations.Accurately track, review, and reconcile Farmers Market sales by documenting cash and change, reconciling cash and card transactions, completing end-of-day sales reports, and returning and securing all funds in the safe, with oversight and mentorship as appropriate.Support and progressively develop leadership skills during Farmers Market operations by assisting with coordinating roles, supporting intern training, reinforcing safety and professionalism expectations, and confirming all materials, equipment, funds, and produce are returned and secured at the farm following market close, under the guidance of supervisors and leadership. Harvest & Production SupportSupport harvest, production, and general farm operations based on operational needs, staffing, training, safety requirements, and role classification.Assist with harvesting, transporting, organizing, or staging produce and supplies, as assigned.Support outdoor farm operations, including harvest and production activities, during operational coverage needs or staffing support situations.Operate farm vehicles or other equipment only if authorized, trained, certified, and/or licensed, as applicable to assigned duties. General Duties & Core ResponsibilitiesUphold organic certification standards, food safety protocols, and food quality expectations in accordance with MA'O Organic Farms’ policies and training.Work both collaboratively with a team and independently, as assigned, to support organic farming operations.Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and safe use of farm vehicles, equipment, tools, and workspaces. Operation of vehicles, machinery, chainsaws, or power tools is performed only as authorized, trained, and licensed (if applicable to assigned duties) and in accordance with safety policies.Maintain the cleanliness of shared and collective spaces, which may include break areas, parking lots, restroom facilities or portable restrooms, tool sheds, and surrounding work areas. Assist with managing trash and recyclables in accordance with farm practices.Support cross-functional farm operations as assigned, including assisting in different work areas based on operational needs and training, consistent with safety requirements and role classification.Support end-of-day security procedures by ensuring farm tools, equipment, vehicles, tractors, facilities, and gates are properly secured.Use digital tools and software, as required and/or provided by the organization, to support communication, coordination, documentation, and operations. This may include email, mobile devices, farm management or scheduling software, point-of-sale tablets, and platforms such as Microsoft products, Google Workspace, Slack, WhatsApp, and the organization’s HRIS.Participate in required food safety and organic certification audits, trainings, and inspections, as assigned.Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with training, safety requirements, and operational needs. Mentorship & ValuesModel professionalism and provide mentorship and positive reinforcement for youth interns learning in the fields, processing shed, and farmers markets.Support the training and evaluation of the farm’s youth interns.Model mutual love, respect, and a willingness to work, thus reinforcing organizational and programmatic policy and values in a positive and formative manner that supports the mission, goals and activities of WCRC and MA'O wherever possible. Required Experience:High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework, vocational training, or postsecondary education preferred.At least two (2) years of progressive experience in agriculture, food processing, gardening, conservation, farmers market operations, or a closely related operational setting.Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining organization, reliability, and professionalism.Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to follow food safety, sanitation, operational, and quality standards across multiple work areas. Demonstrated ability to safely perform the physical demands of the role, as outlined in the Physical Requirements section, with or without reasonable accommodation.Ability to use digital tools and software for communication, coordination, documentation, and operational tracking, with training provided as needed.Valid Hawaii Driver’s License and responsible driving history required for authorized work-related driving tasks and operational responsibilities, including transporting interns, supplies, or materials using MA'O-provided or approved vehicles.Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Preferred Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have:Three (3) or more years of experience in agriculture, food systems, food processing, conservation, farmers market operations, or related hands-on work environments.College coursework, certifications, or training in agriculture, food systems, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field.Experience taking on lead or coordination responsibilities within a team setting (e.g., training others, supporting workflow planning, or supporting operational task organization).Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting youth, interns, or early-career staff.Familiarity with organic certification standards, food safety protocols, and produce handling requirements.Interest in or demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, sustainability, and resilience within Hawaii’s food system and rural communities, particularly in the Leeward Oahu region.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain professional and solution-oriented in dynamic or public-facing environments. Work Environment: This position is primarily based indoors in the Processing Shed (PShed), where produce is washed, processed, quality-checked, packaged, and prepared for delivery. The role also includes support for outdoor harvest and production activities, as well as Farmers Market operations.Work conditions may include:Outdoor and indoor work environments, including exposure to sun, rain, wind, dust, mud, uneven terrain, insects, and cool, wet, or damp processing conditions involving water, ice, and approved cleaning agents in a fast-paced, high-volume workflow.Work performed across multiple settings, which may include fields, processing facilities, farmers markets, community sites, and shared indoor or administrative spaces, depending on assigned duties and operational needs.Use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, aprons, hairnets, hats, and appropriate footwear, to support safety and hygiene.A physically demanding, team-oriented environment with shifting priorities, seasonal workload fluctuations, and periods of independent work.Exposure to loud equipment, machinery, and variable sensory inputs associated with farm, processing, and market operations.Regular interaction with youth and interns from diverse backgrounds, including providing mentorship, guidance, and support in a professional and culturally responsive manner.Use of digital tools (e.g., email, mobile devices, farm management or scheduling software, point-of-sale tablets, and collaboration platforms) to support communication, documentation, and operations.Farmers Market shifts conducted outdoors, with exposure to varying weather conditions, large crowds, and direct customer interaction.Occasional off-site work, including participation in community events, educational workshops, farmers markets, or partner-led initiatives.A variable work schedule, which may include early morning shifts, holidays, Saturdays, and occasional weekends depending on operational needs.Ability to work extended hours on occasion to meet Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met, with or without reasonable accommodation, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role:Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs frequently.Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, climbing, or reaching.Repetitive use of hands and arms for washing, bunching, packing, labeling, harvesting, loading produce, and handling tools.Safe operation of processing equipment, machinery, farm tools, and vehicles (e.g., hand tools, harvest bins, pallet jacks, tractors, box trucks), as trained and authorized.Ability to work safely in close proximity with others while maintaining situational awareness in dynamic work environments.Visual and auditory abili