MKG interns are involved in all aspects of food production from crop planning, seeding and planting in both the greenhouse and field, to marketing, harvesting, and selling of crops.


 
 

Paid Student Internships

At the Morven Kitchen Garden, we hire part-time paid student employees several times per year. We call these positions internships as the focus is not just on completing daily tasks but also on education. Students gain hands-on experience in how to plant, grow, and harvest sustainably on a small-scale farming operation as well as the principles behind the methods they are using.  Interns may also be able to assist with the garden’s beehives, volunteer coordination, wholesale to UVA Dine, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) administration, and more.

Our seasons are Spring, Summer, and Fall—see the timelines below for general guidelines; specific dates adjust slightly every year per UVA’s calendar.

 
 

 

Spring Semester

13 weeks, January – April

6-10 hours a week

Apply:  October/November

Summer

12 weeks, May - August

20-25 hours a week

Apply:  March/April

Fall Semester

13 weeks, August - December

6-10 hours a week

Apply:  June/July

 
 

 
 

Student Farm Crew Internship Requirements

  • Current student at UVA enrolled in at least 12 credit hours during the Academic year. (Summer course enrollment is not required)

  • Reliable transportation to and from the garden (Crew members are encouraged to carpool)

  • Good physical fitness: ability to bend, kneel, and stand for several hours. You should be able to safely lift 50 pounds.

  • The ability to work outside under various weather conditions including heat, humidity, cold, and rain. 

  • Attention to detail, good listening, and communication skills.

  • The ability to work both as part of a team and independently.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Interested? Applications for Spring season will open in November. Check this page for updates!

 
 
 

The Spring 2023 farm crew in front of Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello. Interns get to attend at least one educational trip each term.

2022-2023 Student Interns

We would like to thank our 2022 student interns for the work they’ve done to keep our garden growing!

Owen Himmel, Spring ‘23

Jayna Mallon, Spring & Fall ‘22, Spring ‘23

Louis Bubrig, 2023

Kathleen McNerney, Spring ‘23

John Leo Luecke, Summer ‘22 & Spring ‘23

2022 Student Interns

Gracie Harris, Spring and Fall ‘22

Brookelyn Mitchell, Fall ‘22

Maille Bowerman, Fall ‘22

Luke Schutte, Summer ‘22

Austin McNichols, Summer ‘22

Dylan Lougheed, Summer ‘22

Morgan Butler, Spring and Summer ‘22

 

 
 
 
 

For-Credit Internship

In previous years, MKG has offered internships for course credit through UVA Career Center’s Internship Placement Program (IPP). In addition to field work, IPP internships also have an “out of the garden” project they work on and take a 1-credit internship reflection course.

Visit the IPP website to learn more about the program. If you are interested in IPP placement through the Kitchen Garden, send us an email!