14 month internships are available at Turtle Island Preserve. We call this program "Work-Camp". It is founded on a format of 4 or more days a week of full-on, focused work. This is an unpaid work-trade position.

The program is 14 months long. Successful graduates have a high probability of being able to stay on for an apprenticeship or employment opportunity or community membership. General age requirements are 25-100. We prefer older people who have accumulated skills and maturity. Variations and exceptions to the normal intern program are available for the elderly. Applicants do not have to possess a skill or experience base but must possess a great attitude. Essentials are having developed social skills conducive to supporting clear communications and for working with others while respecting leadership and following directions. Housing, food and work direction are provided. A strong work-ethic is necessary. Task-oriented, "self-starting" personalities are preferred.

Chainsaw Work-Study

Two weeks immersion in everything to do with chainsaw use and logging. Help clear trails and roads and an acre of forest to make a garden plot. We will teach how to use the saw to take down and "work up" the trees for the sawmill, chipper and firewood.

This work study is an intensive action-packed education. It is saturated with information and experience on many species of trees and how to best judge and maximize the use of natural resources. We teach how to work safely in the dangerous field and get efficient results for your labor. When you graduate from this program you will be vastly more capable than when you started. Beginners are welcome.

Expect clear direction and lots of focused work. Expect to learn mountains of information. You must be between age 20 to 60 years old to apply. The tuition is $20-$60 per day depending on how helpful you are. Your room and board are included in this tuition fee. Graduates may be welcomed to stay on longer at this educational work camp. This is all about "hands-on" experiences.

To apply please send an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Write a letter of introduction with your name, age, current lifestyle situation, past relevant experience and your intention regarding this work-study. Only serious applicants will be accepted.

Other Positions Available

• General Work-Camp
• Office Assistant
• Kitchen Staff

To inquire about internships, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Application packets are available by request.

Testimonials from Residents and Interns

Our time at Turtle Island continues to be a valuable experience to draw from in all of our projects here on our new farm.

Paul and Terra
Veteran interns of two years

My internship at Turtle Island was absolutely foundational for the strength that I have in my life right now.

Jeremy "Bo" Hewitt
Colorado

My cooking internship at Turtle Island Preserve exceeded my expectations. It was the ultimate challenge, showing me what I am capable of doing with the love and support from the T.I. community. Everyone was instantly welcoming, including me in the community, accepting me the way I was and making me feel like an integral part of the whole. The wood cookstoves created the best tasting food I have ever had.

Rachel Zeirzow
Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts