Internship Prerequisite: Natural Building Experience, completed Natural Building Skillbuilder (preferred)
This is a continuing internship working closely with Elke Cole and the building team. This three month programme offers opportunities to support teachers, guide process, and work with the building team at O.U.R. Ecovillage. Participants will work on various projects, prepare for workshops, facilitate volunteers, deepen skills and build confidence and experience in leadership. We will be looking at your skillset and training to determine your role in our team.
Internship outline
The minimum time frame for this internship is 3 months. Actual dates will be determined individually. During your your time here you will be required to follow team agreements and track both your work and volunteer hours. Meals and accommodation fees are included in the programme. Continuing interns receive a monthly stipend which will be paid after a two week trial period.
Which Natural Building skills will I cultivate?
Our projects may include but are not exclusive of the many different techniques we have taught in the past. Examples are hybrid structures using:
- Earthbag Foundation
- Cob
- Straw Bale
- Timber Frame
- Light Clay
- Chip ‘n Slip
- Rammed Earth
- Natural Plasters (including tatalac)
- Waste Water Management & Plumbing
- Electrical Installation
This includes an understanding building inspection and building codes. Through this programme, we are working to not only give you skills in natural building, in the integration of your natural building skills into conventional building techniques. Know that tasks are varied, depending on schedules and project priorities and that we will do our best to align your needs with ours.
Who will I be working with?
The building team is made up of instructors, professional builders, interns, guest instructors and volunteers. Interns hold fulltime positions and work in agreement with staff builders. Together we will set learning goals to suit your personal path within the parameters of the many projects on which we will be working, both on and off-site.
Potential Projects for 2011
- Cob wall
- Brown coating
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Plastering
- Wood finish work
- Foundation
- Wood framing
- Light Clay infill
- Timber Framing
- Living Roof
What are the skills I need to apply for the internship?
Course Prerequisite: Natural Building Experience or a completed Natural Building Skill builder preferred. Applicants will have completed a natural building apprenticeship or internship with professional natural builders or organization. In addition to the experience gained through a long term learning commitment you posses have the following skills:
Send the following documents by post or email, subject: Continuing Internship 2011
Natural Building Skills
- Cob or Straw bale construction
- Broad basic natural building skills
- Understanding of general building process
- Other skills (i.e. carpentry, Timber Frame)
Interpersonal skills & desires
- Good communication skills
- A desire for teamwork
- Strong self motivation and discipline
- Positive attitude
- desire to live in community
Ready to apply?
Send the following documents by post or email, subject: Continuing Internship 2011
- Vision for the Internship: 1-2 pages stating your intention for this internship
- Goals: 2 or 3 learning goals (relating to building techniques or construction in general) and 2-3 personal goals (aspects of yourself you are developing) – remember to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound)
- Curriculum Vitae (including previous training, relevant experience, 1 work related reference and 1 personal reference)
- Proposed time line (look an your schedule and submit 1 or 2 potential time lines for the team to choose from)
After we receive your documents we will set up a phone interview with you to get to know each other more and talk about your vision and goals. If we all agree that you fit well into the team this year we will draw up a formal agreement and outline the steps you need to take for your move onsite.
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