The CCOF Internship Program

CCOF offers a comprehensive internship program for hardworking, self-motivated individuals interested in organic certification, education, promotion and advocacy. The purpose of the CCOF intern team is to support the goals of the organization and extend its vision into the future.
We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2012 program.

What to Expect
Benefits
FAQs
How to Apply
Intern Calendar
Our Current Intern Staff

What to Expect

Interested in learning more about the organic sector while building your event coordination, research and writing, project management or grant writing portfolio? This highly competitive program will provide you with a comprehensive training in the basics of organic certification, the organic sector and CCOF office operations, as well as a range of projects to enhance your job qualifications and hone your interests. Resume assistance and letters of recommendation, as well as the opportunity to learn from mentors will build your confidence and boost your edge in the job market. This internship is unpaid but is eligible for school credit.

Though interns are asked to complete projects in multiple focus areas, it may be appropriate to assign an intern to a specific area based on their skills and experience:

RESEARCH: Assist Project Team Coordinator with myriad projects that arise for CCOF Trade Association. Past projects include but are by no means limited to: researching numbers of consumers who attend CA farmers markets, compiling updated list of organic seed sellers for our members, and creating a database of art schools to pitch a consumer education art contest.
Strong web research, writing and Excel skills required; web programming skill desirable.

EVENT COORDINATION: Assist Program and Member Services Specialist with preparation of CCOF events such as Pest Management Conference and Annual Convention. Assist Marketing Specialist and Marketing Assistant in trade show preparation. Strong organizational skill required; event coordination experience desirable.

POLICY: Assist Policy Director in regular tracking of federal legislation as it applies to organic sector, plus other policy-related projects as assigned. Must have strong writing and organizational skills.

Training:
Upon acceptance into the intern program, interns begin Certification 101 training, which takes about a month. Cert. 101 introduces them to the basics of organic certification, the organic sector, and CCOF office operations. It also includes tours to one or more of our certified operations to give interns a chance to get their hands dirty and learn in the field. Interns will complete Cert. 101 training while working their normal intern hours.

Required Skills:
       • Excellent communication skills in person, by phone, and in writing
       • Basic computer skills and familiarity with email, word processing, and the Microsoft Office Suite
       • Ability to logically solve problems and multitask
       • Ability to work together with other interns and demonstrate initiative
       • Interest in organic food and agriculture
       • Excellent time management skills

Duration:

In order for the goals of this program to be met, interns are expected to complete at least 240 hours over a six month period, for an average of 12 – 15 hours per week. Interns MUST be able to regularly come into CCOF’s home office in Santa Cruz, California. CCOF is open normal business hours, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Interns set their own schedules within that time frame.

Compensation:

The internship is unpaid, but the experience and benefits to be gained are invaluable.

Upon completion of 240 hours, graduates will be awarded the Organic Intern Training Program Certificate.

Benefits

In addition to earning credit and building their resumes, interns receive:
• Basic organic certification training
• Experience working in a professional office environment

     • Useful marketing and event planning skills
     • Work alongside CCOF’s experienced certification and marketing professionals
     • Valuable time management and teamwork skills to take with them into future careers
     • Materials for their portfolio, such as a completed project in an area of their interest
     • An Organic Intern Training Program Certificate
     • Personalized letters of recommendation upon request
     • Opportunity to reflect upon project work and develop self-awareness about professional preferences and aptitudes
     • Satisfaction of helping to further the organic movement

The benefits of this program span many levels. At the individual level, interns gain the benefits mentioned above. At the organizational level, CCOF benefits from projects relevant to its goals of advancing the organic movement. And at the community level, local communities benefit from outreach programs and new availability of organic information and resources.

FAQs

Who is this internship for?
This internship is designed for individuals interested in organic food and agriculture who are looking to gain skills in the workplace. Many of our interns are UCSC or Cabrillo students, although we are open to interns from all higher level educational institutions.

Do I get to farm?
No. Interns primarily work out of CCOF’s main office on the Westside of Santa Cruz, performing office duties and helping with marketing and outreach projects. However, we do like to get out of the office and offer opportunities for field trips, tours and community events.

Do I have to be in Santa Cruz?
Unfortunately, yes. While we would love for our intern network to stretch across the United States, for now our interns need to reside in the Santa Cruz area, as they are required to come into the office regularly.

Can I get school credit for this internship?
Yes. Students interested in earning school credit should contact their academic department advisor as soon as possible.

How to Apply

Interested persons can download a copy of the CCOF Intern Application. Please print and email the completed application with a cover letter. Applicants should include a writing sample from their educational work. If unable to provide school work, please send a 250-word sample about an environmental issue of your choice. Questions should be directed to CCOF Marketing Assisant Lizi Barba at lizi@ccof.org or (831) 423-2263 ext. 31.

Intern Calendar

We are currently accepting applications for our Winter 2012 program, which will begin in mid-late January 2012 and run through June 2012.