Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships

Internship 2: Sustainable Agriculture

The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) was created in the belief that our incredibly unique and remote location on Cape Eleuthera requires a high level of self-sustainability. Food security is an extremely important issue for not only The Island School but also The Bahamas as a whole. The Food Security Team at The Island School focuses on both aquaponics and permaculture in order to increase the amount of food produced on island while also being a sustainable agriculture model. In our pursuit of outstanding environmental management, we are seeking ambitious, innovative, and bright young interns to join our team. The food security internship is split into two key responsibilities that are involved with ongoing projects to ensure that we achieve a higher rate of food security as well as to meet our zero waste goals.

Aquaponics Responsibilities

  • Harvesting, seeding and transplanting salad greens for The Island School’s dining hall
  • Taking daily water quality measurements
  •  Maintaining fish production systems and fish husbandry
  • Educating students, educational programs or visitors on the aquaponic system and the role it plays in the future of food security
  • Assisting in research and development on innovative operations for aquaponic systems
  • Recording data on the aquaponics system

Permaculture Responsibilities

  • Working closely with local farmers and the kitchen team to create farm-to-school connections
  • Maintaining compost and building soil
  • Planting and harvesting annual vegetables for our kitchen
  • Maintaining our rotational chicken and pig systems
  • Propagating and caring for fruit trees
  • Recording farm data

Internship Requirements
This position requires flexibility, perseverance, and the ability to work long hours with a can-do attitude.
The ideal applicant:

  • 18+ and undergraduate students at Dalhousie University with a minimum of 3rd year standing at the time of the internship placement
  • Has an interest in food security, agriculture, environmental science, sustainable food systems, biology, or another related field
  • Able to work independently, as part of a team, and be adaptable to a flexible schedule
  • Comfortable working outdoors and physically fit

Apply for this Position
Please send the following via email (Tarah.wright@dal.ca) with the subject line QES Scholarship Application:

  • Cover Letter (please specify which session you are applying for)
  • Resume (be certain to list any boat licences, swimming levels, and/or scuba certifications)
  • Copy (non-official is fine) of current Dalhousie University transcript
  • 3 References (Name, Company, and Contact Information)
  • One-page essay on how the internship will benefit you and your future career goals.