Internships

Do you want to live in an Earthship? Need to learn more about just what it takes to build one, or are you just looking to get your hands dirty?! We can help!

Internship opportunities are available for individuals who want to know more about the Earthship's construction process, the products used, and an overall understanding of what is involved in an Earthship build. To be considered, you must be willing to get down and dirty and not be afraid of strenuous work.

Interns have the opportunity to learn Earthship building concepts and techniques while working alongside the Earthship Florida construction crew for one week. Internships are full-time unpaid positions but are an integral part of this historic project.

Interns are responsible for providing their own accommodations, food, transportation, supplies, etc. Intern positions are limited, so apply today for your chance to help build a more sustainable Florida.

What To Expect

Each session starts on a Wednesday, and ends on the following Sunday. When you arrive, you will register, sign the release waivers, and get aquainted with your fellow interns. After everyone arrives and gets settled, there will be a brief orientation about what to expect during your week at the Earthship Florida Project build site. You will have the opportunity to ask the Earthship Florida Project General Contractor, Bryan Roberts of ECO-TECH Construction, any questions that you may have.

During your week stay, you will learn many Earthship building techniques and concepts, but since each session lasts only one week, you will not see a project from start to finish. It would be unreasonable for us to say you will learn everything it takes to build an Earthship in just one week. You are welcome to work more than one week (or come out to volunteer for a day or two) if you choose to do so.

Each intern that successfully completes a one week session is invited to attend a 3-day Earthship Florida Workshop where you will learn in more detail about some of the products and methods used in sustainable building practices – FREE!

Expect to be challenged physically and mentally, and to work hard. Please come prepared to support yourself for the entirety of your stay. Keep in mind that you will be working on a construction site and workplace safety is of the utmost importance.

Where To Stay

Interns are responsible for finding their own accommodations. Camping at the Earthship Florida Project is free but you must register early and come prepared with your own camping equipment. Showers, on-site portable restrooms and drinking water is provided.

The build site is not eqipped for pull behind campers or RVs, but Lake Manattee State Park is located less than 5 miles away. There is full facility camping there, as well as many different activites. For more information,visit www.floridastateparks.org/lakemanatee/Activities.cfm

What To Bring

The weather in Florida is unpredictable, so bring cool, yet protective clothing that you don’t mind getting ruined. Other necessities are sturdy closed-toed work shoes, sunscreen and a hat with a wide brim to protect you from the intense sun. If you are camping you’ll want to bring a tent, a tarp, a camp stove (open fires are restricted), cooking supplies, a sleeping bag, a five gallon water jug, a good flashlight, etc.

Tools

Having a few simple tools will make your internship more comfortable and allow you to participate in a wider variety of work. Here is a list of some helpful tools.

  • Leather work gloves (we recommend to bring an extra pair)
  • Heavy duty rubber cement gloves
  • Dust masks
  • 25’ Stanley type retractable tape measure

The following items are not necessary, but will be useful if you have them. Hand tools such as a speed square, combo square, bevel square, chalk line, a level, pliers, and a chisel as well as small power tools (drill, circular saw, etc.)

When registering, please have a date in mind. The general contractor only knows about a week out what the following week will entail. As the build gets underway, hopefully that will change to two-three weeks out. As you can imagine, building a house such as this one, there are many new challenges that are as yet unforeseen. After registering online, you will receive a welcome email, along with some more pertinent information.

If you have any questions, please contact Aviva at aviva@earthshipfloridaproject.com

SPACE IS LIMITED… RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!!!

Register Now!


Earthship Facts

  • Earthships are made out of recycled materials, such as tires and soda cans.

  • Earthships catch water from the sky and use it up to four times.

  • Water is heated from either the sun or by natural gas, but they can have city/county water as a backup water supply.

  • Earthships produce their own electricity, but can have multiple energy sources such as solar and wind-generated energy. The energy is stored in batteries and supplied to electrical outlets in the home.

  • Earthships contain and reuse all household sewage in indoor and outdoor treatment cells. The waste is used for food production and in landscaping.

  • Earthship toilets flush with greywater that does not smell.

  • Because of the way they’re built, Earthships maintain comfortable temperatures in any climate.

— Information obtained from Earthship Biotecture.