Oko Farms is an urban farm, and education and design company in Brooklyn, New York.

We utilize a hybrid of aquaculture and hydroponics known as aquaponics to raise freshwater fish along with a variety of vegetables and herbs. On our farm, waste water from the fish tank is constantly pumped through several hydroponic grow beds to provide nutrient rich fertilizer for our plants. In return, the plants filter all of the toxic waste from the water while it cycles through the system. This constant cycling of nutrients via fish waste creates an extremely efficient recycling system that allows us to avoid the toxic environmental run-off that characterizes current aquaculture practices.

By implementing aquaponics in New York City, we shrink our carbon footprint for fish consumption, reduce the ecosystem pollution and health concerns associated with commercial-scale aquaculture, and produce a high-yield of organically grown vegetables in dense urban spaces.

Oko Farms is seeking two interns to start immediately: a Social Media/Outreach intern to assist with marketing and promotions; and an Education intern to assist with in-school educational programming throughout the fall and winter, as well as a variety of adult education workshops.

Internships typically last one to two semesters and involve close hands-on work with company founder Yemi Amu. In addition to the duties required of each specific internship, interns will also have the opportunity to learn about aquaponics and participate in some farm work. This is a fun and engaging opportunity that will require flexibility and an approximately 10/hr a week commitment, while offering a unique look into a growing sector of sustainable agriculture.
 

Position overview

Social Media/Outreach Intern

Oko Farms’ Social Media and Outreach intern will support Oko Farms in building brand awareness via the promotion of our programs and services using both social media and non-digital strategies.

The ideal candidate is creative, able to and able to bring fresh ideas to our team! Should be a self-starter, have a passion for marketing, food, urban agriculture, and environmental awareness.

Key Requirements and Responsibilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, and Mail Chimp
• Brainstorm ideas for content pieces for Facebook, Instagram, and Instagram Stories
• Analyze performance of our content and provide insights
• Implement promotional strategies for educational workshops and other organizational services.

Skills and Qualifications

• Current student in Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred
• Must be able to work on-site for taking photos and creating promotional materials
• Must have access to a smartphone and Internet
• Must have previous marketing internship experience or be enrolled in a marketing program
• Experience with small business development a plus
• Knowledge of food and gardening a plus but not required

Position Overview

Education Intern

Oko Farms’ Education intern will support with the facilitation of educational workshops at the farm and at our partner sites across Brooklyn and Manhattan. In the winter months, the Education intern will assist with the facilitation of our in-school aquaponics education program for elementary and middle school students. Ideal candidate must have a passion for education and comfortable working with both children and adults.

Key Requirements and Responsibilities

• Contribute to a fun and engaging learning experience for students and workshop participants
• Support aquaponics education curriculum development for element both elementary and school students
• Assist with prepping for workshops and picking workshop materials when necessary.

Skills and Qualifications

• Previous classroom education experience desired
• Experience with garden education preferred but not necessary
• Science background preferred but not necessary

Internship Requirements (applies to both positions)

• Must be 18 years or older and currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school
• Must be eligible for school credit
• Must be comfortable working in all weather
• Must be able to work in different locations as the job requires
• Must be comfortable working with children.