Company description

Growing Gardens is a Boulder based non-profit organization established in 1998 with the mission to enrich the lives of the community through sustainable urban agriculture. Growing Gardens helps people experience a direct, deep connection with food, the land and each other through our programs for diverse populations: the Children’s Peace Garden (Ages 3-11), Community Classes, Community Gardens, Growing Gardens Food Project, and Cultiva Youth Project (Ages 12-18). Our activities are centered in the heart of Boulder on 11 acres of land that has been in agricultural use for the past 100 years. We expanded our programming in 2016 to include a 1 acre farm in neighboring Longmont, Colorado, which provides fresh produce and agriculture-based education to the Longmont community. To learn more about Growing Gardens, visit www.growinggardens.org.

Internship description

The focus of this internship will be to support production and programming for the Food Project Farm, a one-acre garden and educational site located in Longmont. Situated in the middle of a USDA food desert, produce from the farm is principally donated to local food banks and distributed to low income families in the community. It is also the goal of the Food Project Farm to educate local youth about garden ecology and sustainable food growing practices through farm-based environmental educational programming.

 

The Food Project Farm Internship requires a great deal of hard work, focus, and care. It is also deeply rewarding.

 

Intern Duties

Assist the farmer in all aspects of farm operation:

• Seeding, transplanting, thinning, and fertilizing seedlings
• Cultivation and weeding techniques
• Organic pest and disease management
• Cover cropping and fertility management
• Maintenance of vermicomposting bins and hot compost
• Infrastructure development and site maintenance
• Maintenance of fruit trees and perennials
• Operation and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Greenhouse management
• Installation and operation of irrigation systems
• Harvesting, washing, and packing of crops for donation
• Mentor and work alongside teens in the Cultiva Youth Project
• Assist, teach, and oversee adult and teen volunteers and groups of volunteers with field-related tasks

 

Assist the Program and Education Coordinator to:

• Teach farm-based programming to children and teens, ages Pre-K through High School
• Lead community groups on experiential tours of the farm site
• Represent Growing Gardens and positively interact with the public at community outreach events
• Assist with tracking and logging produce weights for donation program

 

Knowledge and Skills the Intern May Acquire:

• Small scale organic vegetable production techniques
• Experience operating and maintaining tools and equipment
• Ability to lead diverse populations of volunteers in hands-on activities
• Exposure to the operations of a non-profit, community-based organization.
• Experience assisting in farm-based educational programming for children and teens
• Experience working with and in a multicultural community

 

Structure of Internship

• Internship duration is May 13 – August 16, 2019. Possible to apply for Fall internship position to extend season.
• Intern position is 32 hours per week. *Note: hours may vary between weeks; however the average number ofhours per week will be 32 hours.
• Some weekend watering shifts in the greenhouse may be required
• Intern will attend a mandatory internship orientation meeting on May 13.
• Intern will work closely with a mentor from Growing Gardens’ staff who will oversee daily activities.
• Interns will have the opportunity to shadow Growing Gardens’ staff to learn about the operation of the nonprofit organization.

 

Benefits of Interning with Growing Gardens

• Experience working on, and managing, a diversified vegetable operation.
• Hands-on experience making a positive impact in the lives of children, teens, and adults.
• Community connections and networking within the local food movement.
• Friendly, supporting environment.
• Develop marketable leadership and management skills.
• Classroom training offered through Growing Gardens classes.
• Access to a wide variety of organic seeds and plant starts.
• Fresh vegetables from the garden as the season permits.
• $850 stipend upon completion of the internship.

 

Qualifications

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about learning how to grow food and develop community.  Applicants must be CPR and First Aid certified by May 13, 2019.  The Farm Intern must be responsible, dedicated and organized. While some growing and education experience is desired, it is not required for this position. Spanish language skills are also desired.  This experience is a great opportunity for someone interested in a job in horticulture, farming, environmental education, or community organizing.  

Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation
Application instructions Deadlineno deadline Attachment click here to download the attached document.