Farm Management Internship in Colorado

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Cultiva Farm Management Internship – Full Season 2017, March 1 – October 31 in Boulder, Colorado         

Growing Gardens’ mission is to enrich the lives of our community through sustainable urban agriculture. We envision people experiencing a direct and deep connection with plants, the land and each other. Growing Gardens unites the Boulder County community through urban agriculture projects, such as: The Cultiva Youth Project (Ages 12 – 19), The Children’s Peace Garden (Ages 3 – 11), Community Classes, Growing Gardens Food Project, the Community Gardens (General Public), and our Community Orchard.

The focus of this internship will be to support production for the Cultiva CSA Farm, a two-acre certified organic vegetable farm. Produce from the farm is principally sold through our on-site Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. We also manage a small number of wholesale accounts and donate a significant portion of our harvest to those in need in our community.

The Farm Management Intern will report to the Boulder CSA Farm Manager and work extensively with the Cultiva participants and must have both the ability and desire to engage with, and mentor, young people. The Farm Internship is fast paced and requires a great deal of hard work, focus, and care. It is also deeply rewarding.

Farm Management Internship Duties  

• Assist the farmer in all aspects of farm operation:
• Operation and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Installation and operation of irrigation systems.
• Seeding, transplanting, thinning, and fertilizing seedlings.
• Early season greenhouse growing for the field crops
• Cultivation and weeding.
• Pest and disease management.
• Harvesting, washing, and packing of crops for CSA and wholesale accounts.
• Cover cropping and soil sampling
• Maintenance grounds and site infrastructure.
• Assist with the Cultiva CSA pick up (Wednesdays 4:00-7:00pm)
• Manage the Cultiva Farmers’ Market gleaning program and produce donations (Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 pm)
• Compile and update records for organic certification
• Assist, teach, and oversee volunteers and groups of volunteers with greenhouse and field related tasks
• Be available to work three weekend  Plant Sale shifts in May
• Lead tours of the Growing Gardens Site to groups and individual volunteers

Knowledge and Skills the Intern May Acquire:

• Small scale organic vegetable production techniques including:

o      Soil health

o      Tractor skills and maintenance

o      Irrigation systems planning, implementation, and maintenance

o      Direct seeding and transplanting practices

o      Pest management

o      Harvest and post-harvest techniques

• CSA management experience.
• Produce sales and marketing experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Management and leadership experience working with diverse populations.
• Exposure to the operations of a non-profit, community-based organization.

Structure of Farm Management Internship

• Internship duration is March 1 – October 31, 2017
• Intern position is 40 hours per week. *Note: hours may vary between weeks; however the average number of hours per week will be 40 hours. Hours primarily take place during the week, however there is some required weekend work.
• Required attendance at seasonal orientation meetings with all GG interns, mentor, intern supervisor and additional GG staff
• Each Intern is supported by a Mentor and Supervisor
• Mentor oversees daily activities and supports each Intern’s growth during weekly meetings throughout the duration of the contract
• Interns meet with Supervisor every month for the duration of the contract
• Interns will attend and contribute to Growing Gardens’ All Staff Meetings once per season (3 times total)

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 burgeoning local food movement.
• Friendly, relaxed environment.
• Develop marketable teaching, leadership, and management skills.
• Additional training offered through Growing Gardens classes, workshops, and staff shadowing
• Access to a wide variety of discounted organic seeds and plant starts.
• Opportunity to garden in the intern community garden plot at the Hawthorn Garden site.
• Fresh vegetables from the garden as the season permits.
• Site is centrally located and easily accessed via public transportation.
• Monthly stipend of $800.

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 March 1, 2017. Growing Gardens depends on the plants and food produced in the greenhouse and fields to sustain our programs. The Farm Intern must be responsible, dedicated and organized.  While some growing experience is desired, it is not required for this position.  This experience is a great opportunity for someone interested in a job in horticulture, farming, or community organizing.

To apply for the farm management internship:

Applications are due by January 7, 2017 but will remain open until filled. Applications available atwww.growinggardens.org/internships.

Send cover letter, completed application and resume to Sarah Kell: sarah@growinggardens.org