Food Project Farm Internship in Colorado

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Food Project Farm Internship March – May 2017 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, the Community Gardens, the Growing Gardens Food Project, and the Longmont Food Project Farm (a joint project with the YMCA Boulder Valley.)

The focus of the Food Project Farm Internship will be to support production 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. Food Project Farm also provides educational programming for youth in the community.

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

Farm Intern Duties  

Assist the farmer in all aspects of farm operation:

• Greenhouse management
• Seeding, transplanting, thinning, and fertilizing seedlings
• Cultivation and weeding techniques
• Organic pest and disease management
• Soil sampling and fertility management
• Assisting in farm-based educational programming for children and teens
• Leading tours of the site to volunteer groups and individual volunteers
• Maintenance of beehives, vermicomposting bins, and hot compost
• Infrastructure development and site maintenance
• Planting and maintenance of fruit trees and perennials
• Operation and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Installation and operation of irrigation systems
• Harvesting, washing, and packing of crops for donation

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.
• Beekeeping and composting skills
• Experience assisting in farm-based educational programming for children and teens

Structure of the Food Project Farm Internship

• Internship duration is March 1 – May 24, 2017
• Intern position is 20 hours per week.
• *Note: hours may vary between weeks; however the average number of hours per week will be 20 hours.
• Intern will attend an internship orientation meeting.
• 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 and attend staff meetings to learn
• about the operation of the non-profit 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 burgeoning local food movement.
• Friendly, relaxed 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.
• Opportunity to garden in our intern garden plot at the Hawthorn Garden site.
• Fresh vegetables from the garden as the season permits.
• $500 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 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 Food Project Farm Internship:

Applications available at www.growinggardens.org/internships

Email your application, cover letter, and resume to Kevin@growinggardens.org with your name and “FPF Internship” in the subject.