Urban Agriculture Intern Wanted – Colorado

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Taylor in Education, Internships, Urban Farming and Gardening // 0 Comments

Urban Agriculture Intern Wanted – Colorado, 2017

Position Title: Urban Agriculture Intern

Location: Lakewood, Colorado (Denver Federal Center)

Closing Date: March 1, 2017

Applications will be considered until the urban agriculture intern position is filled; however, applications should be submitted by the closing date for full consideration. Internship mid-May thru mid-August

Salary: $12/hour

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Organization Overview – Jefferson Conservation District (JCD), a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, provides natural resource technical assistance in Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties. Our mission is to provide leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. Programing disciplines include forestry, noxious weeds, soil health and urban agriculture. JCD is overseen by a Board of Supervisors.

Urban Agriculture Intern Position Overview – Position is a 16 week internship (Mid May-Mid August). Interns report to the Agriculture Coordinator and undertakes a variety of activities including: on-farm demonstrations, field tours, farm activities, event planning, publications, and social media engagement. The selected candidate will work with various groups from non-profits and government agencies to private landowners.

Primary Duties of the Urban Agriculture Intern

Intern on-farm project- Develop an on-farm conservation practice that will occur at 1-3 different farm locations. On-farm demonstrations will be conducted as an event, and intern will present data on the benefits of sustainable conservation practices to the public.
Equipment Share Program- Assist in developing a program for local farmers to share equipment and reduce farmers operating costs.
Relationship Building- Use interpersonal skills related to networking and listening to local farmer’s needs.
Public Relations – Develop and maintain strong working relationships with landowners, other Districts, local, state, tribal, and federal agencies, and elected officials. Increase social media presence and develop creative ways to increase PR for the District.
Outreach and Education – Promote existing district, state, and federal programs to interested landowners, operators, community organizations, and agencies. Develop written communications, displays, social media content, and presentations targeted to diverse audiences.
Website/Social Media Development — Update website regularly and maintain district’s presence in social media.
Event Planning – Organize meetings, workshops, farm/field tours, etc.

Necessary Skills

Experience with farming and/or interest in learning wide variety of aspects related to urban agriculture farming
Access to personal computer for on-farm research, blogs, social media, etc.
High organization and efficiency in managing tasks, projects, computer files, supplies, and time
Self-motivation and self-direction
Flexibility to perform a variety of duties and deal with unforeseen events
Excellent communication, both verbal and written
Problem solving skills, inter-personal and customer service skills
Use of innovative ideas and enthusiasm
Capacity to enjoy working with people and respect different viewpoints
Commitment to safety, quality, and professionalism
Experience in professional presentations and adult education/training
General computing skills: proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn other software programs as necessary
Discretion in maintaining confidentiality of cooperator business and records
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and a valid CO driver’s license is required
Must have reliable transportation to various work sites – no vehicle provided

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the intern program

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma
Experience in performing duties described above
Interest in natural resources or agriculture is an advantage

Highly Desirable

College degree or associate degree in urban agriculture, natural resources, horticulture or a similar field.
Experience working in farming, ranching or an agriculture related job is an advantage.
Social media, website, or publication experience.

To Apply for the Urban Agriculture Intern Position: When applying with the Jefferson Conservation District, applicants may submit required materials listed below, via email to

Jeffersonconservationdistrict@gmail.com or may mail hard copies of required materials listed below to:

Attention: Emily Zeller

Jefferson Conservation District

Denver Federal Center

Building 56, Room 2604

PO Box 25426

Denver, Colorado 80225

Required Application Materials:

1) Cover letter (one page, one-sided)

2) Résumé (curriculum vitae or CV)

3) 3 references

4) College/university transcripts (photocopies acceptable)