Farm Internship at Growing Gardens in Colorado

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Food Project Farm Internship at Growing Gardens – Part-time, Full Season 2020 March 3 – November 15 in Longmont, CO

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 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 at Growing Gardens requires a great deal of hard work, focus, and care. It is also deeply rewarding. The Food Project Farm Intern will report to the Food Project Farm Manager and Food Project Farm Educator, and will work extensively with the Cultiva Youth farm crew members, young children, and volunteers. The Food Project Farm Intern must have both the ability and desire to mentor and engage with young people, and to work with and engage community members from diverse backgrounds.

*Note: it is possible to apply for only the Spring, Summer, or Fall season. However, preference and a stipend raise will be given to applicants who can commit for multiple seasons.

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
• Infrastructure development and site maintenance
• Operation and maintenance of tools and equipment
• Greenhouse management
• Installation and operation of irrigation systems
• Assist with plant and seed donations to community partners
• Harvesting, washing, and packing of crops for donation
• Assist with tracking and logging produce weights for donation program
• Mentor and work alongside teens in the Cultiva Youth Project
• Assist in and lead environmental education programming to teen service-learning groups and after-school programing.
• Assist, teach, and oversee volunteers and groups of volunteers with greenhouse, wash station, and field-related tasks

Assist the farm educator to:

• Teach environmental education 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

Normal work schedule for the farm internship at Growing Gardens is Tuesday-Friday. Schedule and responsibilities change by season and week and can fall outside of normal work hours. Some commitments that fall outside normal work hours include:

• Evening volunteer shifts once per week (May-October)
• Some after school Service-Learning groups (April-October)
• Weekend Plant Sales in May
• Plant and Seed Donation Events on May 13th and May 20th
• Weekend greenhouse care and watering (March-June)
• Outreach events and support at our annual Farm Gala fundraiser
• Annual Salsa Party at the Food Project Farm on September 13th
• For more detailed information about work schedules by season please reference seasonal Food Project Farm internship descriptions.

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
• Ability to lead youth groups in hands-on activities and environmental education.
• Exposure to the operations of a non-profit, community-based organization.
• Experience assisting in environmental educational programming for children and teens
• Experience working with and in a multicultural community

Structure of Internship

• Internship duration is March 3 – November 15, 2020. Seasons run from March 3-May 15; May 18-August 14; August 17-November 13. *Note: it is possible to apply for only the Spring, Summer, or Fall season. However, preference and a stipend raise will be given to applicants who can commit for multiple seasons.
• Intern must attend mandatory orientation
• Intern position is 25 hours per week. Hours will vary depending on the week and the season. A portion of those hours will take place on evenings and weekends. We generally work more hours per week in the height of the growing season and less in the early spring and late fall.
• Two weekend watering shifts required every weekend March-June
• Each Intern is supported by a Mentor
• Mentor oversees daily activities and supports each Intern’s growth during weekly meetings throughout the duration of the contract
• Intern will work efficiently and effectively independently
• Interns may attend learning opportunities with Growing Gardens staff throughout the season.

Benefits of Interning with Growing Gardens

• Knowledge gained through 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, supportive 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 or a raised bed at the Food Project Farm
• Fresh vegetables from the garden as the season permits June-October. This benefit has the value of $20-$35 per week depending on the time of year.
• 25 hours paid vacation
• $725 stipend for first season. $850 stipend for second season. $1250 stipend for third season. Payment will be given partially at mid-point of each season and the balance upon completion.  

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 2, 2020. 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, and willing to work both independently and lead others. Spanish language skills are a plus. 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 at Growing Gardens:

Applications are due by January 6, 2020 but will remain open until filled.

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

Please visit www.growinggardens.org/internships for full descriptions and applications.

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by visiting https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/