Greenhouse and Garden Grower Internship – Colorado

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Greenhouse and Garden Grower Internship in Colorado – Spring 2018 (March 1 – June 1)                                 

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 the Greenhouse and Garden Grower Internship will be to support the greenhouse production for all aspects of Growing Gardens’ programs. Greenhouse production consists of growing for our Children’s Peace Garden programs, the Cultiva Youth Farm, and our annual Plant Sale and donation program for low income individuals and families. Our programs reach a wide variety of populations. In addition to the growing needs of our programs, interns will be an integral part of training volunteers in working in the greenhouse and gardens. The Greenhouse Internship is dynamic; fast paced, and requires a great deal of focus and care. The magic of growing food for community is a powerful experience; come and be a part of the growing season at Growing Gardens.

Greenhouse and Garden Grower Internship Duties        

• Assisting the Growers in all phases of plant growth:

▪      seeding

▪      transplanting

▪      fertilizing

▪      watering

▪      cultivating

▪      bed prep

▪      pest control

▪      record keeping

▪      general tending and organizing

• Assist in maintaining contacts, inventory and record keeping
• Learn about organic gardening and its required skills
• Compile and update records
• Assist, teach and oversee volunteers and groups of volunteers with greenhouse tasks
• Help to care for the greenhouse one weekend a month
• Assist with Plant Sale production and be available to work 3-4 weekend Plant Sale shifts in throughout the month of May
• Gain an understanding of the Growing Gardens programs and their needs and contributions

Knowledge and Skills the Intern May Acquire

• Gain skills and understanding of organic food starts, heirloom tomatoes and veggies
• Small scale organic vegetable production techniques
• The ability to work in a team environment
• The ability to work in a dynamic environment: this includes being comfortable changing tasks, working/leading diverse groups and feeling confident with a diverse population 
• Organic greenhouse practices, production methods and marketing
• Create positive atmosphere for the interaction of  diverse populations
• Ability to organize work and volunteer groups
• Develop an ability to anticipate work and volunteer needs and gain the confidence needed to jump in and lead

Structure of Internship

• Internship duration is March 1 – June 1, 2018
• Intern position is 15 hours per week. Note: hours may vary between weeks; however the average number of hours per week will be 15 hours. Hours primarily take place during the week, however there is some required weekend work, especially during the month of May.
• To apply for this internship you MUST be available for at least two, 4-hour morning shifts per week, or one full week day.
• Required attendance at March 1^st orientation meeting 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 for a mid-point check in and end of internship evaluation

            Learning Objectives Contract – Developed by second week of internship. This includes: position description and skill development.

            Evaluation – A midpoint check-in and end of internship evaluation will include intern self evaluation, supervisor and mentor evaluation.

Benefits of Interning with Growing Gardens

• Experience working on and managing work groups in a commercial greenhouse setting
• Hands-on experience making a positive impact in the lives of children, teens and adults
• Friendly, relaxed environment
• Good experience; develops marketable teaching and group leading skills
• Additional training offered through Growing Gardens classes
• Access to a wide variety of discounted organic seeds and plant starts
• Opportunity to garden in the intern community garden plot at our Hawthorn Garden site
• Fresh vegetables from the garden as the season permits
• Garden is located with easy access to public transportation
• This internship qualifies for college credit.

Qualifications

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about learning how to grow food and community.  The programs of Growing Gardens depend on the plants and food produced in the greenhouse and fields as earned income for our programs. The Greenhouse Grower 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, gardening, or community organizing.   Intern must have basic CPR and First Aid certificate before March 1^st.

To apply for the Greenhouse and Garden Grower Internship:

Applications are due by December 31st, 2017 but will remain open until filled.

Send cover letter, completed application and resume to Nadia Kessler at nadia@growinggardens.org

 

To learn more about farming jobs and internships or to post an opportunity on beginningfarmers.org, go to: https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/