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 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 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.
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
● 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.
● Strong work ethic and a passion for learning how to grow food and develop community
● Ability to work early morning, evening, and weekend hours
● Ability to hustle and thrive under pressure
● Physically capable of manual tasks, including lifting 40 pounds
● Some growing experience is desired, but it is not required for this position
● Applicants must be CPR and First Aid certified by March 2, 2021.
Bonus Points
● Fluency in other languages, especially Spanish
● Experience working in adverse conditions
● Experience in community building, education, and volunteer leadership