Spring Greenhouse Internship
Last Updated On: enero 4th, 2023 at 07:56AM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:1630 Hawthorn Ave
Boulder, Colorado, 80304
Primary Contact: Lauren Festa
Primary Phone:
Type: Office
Number: 3034439952
Email: laurenfesta@growinggardens.org
Website: https://www.growinggardens.org
Internship information
General Farm Description: We are a 6-acre mixed vegetable farm with an orchard. We have a CSA program, weekly farm stand, and donation program. We have 2 greenhouses to grow starts for a spring plant sale and start all of our vegetables for our farm.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: 3/1/2023
Internship Ends: 5/26/2023
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 2/1/23 but applications will be reviewed as they are received
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 months
Internship Details:
Organic Greenhouse and Garden Internship
Spring 2023
March 1 – May 26, 2023
Reports to: Greenhouse and Facilities Coordinator
Job Status: Intern
Compensation: Qualifies for credit at the university level, includes $300 upon completion
Location: Boulder, CO
Check out our Internship Digital Booklet!
Growing Gardens’ mission is to cultivate community through sustainable urban agriculture. Our programs empower people of all ages, income levels, and abilities by connecting them with their local food system, each other, and the environment.
Our organization values the diverse skills and individuals that come together to create a thriving community and workplace. We are committed to the work we do, and bring our best selves each day, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, have fun, and enjoy the process of doing good in our community. We take care of each other and put people at the center of everything we do.
The focus of this internship will be to support the organic 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, our annual Plant Sale, and donation program for low income individuals and families. Interns will also be an integral part of training, and working alongside volunteers in the greenhouse and gardens. The Greenhouse Internship is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing work in the nursery, farming, or horticulture industries. The magic of growing food for the community is a powerful experience; come and be a part of the growing season at Growing Gardens.
Greenhouse and Garden Intern Duties
- Assisting the Growers in all phases of plant growth in a greenhouse environment:
- seeding
- transplanting
- fertilizing
- watering
- pest control
- record keeping
- general tending and organizing
- Learn about organic gardening and its required skills
- Compile and update records
- Assist, teach and oversee volunteers and groups of volunteers with greenhouse tasks
- Watering and care for the greenhouse plants during agreed upon weekend shifts
- Assist with Plant Sale production and be available to work 3-4 weekend Plant Sale shifts 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, working with greenhouse equipment, 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 lead groups and individuals
Structure of Internship
- Internship duration is March 1 – May 26, 2023
- Interns receive $300 stipend at the end of the internship
- This internship 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 are some required weekend shifts, and full weekend days during the month of May.
- To apply for this internship you MUST be available for at least three, 4-hour morning shifts per week, or two full week days.
- Must attend an intern orientation, which will take place within the first 2 weeks of your internship experience. Time and date TBD.
- Each Intern is supported by a Mentor and a Supervisor
- Mentor oversees daily activities and supports each Intern’s growth during weekly meetings throughout the duration of the contract
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 including 50% off at our Plant Sale
- Fresh vegetables from the garden as the season permits
- Garden is easily accessible with 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. Intern must have basic CPR and First Aid certificate before March 1st, 2023.
A note about working here in the time of Covid-19:
Like everyone around the globe our operations have been challenged by this pandemic. Our work has had to shift at a moments’ notice based on Public Health guidelines and changing priorities for the organization. We ask that interns are understanding of changing schedules and planned work as is necessary. In order to keep our small and mighty team healthy through the season we are requiring that everyone participating in our internship program be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. At this time, that means they will have received the primary vaccination and a booster vaccination. Further details on this can be found on the CDC website. *If you need an exception to this requirement, please speak with the hiring manager.
Growing Gardens prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment and will take affirmative measures to ensure against them, especially if they are carried out on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, neurodiversity, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation or political affiliation. This policy applies to all employees or potential employees, volunteers, participants, members of the Growing Gardens Board of Directors, people who serve on Growing Gardens’ committees, and anyone attending Growing Gardens’ events. This policy extends to all aspects of employment at Growing Gardens, including hiring, transfer, promotion, training, working conditions, policies, compensation, evaluation, discipline and termination.
To apply:
Applications are due by February 1, 2023 but position will remain open until filled.
Send an email with subject line including your name and “Spring Greenhouse Intern” with a resume and a cover letter, including a rough schedule of your preferred 15 hours a week, to Lauren Festa at laurenfesta@growinggardens.org
Educational Opportunities: Experiential learning plus seminars in greenhouse management, pests and diseases and experience running a large plant sale.
Skills Desired: 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. Intern must have basic CPR and First Aid certificate before March 1st, 2023.
Meals: No.
Stipend: We offer a $300 bonus upon completion of the internship. The internship is eligible for university level credit, and we offer a discount at our plant sale.
Housing: No.
Preferred method of Contact: Email