Greenhouse/Garden Internship – Growing Gardens

Last Updated On: December 9th, 2024 at 12:24PM MST

Contact information
Farm Address:
1630 Hawthorn Avenue
Boulder, Colorado, 80304

Primary Contact: Lauren Festa
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 3034439952
    Email: laurenfesta@growinggardens.org

Website: https://www.growinggardens.org

Internship information
General Farm Description: Growing Gardens’ mission is to cultivate community through regenerative 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.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/3/25
Internship Ends: 5/30/25
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 2/1/2025
Minimum Length of Stay: 3

Internship Details:

Organic Greenhouse and Garden Internship

Spring 2025

March 3 – May 30, 2025

 

                                            

Reports to: Greenhouse and Facilities Coordinator

Job Status: Seasonal Intern, 15 hours per week

Compensation: Qualifies for credit at the university level, includes $350 upon completion

Location: Boulder, CO

 

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

General Overview of Responsibilities:

  • 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 3 – May 30, 2025
  • Interns receive $350 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.
  • Intern must attend orientation on Monday, March 3rd from 8:30AM-1:00PM.
  • Intern will be working closely with a mentor from GG staff who will oversee all daily activities; an intern supervisor is available upon request for meetings and provides general oversight of Growing Gardens’ internship program
  • Learning Objectives Contract – Developed within the first month of internship. This includes: position description, educational objectives, learning activities, and skill development
  • Evaluation – A midpoint evaluation 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 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
  • Garden is easily accessible with public transportation
  • This internship qualifies for college credit.

Educational Opportunities: Lots of experiential learning plus workshops and seminars.

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.

Meals: No

Stipend: $350 upon completion

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: Email

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