Spring Greenhouse Internship

Last Updated On: November 20th, 2023 at 08:43AM 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: 3/5/2024
Internship Ends: 5/31/2024
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 2/1/24 but applications will be reviewed as they are received
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 months

Internship Details:

Organic Greenhouse and Garden Internship
Spring 2024
March 5 – May 31, 2024

Reports to: Greenhouse and Facilities Coordinator
Job Status: Intern
Compensation: Qualifies for credit at the university level, includes $350 upon completion
Location: Boulder, CO

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 Marketing, Development, and Events Intern is a community ambassador for the organization
through social media content curation, assisting with marketing campaigns, special events, and
community outreach. This intern will gain insight into managing marketing activities across mediums
for various programs and events and is relative for non-profit, social enterprise, and for-profit careers.
This internship is fast-paced and requires hard work, focus, creativity, and care.
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 5 – May 31, 2024
  • 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.
  • 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 environment
  • Good experience; develops marketable teaching and group leading skills
  • Additional training offered through Growing Gardens classes
    1630 Hawthorn Ave, Boulder CO 80304 www.growinggardens.org (303) 443 9952
  • 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,
2024.
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, 2024 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, 2024

Meals: No.

Stipend: We offer a $350 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

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