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Growing Gardens is a human services and youth development organization based in Boulder, Colorado. Growing Gardens’ mission is to enrich the lives of Boulder County residents through environmentally sustainable gardening programs that empower people to experience a direct and deep connection with plants, the land and each other.
The focus of this internship will be to support the greenhouse and field production for all aspects of Growing Gardens’ onsite programs. Greenhouse production consists of growing for all on site programs, our annual Plant Sale and donation program for low income individuals and families. The field production includes a one acre garden for our Cultiva Youth Project, raised beds for our Horticultural Therapy program and themed beds in our Children’s Peace Garden. 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 on site gardens. The Grower 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 Market Grower Duties
- Assisting the Growers in all phases of plant growth:
- seeding,
- transplanting,
- fertilizing,
- watering,
- pest control,
- record keeping,
- general tending and organizing
- Assist in maintaining contacts, inventory and record keeping
- Learn about organic gardening and its required skills.
- Help with harvesting of spring crops and organizing seedlings for market on Fridays.
- Oversee the Farmers’ Market stand for a set schedule of Saturdays (6am-3pm).
- Manage the Cultiva Farmers’ Market gleaning program.
- Help develop new garden projects and community service projects for 2012.
- Compile and update field and greenhouse harvest and market records.
- Assist, teach and oversee volunteers and groups of volunteers with greenhouse and field related tasks
- Participate in the systems that keep the varied programs and projects on schedule and target
- Helping to care for the greenhouse one weekend a month
- Assist with Plant Sale production and be available to work all of the Plant Sale Weekends
- Gain an understanding of the Growing Gardens programs, their needs and contributions to the Greenhouse.
- Lead tours of the Growing Gardens Site to groups and individual volunteers
Knowledge and Skills the Intern May Acquire:
- Gain skills and understanding of organic food starts, heirloom tomatoes, and veggies
- 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, 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
- Farmers’ Market planning and preparation
- Farmers’ Market stand operation
Structure of Internship
- Internship duration is March 1 – May 30, 2012
- Intern position is 25 hours per week.
- Orientation meeting with all GG interns, mentor, intern supervisor and additional GG staff.
- Intern will be working closely with a Mentor from Growing Gardens’ staff who will oversee all daily activities.
- Interns will meet with GG mentor every other week for the duration of the contract.
- Interns will meet with GG supervisor every other month for the duration of the contract.
- Interns will report at Staff Meetings once per month – 3 total
- Interns will have the opportunity to shadow all GG staff to learn about each program.
Learning Objectives Contract – Developed by second week 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
- 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
- Classroom training offered through Growing Gardens classes
- Access to a wide variety of organic seeds and plant starts
- Share of vegetable production as garden permits
- Garden is located with easy access to public transportation
- Stipend of $300 awarded at completion of internship
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 Community 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 horticultural, gardening, or community organizing.
To apply:
Send completed application and updated resume to Larry Dietrich at Larry@growinggardens.org
Download application form