Environmental Education Internship - Spring 2022

Environmental Education Internship
Spring Season 2022, March 1st – May 27th
Reports to: Education Program Manager
Job Status: Seasonal Intern
Compensation: Unpaid, qualifies for credit at the university level
Location: Boulder, Colorado

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.

Spring Season Environmental Education Interns gain incredible hands-on experience teaching and learning in our programs as they develop essential skills for environmental education. Environmental Educators improve their teaching techniques through trainings, practice, reflection, and feedback. Spring Environmental Educators spend most of their time directly teaching in the Children’s Peace Garden programs such as field trips and classroom visits. 

Environmental Education Interns will gain hands-on agriculture experience by working in the greenhouse, Children’s Peace Garden and Cultiva fields as scheduling permits.

Environmental Education Intern Duties

• Teach the following topics to school age groups: plant life cycles, planting and garden care, insects, pollination, beekeeping, composting, harvesting, healthy eating, community, cycles and much more!
• Lead Field Trips and Classroom Visits in the Children’s Peace Garden independently and with a co-teacher, with support and feedback from the Education staff.
• Attend intern trainings as assigned throughout the internship.
• Act as a responsible, positive role model for all youth participants.
• Assist Program Manager and other Education staff with administration tasks.
• Event Participation and Community Outreach
• Environmental Education Interns will assist with marketing for programming and will educate and engage with community members during community outreach events.

Knowledge and Skills the Intern Will Develop:

• Teaching in a farm-based setting including effective teaching techniques, group management strategies, and age-appropriate teaching/learning.
• Strong background knowledge in the following topics: plant life cycles, planting and garden care, insects, pollination, beekeeping, composting, harvesting, healthy eating, community, and life cycles.
• Effective communication strategies.
• Working effectively in a dynamic team environment.
• Evaluating programs through formal processes.
• Intern will receive training on Advocacy vs. Inquiry, Ages & Stages, Learning Styles, Cultivating Community, Giving and Receiving feedback and so much more!

Structure of Internship

• Internship duration is March 1st – May 27th 2022.
• Intern will attend the internship orientation meeting.
• Intern position is 15 hours per week.  Note: hours may vary between weeks and evening work may be required. The most effective schedule for both intern and Growing Gardens is any 3 days per week, Tuesday – Friday, approximately 5 hours per day, variable based on program schedule. 
• Each Intern is supported by a Mentor and Supervisor.
• Mentor oversees daily activities and supports each Intern’s growth throughout the duration of the contract.
• Supervisor is available upon request for check-ins and meetings and provides general oversight of Growing Gardens’ internship program. 
• This internship is unpaid and qualifies for credit at the university level.
• Benefits of Interning with Growing Gardens:
• Experience working on a diversified vegetable farm. 
• Hands-on experience making a positive impact in the lives of children, teens, and adults. 
• Community connections and networking within the burgeoning local food movement.
• Friendly environment with a committed, passionate community.
• Develop marketable leadership and management skills.
• Access to online courses taught by Growing Gardens staff.
• Access to a wide variety of organic seeds and plant starts.
• All Growing Gardens internships qualify for University credit if desired.
• Office is centrally located and easily accessed via public transportation.

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. 

Qualifications

Growing Gardens is seeking individuals who are excited to gain skills and experience teaching and learning in a community of motivated garden-based educators! 

A successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Prior experience teaching youth. 
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to serve as a mature, healthy role model for youth.
• Self-motivated team player with ability to meet deadlines, remain flexible and adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently independent of supervision.
• Responsibility, reliability and organizational skills.
• Interest in developing skills and knowledge in garden-based education. No prior gardening or farming experience required.
• Applicants must hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid or willingness to attain them by March 1st, 2022.
• The intern position is contingent upon satisfactory results of a background check.

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.

How to apply:

Follow this link for our online application. If the link does not work, copy the url code below into your web browser.

https://growinggardens.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend getting your application in as soon as possible for full consideration.  Position will remain open until filled. 

For any questions, contact Megan Reynoso at mreynoso@growinggardens.org