Community Garden Intern

Keene Housing (KH) is seeking a Community Garden Intern for the summer of 2023. The purpose of Keene Housing’s Community Garden Program is to reduce food costs for Keene Housing residents, increase access to healthy foods, and to provide residents with a sense of ownership and a greater sense of community within the properties. The Community Garden Intern will work in collaboration with the Community Garden Coordinator as well as other Keene Housing staff to support our community garden program. Tasks include garden upkeep, engaging residents in garden initiatives, and oversight of the KH youth gardening program.

It is preferred that the intern candidate have past gardening experience, but experience is not necessary if the candidate is willing to learn. Most importantly, they must be passionate about empowering people to grow their own food. The intern must be able to work with diverse populations, including low- and moderate-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals.

Duties: 

• Oversight of summer youth gardening program, activities, and learning opportunities. 

• Coordinate and/or teach on-site workshops that provide opportunities to teach KH resident gardeners how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. 

• Assist with planting and upkeep of KH’s community gardens.

• Perform all duties of the position regardless of weather conditions (i.e., wet, humid, etc.).

• Regularly document the program through photos, and provide updates for KH social media.

• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with KH staff, management, vendors, community agencies, residents, and voucher holders.

• Maintain participant tracking and other data collection systems.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Interest in community-based gardening, food security, and/or community health. 

• Basic gardening knowledge, or willingness to learn on the job. 

• Able and willing to work independently as well as in partnership with program staff.

• Conflict resolution skills.

• Dedication to promoting equity, inclusivity, and diversity.

• Ability to be flexible due to shifting needs of the program. 

• Ability to manage/track budget spending.

Other Requirements 

• Physical ability to walk, lift, bend and carry up to 50 pounds.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Time frame: Mid May through September, exact start and end dates are flexible depending on intern's availability.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Keene Housing Director of Administration, Amy Wright at awright@keenehousing.org.