Garden Intern

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK•Washington, DC

1d•$18 - $18•Hybrid

About The Position

The Garden Intern will work closely with the Food Growing Specialist to develop and implement several food growing and gardening initiatives in our ½ acre garden, Urban Food Studio’s outdoor kitchen, and in the community. Depending on the intern’s interest and strengths, they will have the opportunity develop, participate in, or even lead garden field trips for elementary through high school students, plan and run garden-based workshops for the broader community, support partners in developing their own garden space, or delve deeply into organic food production and garden design. More broadly, this position will provide the intern with the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the issues surrounding food insecurity in the DMV Area. While working with our nutrition education team, the intern will get an in-depth look into various programs and approaches that are being deployed directly by the Food Bank and indirectly through food assistance organizations to address the issue of food insecurity both in the short and longer term. The intern will also gain valuable training and experience that will allow them to confidently educate others about food growing. Interns are a vital part of the Capital Area Food Bank.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Ability to travel regularly to the primary worksite at the Capital Area Food Bank in Northeast Washington, DC
Willingness and availability to commit to a six-month term of employment
Ability to perform job duties outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage workload and priorities in coordination with a supervisor
Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
Genuine interest in, and comfort with, topics related to food growing, food justice, and community gardening
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
Willingness and ability to participate in physically demanding, garden-related activities and to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Word
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Prior experience working with underserved or under-resourced populations
Background in education (e.g., facilitating classes, leading workshops, or serving as a summer camp counselor) is preferred but not required
Experience or familiarity with food cultivation and/or food justice initiatives is an asset

Responsibilities

Assist with regular garden maintenance and seasonal tasks as needed, including but not limited to helping manage volunteers, weeding, watering, organic pest management, and harvesting crops.
Assist with preparation, development, and execution of food growing and garden events, including in-person workshops on site and at partner sites, virtual presentations, and regular student field trips to the garden.
Help conduct and manage outreach to partners and schools in support of department programming.
Survey administration and data entry.
Help organize and maintain resources and nutrition education/garden spaces.
Assist with other nutrition education initiatives, projects or programming as needed.
Design and distribute nutrition education and food growing education materials as needed.
Assist with management, tracking and distribution of nutrition education and food growing materials/resources, including harvest records, seed donations, seedling giveaways, event participation, and more.
Assist other departments with food growing and nutrition education goals across the organization.
Timely and consistent expense tracking.
Performs other related duties as assigned.