Youth Farm Intern- Windy City Harvest

Chicago Botanic Garden • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Work with Chicago’s most innovative sustainable urban agriculture training program, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest Youth Farm. Youth Farm interns work as part of a dedicated, energetic team at one of our sustainable farms. They work alongside high school students to produce sustainably grown food in the Chicago communities of North Lawndale and Washington Park. Youth Farm participants learn the principles of sustainable agriculture, teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship as they cultivate crops and their own careers and professional skills. The Chicago Botanic Garden has three internships open at the Washington Park Youth Farm and North Lawndale Youth Farm.

Requirements

• Experience working with youth; background in outdoor or experiential education is a plus.
• Ability to complete DCFS background check and Illinois Mandated Reporter Training upon hire.
• Basic knowledge of horticulture and/or sustainable agriculture is preferred.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to shifting schedules and program needs; availability for occasional evening, early morning, and Saturday shifts is required.
• Willingness and ability to perform physical labor in all weather conditions, including rain and extreme heat.
• A positive, solutions-oriented attitude and a genuine interest in the intersection of youth development and urban agriculture within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

• background in outdoor or experiential education

Responsibilities

• Assist in training 16 to 19 high school students in organic farming techniques, including weeding, planting, and harvesting.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit when working alongside a diverse group of participants, including youth, adult learners, veterans, and formerly justice-involved trainees, in an agriculture-focused job-training setting.
• Facilitate team-building exercises to strengthen collaboration and communication among participants.
• Support coordinators and educators in supervising students during a range of activities, including farm tasks, landscaping, safe tool use, and adherence to food safety protocols.
• Serve as a substitute instructor if the Windy City Harvest Farm Coordinator is absent.
• Lead weekly hands-on lessons for small crews of three to five Youth Farmers.
• Provide detailed daily feedback for each student using the Windy City Harvest Straight Talk format, communicating observations to the coordinator and student crew leader.
• Immediately report any concerns regarding student safety, well-being, or interpersonal conflicts to the coordinator or manager.
• Assist with additional program and operational needs, such as preparing and setting up meals and snacks and managing daily supplies.
• Provide support across Windy City Harvest farm sites as needed, contributing to general farm operations.
• Assist with the delivery of produce and program supplies using Chicago Botanic Garden vehicles, following departmental fleet standards.
• Help implement the crop plan for sustainable vegetable production, incorporating succession planting, integrated pest management, and season extension strategies in line with standard operating procedures to meet sales goals.
• Act as a resource for program information for project partners, community members, and Chicago Botanic Garden staff; assist with tours as needed.
• Support site maintenance, including tool and machinery care, and help maintain a clean, safe working environment.

Benefits

• Wellness initiative benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan
• Holidays
• Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed