Spring Environmental Education Internships

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.

Job Overview

Reports to: Senior Education Program Manager

Job Status: Seasonal Intern, 15 hours per week

Compensation: Qualifies for credit at the university level and includes $350 upon completion

Location: Boulder, CO

How to apply: Follow this link to fill out an online application

Check out our Internship Digital Booklet!

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 training, 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 Intern Duties

• Teach the following topics to school age groups: plant life cycles, planting and garden care, insects, pollination, beekeeping, composting, animal husbandry, healthy eating 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 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, animal husbandry, healthy eating and more.
• 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, Love and Logic, Working with Neurodivergent children, Cultivating Community, Giving and Receiving feedback and so much more!

Structure of Internship

• Internship duration is March 5th – May 24th, 2024.
• 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, morning hours preferred.
• Intern will be working closely with a mentor from GG staff who will oversee all daily activities; an intern supervisor is available upon request for meetings and provides general oversight of Growing Gardens’ internship program
• $350 paid upon completion of the internship and qualifies for credit at the university level.
• Learning Objectives Contract – Developed within the first month 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:

• Experience working on a diversified vegetable farm. 
• Hands-on experience making a positive impact in the lives of children, teens, and adults. 
• 50% off all plants and seeds at Growing Gardens’ Plant Sale.
• 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 in-person and 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.

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 5th, 2024.
• 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.

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 until February 1st, 2024. 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 [email protected]