Internships
Thank you for your interest in a farming internship with Urban Growers Collective. Please see below for a description of the internship. Please note: we are looking for internship candidates who want to become farmers. If this is not your interest, we ask that you look for another internship that will fit your needs.
Click here to download the full intern application and description for Summer Interns. Start/end dates for internship are flexible.
Click here to download the full intern application and description for Academic Year Interns. Start/end dates for internship are flexible.
Expectations of Intern Volunteers
- The goal of the internship is to provide a realistic experience as an urban farmer. Because it is unpaid internship, interns can create their own schedule as a volunteer. We do ask that the schedule be consistent in order to provide the best experience possible.
- To assist Urban Growers Collective staff in all aspects of community food systems, urban agriculture, and small farmer outreach and youth development via innovative sustainable approaches. This is a hands on, urban farming experience.
- Interns have a high level of responsibility and will be expected work as a member of the team, and to represent UGC in a positive manner. This includes appropriate dress, hygiene and conduct.
- A positive attitude, ability to receive constructive criticism and strong work ethic is mandatory due to the nature of the work and the communities we work in partnership with throughout Chicago.
- Ability and emphasis on hands-on physical labor and practice is very important.
- Ability to work as a member of team, flexibility in work assignments as needed.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, staff, and management.
- Willingness to multi-task, solve problems and make sound decisions.
- Physical Demands: Must be met by an intern to successfully perform this position.
- Ability to handle, feel objects, tools and to reach with hands and arms. Ability to lift heavy objects 75lbs. + from different locations, use wheelbarrows, wagons, etc. *Applicants with physical limits are encouraged to propose enabling methods or less physical opportunities
What we provide:
- Interns will receive supervision, intensive hands-on training and skill sets acquisition with the opportunity to conduct and implement independent projects.
- Continued mentoring support is provided as needed post-internship.
- Solid experience in urban agriculture working with diverse community sites and partners.
- Participation in workshops and Farmers for Chicago trainings
- School credit if applicable
Essential Duties:
- Maintain urban agriculture site including bed preparation, planting, watering, pest management, and weekly fertility application via worm castings and compost tea.
- Harvesting and processing of produce, herbs and flowers.
- Packing of produce to markets and accounts with orders.
- Deliver weekly donations to area social service agencies.
- Record keeping and data entry of produce harvested (sales, donations, and waste).
- Assist with weekly garden tours and garden meals.
- Operate on site farm stand, farmers’ market stall, and Fresh Moves Mobile Market.
- Assist staff with youth programming held on site as needed.