Thank you for your interest in a farming internship with Urban Growers Collective! The goal of our internship program is to provide a realistic experience as an urban farmer. Interns work alongside UGC staff learning tangible skills and play a key role in our day-to-day operations. They assist UGC staff in all aspects of our operations – including community food systems, urban agriculture, small farmer outreach, and youth development – via innovative sustainable approaches. This is a hands-on urban farming experience.
This is an unpaid internship that requires an 8-to-10-week commitment to a regular schedule.
Please note that we are looking for and giving priority to internship candidates who want to become farmers and can commit to a consistent schedule for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks. We will work closely with you during the onboarding process to identify a schedule and placement that works for us both! If you are unable to commit to this length of time, we encourage you to explore our recurring volunteer opportunities.
2022 Internships
We are excited to launch our internship program for the 2022 season beginning in May! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. Our 2022 internship program will be split into three cycles:
Expectations & Duties
Expectations of Interns
- To assist Urban Growers Collective staff in all aspects of community food systems, urban agriculture, small farmer outreach and youth development via innovative sustainable approaches.
- To maintain appropriate dress, hygiene, and conduct and to represent UGC in a positive manner
- To bring a positive attitude, the ability to receive constructive criticism, and a strong work ethic. This is mandatory due to the nature of the work and the communities we serve
- To demonstrate flexibility in work assignments as needed. Interns have a high level of responsibility and will be expected work as a member of the team
- To communicate effectively with diverse audiences, staff, and management
- To be able to multi-task, solve problems, and make sound decisions
Physical Demands
Applicants with physical limitations are encouraged to propose enabling methods or less physically-demanding opportunities.
- The ability to perform physical farm labor, which includes crouching, kneeling, squatting, bending over, and standing for long periods of time
- The ability to handle objects and tools and to reach with hands and arms
- The ability to lift heavy objects–upwards of 75 lbs–from different locations, use wheelbarrows, wagons, etc.
- The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.
- The ability to work near apiaries and wild bee populations
What We Provide
- Supervision, intensive hands-on training, and skillset acquisition with the opportunity to conduct and implement independent projects
- Continued mentoring support as needed post-internship
- Solid experience in urban agriculture working with diverse community sites and partners
- Participation in workshops and special events
- School credit, if applicable
- Access to fresh produce
To Apply:
Please complete the application below and send your resume and three professional references to:
- OR -
Urban Growers Collective
1200 W 35th St #118
Chicago, IL 60609