Expectations of interns:

• 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.
• This position is intensive and requires at least a 10-week commitment. The goal is to provide a realistic experience as an urban farmer.
• Interns have a high level of responsibility and will be expected work as a member of the staff, 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
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license; 1 week intensive training commitment.

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.
• School credit if applicable.

Essential Duties:

1. Maintain urban agriculture site including bed preparation, planting, watering, pest management, and weekly fertility application via worm castings and compost tea.
2. Harvesting and processing of produce, herbs and flowers.
3. Packing of produce to markets and accounts with orders.
4. Deliver weekly donations to area social service agencies.
5. Record keeping and data entry of produce harvested (sales, donations, and waste).
6. Assist with weekly garden tours and garden meals.
7. Assist staff with youth programming held on site as needed.
8. Operate on site farm stand or farmers’ market stall.