Chicago Botanic Garden

At The Garden — Internships

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Green Youth Farm Intern
(May 28 through August 16)

Requisition Number 138 A-C

PURPOSE: The Green Youth Farm interns will be working as part of a dedicated, energetic team at one of our sustainable farms, working alongside teenagers to produce vibrant young people and delicious organically grown food for underserved communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Educate students ages 13 to 18 on organic growing techniques including weeding, watering, planting, and harvest.
  2. Facilitate with team-building exercises.
  3. Supervise field trips.
  4. Assist with farmers' markets including stand setup, selling produce, and supervising teens.

DEPARTMENT: Community Gardening

REPORTS TO: coordinators, manager

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Work with Chicago's most innovative horticulture training program for teens, the Green Youth Farm! Green Youth Farm participants are middle and high school students from underserved communities who learn about principles of sustainable agriculture, teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship as they cultivate a crop along with their own work and career skills. Three interns are required to fill one to two slots for three months at two of our sites: North Chicago/Waukegan (two, 40-hour-per-week positions) and Grand Boulevard (Chicago) (one, 30-hour-per-week position). Basic knowledge of horticulture and willingness to work hard are essential. Experience in working with youth is necessary. Intern must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from the Chicago Botanic Garden. Must have completed at least two years in college. Must be able to lift 50 lbs and be available to work evenings and weekends as needed.