The ideal Community Garden Intern for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank understands and is passionate about the organization’s mission to provide nutritious food and grocery product to those in need in our 16-county service area. This individual will be a vital component of the Impact team in sourcing over 7 million pounds of food annually. As the Community Garden Intern, this team member must demonstrate implementation skills in order to optimize organic gardening practices that support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank’s strategic plan. The ability to work in a fast-paced and progressive environment will be the key to success in this role, as the Northeast Iowa Food Bank continually strives to work towards closing the Meal Gap in northeast Iowa.
This individual will possess strong interpersonal skills, a strong sense of initiative and the ability to engage volunteers and staff. A passion for social justice and compassion for others are keys to being a staff member at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. At the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, we strive to work as a unified team to close the meal gap in northeast Iowa, to this end the Community Garden Intern will need to be capable of encouraging teamwork, as well as being a self-starter. In addition, a strong work ethic, positive role model, motivator and supporter will enhance the work environment for Impact team members and volunteers.
The Community Garden Intern manages all aspects of our community garden, cultivating organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials on our ¼- acre site. In addition to overseeing all garden activities, this candidate will coordinate volunteer hours and service days, organize community workshops and demonstrations, assist with all community events, and interface with partner organizations.
The responsibilities of the Community Garden Intern include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oversee soil cultivation, weeding, pruning, watering, mulching, composting, cover cropping, and harvesting.
- Manage farm tools and equipment and keep site clean and organized.
- Manage garden volunteers, master gardener volunteers and summer youth groups/organizations
- Leading monthly meetings with master gardeners, holding them accountable and checking in on tasks that need to be done.
- Engage volunteers in basic garden tasks and interacting with on-site visitors.
- Lead open-garden volunteer days.
- Cultivate and maintain key community partnerships pertaining to the garden.
- Engage with other community gardens around the Cedar Valley to show support and education.
- Collaborate with engagement staff and contribute to outreach, newsletter, and community vision.
- Capable in utilizing a garden software that tracks the journey of NEIFB garden.
- Maintain proper records of harvested product as well as, food safety requirements in accordance with Feeding America and AIB standards.
- Provide direct assistance to all areas of operations when necessary.
- Adhere to all policies and procedures set forth by the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in accordance with AIB and Feeding America standards, in addition to local, state and federal regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet food bank needs.
- In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, NEIFB is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.
Required:
- One-year farm, garden, or horticulture experience.
- Self-directed and able to complete projects independently and without supervision.
- Comfortable managing a garden team, and interested in a role with growing responsibility.
- Interested or have experience with community outreach and/or programming preferred.
- Comfortable with manual labor outdoors, and have physical ability to lift up to 40-lbs.
- Comfortable engaging with children, school groups, seniors, and corporate volunteers.
- Ability to perform physical labor as necessary (stand/walk/move for long periods of time, lift up to 50 pounds, work with warehouse equipment)
- Ability to work independently and with staff to achieve objectives
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to speak comfortably in front of others about the Food Bank’s mission
- Culturally competent, ability to work with diverse groups and individuals
- Ability to be certified in ServSafe Food Handling
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, current vehicle insurance.
Preferred:
- Experience with volunteer engagement
- Experience with non-profit organizations
- Experience with warehouse equipment
- Food Safety and Handling experience
Northeast Iowa Food Bank hereby affirms it is an equal opportunity employer, offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender expression or identity, pregnancy, leave status, genetic information or age and provides Equal Employment Opportunity to handicapped individuals, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. Further, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank is an equal opportunity provider.