New Roots Aquaponics Intern

In this role, the intern will assist the program coordinator in managing the aquaponics greenhouse, including propagation, production, harvesting and marketing of produce to a variety of potential purchasers. The intern will also support general maintenance of the property, including weeding, watering, picking up trash and site maintenance. Finally, the intern will support outreach and education of refugee farmers and community members in horticulture/farming and nutrition.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·Learning about the aquaponics system and community gardens in order to actively contribute to the Community Food Hub

·Completing assigned daily checklist responsibilities, including aquaponics system maintenance and site maintenance (including, but not limited to: taking care of fish, cleaning settling tanks, weeding inside greenhouse, keeping greenhouse organized, etc.)

·Contributing to educational programming around aquaponics

·Assisting with group volunteer days

·Performing other general site-related improvement projects

·Communicating regularly with aquaponics greenhouse growing team

·Alerting New Roots Staff of any issues that may come up at the garden

·Assisting with growing on the IRC demonstration plot (seeding, watering, weeding, caring for seedlings/transplants, pruning, harvesting, etc.)

·Assisting growers as needed

·Developing and completing at least one side-project related to aquaponics, gardening, or the Camelbackyard site, as planned and discussed with New Roots staff

LEARNING OUTCOMES: An Intern will learn the following skills:

·Develop a working knowledge of managing an aquaponics system

·Planning, propagating, growing, harvesting and marketing produce

·Planning and executing educational programming for refugee farmers/gardeners

·Build outreach skills in working with a predominantly non-English speaking population

·A strong passion for and knowledge of food and farming issues

·Bachelor’s degree or course work in related field preferred

·Prior experience working in urban agriculture, gardening, or aquaponics preferred

·Prior experience working with refugees, immigrant or pre-literate populations in non-traditional setting preferred

·Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills required

·A flexible schedule and ability to travel to CamelBackyard site

·Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

Note this position is unpaid

Time Commitment: Monday- Friday 9- 5 pm, possibly some Saturdays, for 3 month minimum