New Roots Urban Farm Intern

Position: New Roots Urban Farm Intern

Location: New York/ South Bronx

Reports To: New Roots Program Manager

Hours: 15 hours per week

Start Date: March 2014

Background:

The IRC’s New Roots program in New York was established in 2011 to help newly-arrived refugees, asylees and other immigrant populations in the south Bronx access fresh, affordable and healthy produce, better integrate into their communities, and become more financially self-sufficient.  The New Roots Program in New York currently oversees two urban farms in the south Bronx.

Scope of Work:

The New Roots Urban Farm Intern will help to oversee food production and maintenance of two urban farms located in the south Bronx.  In addition to food production, intern will assist with market activities, client outreach and community organizing as needed. This position reports directly to the New Roots Program Manager and implements activities in coordination with the Farm Coordinator. A minimum commitment of three months and 15 hours a week is required. 
Key Responsibilities: 

Assist with all food production activities;Assist with market day activities: outreach, harvesting, set-up, sales, and clean-up;Assist with site maintenance: composting, clean-up, materials delivery;Coordinate work day activities and support volunteers on site;Assist with farm based training activities; Conduct client outreach and help facilitate weekly field trips;Support community garden members as needed; Assist New Roots Program Manager and Farm Coordinator with program development, implementation, reporting and monitoring as needed.

Learning Objectives:

Intern will be introduced to the work of IRC and more specifically the New Roots program.Intern will gain experience in food production, community gardening and farmers markets in NYC.Through this position, the intern will engage clients and community members in food production.Intern will gain experience with volunteer coordination.

Requirements:

A strong passion for and knowledge of food and farming issuesBachelor’s degree or course work in related field preferredDemonstrated experience with community organizing and engagement, particularly with disadvantaged communities and related to food justice or farming, preferredPrior experience working in urban agriculture or gardening preferredPrior experience working with refugees and immigrant communitiesStrong leadership, communication, and organizational skills requiredA flexible schedule and ability to travel to the Bronx regularly requiredSecond language (Spanish, French, Arabic or Karen) and interpretation skills a plus. 

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