New Roots Farm Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee
United States, Arizona, Glendale
Nov 22, 2024
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. SCOPE OF WORK: In this role, the New Roots farm intern will assist the New Roots Farm Coordinator in managing the two farm sites operated by New Roots Phoenix. This includes a community garden with raised garden beds for individuals, an aquaponics greenhouse as well as flood irrigation and drip tape row farming methods. Tasks will include sustainable farming techniques including propagation, production, harvesting and marketing of produce to customers through the farm stand or CSA program. The intern will also support general maintenance of the farm sites, including weeding, watering, picking up trash and site projects. Finally, the intern will support outreach and education of refugee farmers and community members in horticulture/farming and nutrition. Minimum Qualifications: RESPONSIBILITIES: Learning about the aquaponics system and community gardens 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 farming for clients Assisting with group volunteer days Performing other general site-related improvement projects Communicating regularly with farmers and community gardeners 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 with crop plans, pest management and irrigation Developing and completing at least one focused side-project related to farming, aquaponics, gardening, or agricultural practices, as planned and discussed with New Roots staff LEARNING OUTCOMES: An Intern will learn the following skills: Develop a working knowledge of managing an working urban farm site Planning, propagating, growing, harvesting, and marketing produce Planning and executing educational programming for refugee armers/gardeners Build outreach skills with residents as well as many non-English speaking farmers. REQUIREMENTS: 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 An understanding that this is a mostly outdoors internship with the majority of the time focused on hands on tasks Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills required A flexible schedule and ability to travel to both farm sites regularly Ability to lift 30 lbs Note this position is unpaid Time Commitment: Various times on Monday- Friday 8- 5 pm, some Saturdays 8-12pm, for 3 month minimum This position reports to the New Roots Farm Coordinator Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.