Summer Paid Internship - Learning Garden Education Intern

[The Kitchen Community]

Click here for job description, or see below.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Stephanie Kichler | step...@tkc.org

The Kitchen Community is seeking two Education Interns to assist in the development, implementation, coordination, and support of the Learning Garden Restaurant Entrepreneurial Program Pilot. The Kitchen Community is a national non-profit with a mission to connect community through food. 

Internship Overview: Interns will work alongside students, ages 15 to 18, at various Learning Garden sites throughout the city of Chicago to lead and assist students as they produce organically grown produce for local restaurants. Produce grown in the Learning Garden will be harvested, weighed, recorded, packaged, delivered and sold to local restaurants. These interns will assist in the execution of these steps. Interns will guide students through extended learning and creative thinking activities that connect community and regional food systems. In addition, interns will harness the individual skills of each student encouraging them to learn about organic agriculture, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and entrepreneurship.

Hours and Salary: 17 to 22 hours per week | Monday through Friday | Competitive Hourly Wage

Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the development of summer programming projects 

• Create and implement a work schedule for multiple sites across the city 

• Work alongside and communicated with TKC staff, teachers and students 

• Educate students on organic growing techniques, food systems, and entrepreneurial skills 

• Oversee record keeping, including produce logs and of student garden journals 

• Supervise day to day activities, including field trips 

• Assist with restaurant deliveries 

Required Qualifications: 

• Pursuing or completed a bachelor’s degree in related field 

• Experience working with youth aged 13 to 18

• Ability to work during the day and part time May through August 

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment 

• Highly organized and detail oriented • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Basic knowledge of horticulture and/or agriculture 

• Valid driver's license, including reliable transportation to and from work sites 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with microgreens production and composting systems 

• Experience designing and implementing crop plans 

• Knowledge of plant diseases and pest management practices 

• Working knowledge of Google Drive and Microsoft Office

Physical Demands: 

Frequent walking, standing, bending, listening, speaking, and repetitive motion. Use of urban farm equipment such as hand tools, shovels, drills, knives, and processing equipment. Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds. You must have a willingness to work hard in all weather conditions.