POSITION TITLE: Walnut Grove Vocational Farm Garden Intern
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Administration
REPORTS TO: WGVF Program Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
STATUS: Seasonal full time/ 38 hours per week
JOB SUMMARY:
The Garden Intern is responsible for supporting the Walnut Grove Vocational Farm (WGVF) Program Director in day-to-day garden operations. Supports the WGVF Program Director and WGVF Assistant Program Director in management of garden tasks accomplished by WGVF program participants and volunteers. Must demonstrate good judgment, ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, and ability to be self-motivated and well organized.
The Walnut Grove Vocational Farm (WGVF) program provides agriculture and horticulture-based training for individuals with developmental disabilities in a comfortable and supportive integrated environment, through participation in the farm’s retail plant business, half-acre vegetable garden and CSA program.
POSITION CONTEXT:
The position reports directly to the WGVF Program Director. The position is required to work a part-time work week, as designated by the DCCG Employee Handbook, including evenings and weekends.
EXAMPLES OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
● Assist in day-to-day garden operations, including seeding, planting, harvesting and weeding.
● Maintain garden supplies in an orderly manner.
● Ensure all equipment is in good working order and properly stored at the end of day.
● Assist in implementing and monitoring season extension practices
● Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Knowledge of:
● Beginner horticulture or gardening methods (or desire to learn.)
Skills:
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
● Must have the ability to give and receive information clearly.
● Must have good knowledge of MS Office Suite, email and internet-browsing software.
● Good analytical skills to interpret and apply program data.
Ability to:
● Deliver services to those in need with compassion, clear boundaries and good communication skills.
● Demonstrate a strong interest and show compassion for the issues of food insecurity and poverty.
● Work autonomous.
● Handle multiple tasks at the same time in a professional manner.
● Prioritize work and complete work in a timely fashion.
● Problem-solve on various issues as they relate to the community education program.
● Keep an open mind to new work ideas and methods.
● Work well with persons of varied sexual preference, racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds and with individuals who are differently abled.
● Work with people of diverse backgrounds.
● Strong interest in pursuing future organizational leadership opportunities.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The working environment is mostly outside in the garden, in varying weather conditions. The noise level varies but is generally moderate to loud.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The duties of this position require frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and kneeling. May require lifting or moving objects up to 50 lbs. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to handle plants without damage. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Education & Certifications:
● Minimum a high school diploma or equivalent.
Experience:
● Beginner horticulture experience or desire to learn.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTCOME:
Because of the varied nature of the work at Walnut Grove Farm, Learning Objectives and Outcomes can depend on the individual interest and desired outcomes of the intern selected. Some objectives may include:
· Learn how to properly seed and transplant select crops.
· Learn and follow safe harvest and washing/packing procedure for fresh produce
· Track harvest yields and dates for vegetables
· Build, plant, and monitor hydroponic vegetable production
Employee Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: _____________
Management Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________
c.c. employee file
The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DeKalb County Community Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
