Ada Farm Intern

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Ada Farm Coordinator, the Ada Farm Intern assists daily operations at the Ada Farm, a 1⁄4-acre fruit and vegetable farm located at 1863 South Wabash Avenue. The Ada Farm workforce development program supports employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the community. The Ada Farm Intern will participate in an augmented curriculum to deepen their horticultural knowledge, improve workforce skills, and learn to support individuals with developmental disabilities. The Ada Farm Intern will execute daily farm operations including bed preparation, planting, watering, plant care, integrated pest management, harvesting, buildout projects, and more. The Ada Farm Intern will also assist the Farm Coordinator in distributing fresh fruits and vegetables, expanding and supporting the farm program, and supporting volunteers and educational programs.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to: Ada Farm Coordinator

Principle Duties/Responsibilities:

Ada Farm Curriculum (10%)

• Attend weekly training with Farm Coordinator or ASM staff
• Complete on-the-job activities in support of curriculum
• Pass weekly quizzes for respective curriculum modules

Daily Farm Operations (80%)

• Complete daily documentation and record keeping
• Participate in daily farm operations including but not limited to: bed preparation, planting, watering, plant care, integrated pest management, harvesting, buildout projects
• Build relationships with program participants, support their participation in farm operations
• Adhere to standards set by Farm Coordinator in regards to farm cleanliness, food safety and documentation

Independent Project (10%)

• With the support of the Farm Coordinator, interns will choose a special project to complete or focus area to study
• Some examples of potential projects: soil science research & sampling, Farm Stand sales & marketing, designing a raised bed & crop plan, data entry & analysis skill building, additional learning about individuals with disabilities

Mental & Physical Demands:

This position requires effective organization and communication skills, along with the ability to evaluate and follow up on multiple concurrent activities. Position requires interpersonal and professional communication, presented through written, oral and through multi-media. In performing duties, the employee frequently uses hand-to-fingers movement. Physical activities, such as standing, bending, kneeling, writing on blackboards, talking, and listening occur frequently. The role also necessitates working in inclement weather conditions and performing physical tasks requiring strength, agility, and mobility, including pulling, carrying, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Equipment:

The position requires the use and maintenance of classroom materials, a laptop, and a variety of gardening equipment associated with the Ada Farm. This includes, but is not limited to, hoes, rakes, scales, gloves, water hoses, hand gardening tools, buckets, wheelbarrows, lawn bags, and watering cans. Applicants should be comfortable learning safe handling and operational practices for each item to ensure effective and efficient garden management and educational support.

Qualifications:

• Must be between the ages of 16-24
• Believes in the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
• An organized person who is skilled at following directions and executing daily tasks on an urban farm.
• Has the ability to do outdoor physical labor 4-5 days/week at an efficient and consistent pace.
• Has an expressed interest in working at an urban farm/garden.
• Has an expressed interest in working with individuals with I/DD
• Committed to ongoing personal and professional growth.
• A self-motivated individual who’s able to complete tasks in an efficient manner.
• Has experience working with Microsoft Office Suite or another organizational tool.
• Can work in outdoor weather conditions and move supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

Schedule & Compensation

• 13-week program
• Part-time (18 hr/wk)
• Weekly stipend ($300 / wk)

Certification of Completion