Farm Education Internship (Fall) – Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture – Alexandria, VA

Program Description

The Arcadia Farm Field Trip program connects kids with the origins of healthy food. Field Trips help students in grades Pre-K-5th make the connection that fresh food comes from the earth through hands-on, farm-based learning. Trips familiarize students with new fruits and vegetables that grow near Washington, DC, so that they will be more likely to eat those healthy foods when they see them in the cafeteria or at home.

Farm Education Interns play an integral role in the Farm to School programs. Their responsibilities include program development and analysis, educating during Field Trips, working in the Groundhog Garden or on the Farm, and other tasks based on their personal interests.

Time Commitment

Two days/week from September 24 – November 25, 2015. Wednesday from 9:00am-2:00pm, Thursday and/or Friday from 9:00am-2:30pm. With additional time for independent work.

Location

Internship will take place at Arcadia Farm, 9000 Richmond Highway in Alexandria, VA. Interns must provide their own transportation to/from the farm.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Teach hands-on lessons to small groups of students during Arcadia Field Trips;
Assist with all Field Trip tasks, including set up and clean up;
Assist in developing new programs such as our Farm in the Classroom Program which involves curriculum development, marketing the program, and educating in our partner classrooms.
Help maintain the Groundhog Garden or the Farm (weeding, planting, harvesting, etc.).
Assist with promotional and community events in which Arcadia is participating. This may include events in schools or neighborhoods, leading education activities, speaking to attendees about Arcadia’s mission and programs, etc.
Interns will report directly to the Farm Education Director. Interns will also work closely with the Farm Manager and other interns.

Qualifications

Commitment and reliability
Exemplary communication and organizational skills
Experience working with youth, especially in an outdoor environment
General knowledge and interest in sustainable agriculture and/or nutrition education
Creativity, enthusiasm and a sense of humor
Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and lift 50 lbs
Leadership experience helpful, but not required
First Aid/CPR certification is a plus
Must be able to pass a background check

Training

Arcadia is committed to providing quality, on-site training and learning experiences to our interns. Interns receive training in farm-based education techniques, sustainable growing techniques, and much more. Interns will also benefit from relationships with Arcadia’s partner farms and nonprofits during visits to those locations—interns will learn from other experts in the field.

Compensation

Interns receive compensation for this position in a number of ways. They receive entry into one Arcadia Master Course and sustainably grown vegetables from the Farm as they are available. Other perks include limited reimbursement for transportation expenses (pending funding), and school internship credit can be arranged, if applicable.

How to apply

Please send your resume, and Cover Letter describing your interest and relevant experience. Email Farm Education Director, Morgan Maloney, morgan@arcadiafood.org, using “Farm Education Internship Application” as the subject before September 18, 2015.

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