Food & Land Access Intern

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non- profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. 

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: New Roots brings refugees together to share their agricultural skills and connect with their new home and community by placing families in community garden and farm sites across Salt Lake Valley. In addition to creating the opportunity to produce supplementary food, community gardens and farms can also act as access points for health, nutrition, and other educational services. The Food & Land Access Intern will work across New Roots Garden sites to assist with community engagement programming and promote food access opportunities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Assist with development of materials and curriculum and facilitate logistics for garden orientations that cover season rules, gardening basics, and seed distributions. 

• Assist in garden outreach and gathering of applications from interested clients. 

• Assist in gardener and farmer communications, trainings, and meetings. 

• Assist in development and management of garden and farm infrastructure. 

• Attend garden and farm workdays to assist in infrastructure projects and spring land preparation. 

• Fulfill clients' needs and support requests through research of community resources, food pantries, and supply deliveries. 

• Collect information on local community needs and evaluate effectiveness of programming on increasing healthy food access, engaging neighborhood residents, and changing food consumption behavior. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  

• By the end of the internship, the Intern will demonstrate knowledge about the benefits of community gardening, farming, and related programming for refugee and New American populations. 

• By the end of the internship, the Intern will demonstrate an ability to communicate with limited English speakers and people from different cultures. 

• By the end of the internship, the Intern will show an increased knowledge of best gardening and farming practices including irrigation systems, planting and plant health, and soil preparation. 

• By the end of the internship, the Intern will demonstrate knowledge of New Roots and how best to promote the program to potential new clients. 

• By the end of the internship, the Intern will demonstrate knowledge of community food systems in Salt Lake City. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Background in nutrition, public health, health promotion, or environmental and sustainability studies with gardening or farming experience preferred. 

• Motivated, creative, flexible, and able to work independently. 

• Strong organization and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds. 

• Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy and access to reliable transportation. 

POSITION LOGISTICS:  

• Length of Service: 3-4 months, more if intern wants to stay on 

• Compensation: This is an unpaid internship  

• Hours: 5-15 hours per week, flexible schedule including some evenings and Saturdays 

• Supervisor: Jaime Schuyler, New Roots Food Access Coordinator 

IRC leading the way from harm to home. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.