Seattle Tilth Children’s Garden Teaching Intern

Gain "hands-on" experience learning how to teach children and adults about organic gardening. Our programs include school field trips that visit our gardens in Wallingford and Rainier Beach, presentations at schools, summer camps at the garden, after school gardening programs and Seattle Tilth's community events such as our Edible Plant Sales and Harvest Fair.

Teaching Internships Teaching interns lead small groups of children through our garden curriculum. This is an invaluable experience in becoming a competent educator as well as learning about organic gardening.

Interns lead school groups in the garden where children learn about different plants and critters. During garden classes, we learn through activities such as digging, composting, holding worms, planting seeds, transplanting, weeding, raking leaves and learning about garden ecology.

Time Commitment: Interns devote 12-24 hours per week for three, six, or nine months.

Compensation: This is an unpaid intern position, but can be done for school credit if your institution provides for it.

Work Site: Work takes place at the Children's Garden located behind the Good Shepherd Center at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103.

Teaching Intern Responsibilities:

• Lead children ages 2 - 14 in experiential garden-based curriculum.
• Lead and teach school field trips.
• Assist in training and supervision of volunteer naturalists.
• Assist in organizing and leading summer programs.
• Teach portions of Garden Educator Workshops.
• Be available to lead similar programs at the Rainier Beach Learning Garden.
• Work up to one shift per week in our office.
• Lead work parties and maintain the gardens using organic principles.
• Be a part of special events such as Plant Sales and Harvest Fair.
• Other duties as assigned.

Teaching Intern Required Qualifications:

• Ability to teach and inspire adults and children. Some teaching experience is required, preferably in garden-based or environmental education, especially with 2-14 year olds.
• Must enjoy doing physical work, working outside and working with people.
• Capable of working independently, making good decisions, communicating effectively and having a sense of humor.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Experience vegetable gardening in the Pacific Northwest.
• Access to a car is helpful.
• Computer and office skills are desirable.
• Spanish language or other foreign language proficiency a plus.
• Available Monday through Saturday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Background in art, music, theater or performance also a plus.

Benefits for Interns

Children's Garden Interns gain valuable skills in teaching children and leading adults and are given an opportunity to experience the inner workings of a non-profit with over 30 years of success. You will learn and practice organic gardening and composting techniques. Interns can leverage their experiences with Seattle Tilth for other outdoor learning programs, teacher preparation and certification in a childcare career, non-profit management, urban or rural agriculture or to develop professional contacts with Seattle Tilth staff and volunteers. You will be actively contributing to the fields of organic gardening, local food, education and the environment while working with a team and accomplishing common goals.