Seattle Tilth Garden Steward

Brief Description

Gain "hands-on" experience and learn about organic food production and sustainable landscape management while working alongside Seattle Tilth staff and volunteers in the garden, during classes, and pursuing independent projects.

Compensation

This is an unpaid internship, but can be applied towards school credit at some schools.

Work Site

Garden Stewards focus on one of our gardens as arranged, with the opportunity to participate in the other gardens. The gardens locations:

• Children's Garden in Wallingford, (4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103)
• Bradner Gardens Park in Mt. Baker (1733 Bradner Place S., Seattle, WA 98144)
• The Rainier Beach Learning Garden in Rainier Beach (4800 S. Henderson, Seattle, WA 98118)
• Seattle Youth Garden Works Farm at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NW 41st St., Seattle, WA 98105)
• The Pickering Barn Learning Garden in the city of Issaquah (1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah 98027)

Time Commitment

Interns devote 12-24 hours per week for six, nine or twelve months. The number of hours vary depending on the season..

Responsibilities

• Perform seasonal garden work of planting and maintaining gardens.
• Lead volunteer work parties with an emphasis on educating volunteers in seasonal organic gardening techniques.
• Work closely with the Garden Coordinator to implement educational goals.
• Assist in volunteer orientations, training and supervision.
• Participate as a student and then as a Class Assistant for adult education programs in order to learn Seattle Tilth teaching techniques.
• Attend meetings with garden stakeholders which might include SeattleTilthstaff meetings and garden team meetings.
• Provide administrative support through planning and record keeping.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor, other Garden Stewards and other Seattle Tilth staff as needed to coordinate work plans and provide feedback about your internship experience.
• Work independently on projects determined with Garden Coordinator
• Represent Seattle Tilth to the public in a professional manner in the garden and at events.

Benefits

• Gain non-profit organization, educational program, organic food production and sustainable landscape management experience.
• Develop professional contacts with Seattle Tilth staff and volunteers.
• Contribute to the organic gardening, local food, educational and environmental fields.
• Enjoy working with a team and accomplishing common goals.

Qualifications

• Ability to teach and inspire adults, with some prior experience in garden-based or environmental education preferred. Must enjoy doing physical work outside and working with people.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Experience vegetable gardening in thePacific Northwest.
• Access to a car is helpful.
• Computer and office skills are desirable.
• Spanish language or other foreign language proficiency a plus.
• Available during scheduled work parties.
• Access to a car is desirable.

Training & Evaluation

Attend meetings with your supervisor and attend one organization-wide volunteer orientation to receive your initial training. We encourage regular communication to ensure a rewarding experience for you and the organization.