We are looking for apprentices to join Edible Schoolyard NYC's garden staff for our spring semester at P.S. 216 in Gravesend, Brooklyn. P.S. 216 is an elementary school serving about 600 students in preschool through 5th grades.
Edible Schoolyard NYC (ESYNYC) partners with public schools to build gardens and kitchen classrooms where children can engage in hands-on learning. The objective is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and environment required to change the way they eat for life.
In October 2010, we broke ground on a half-acre garden behind P.S. 216 where there had once been an asphalt parking lot. With the help of students and volunteers, we've planted a wide variety of fruit trees and edible crops. We teach daily garden classes, which are integrated into the elementary curriculum, demonstrating how we can help schools and communities make healthy food choices for themselves and for the planet.
Garden apprentices will join our lively garden staff for 15 weeks beginning in early March and ending in late June. Edible Schoolyard NYC apprentices will have the chance to be a part of a growing Edible Education program and gain many of the skills needed to become a school garden educator.
Apprentice responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assisting in the care of a half-acre organic garden; planning and planting early spring and summer crops
- Prepping for and teaching alongside garden staff in all Pre-K-5th grade classes
- Participation in ESYNYC school and community events, including afterschool Open Garden hours and community farm stand, and taking part in daily outreach to PS 216 staff and families
- Maintaining garden records and tool inventory
- Participate in and lead regular mini-workshops for garden team
- General administrative tasks and office duties
An ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- A strong interest in food, gardening, education, and community building
- Takes initiative and works well independently, and also works well as part of a team
- Minimum of 1 year of college course work in environmental science, youth development, sustainable agriculture, or a related major. Experience in outdoor education or working with youth is preferred.
- Energetic and willing to work outside during all weather
- Computer skills, including Word, Excel, and internet research
- Comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds
- Experience living and gardening in an urban setting strongly preferred
- Strong people skills and with positive attitude and outlook
- Strong belief in ESYNYC mission and social impact
- Energetic, hard worker, with excellent management skills
Apprenticeship Schedule:
Orientation 2/28, 3/1, 3/2
Starts Tuesday March 5th
Ends Friday June 28th
15 weeks total (with Spring Break 3/26-4/2)
12-15 hours/wk:
Tuesday OR Thursdays from 9am – 4pm
Fridays 9am-1pm
Apprenticeships are unpaid at this time but will be provided with a Metrocard. If your institution awards academic credit for internships, ESYNYC will provide any supporting documentation needed. Apprentices must submit to a background check and be fingerprinted to work in NYC public schools.
