REPORTS TO: Village Farm Program Manager
- SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Interest in regenerative agricultural growing practices
Experience working with diverse/multi-cultural teams
Ability to physically work within a variety of conditions, including working alone on occasion (i.e. endurance to work long days, in diverse weather conditions, standing or bending for long periods of time, lifting 50 pounds).
Knowledgeable about the political and cultural context of VEC community
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Village Exchange Center is a community center and multi-faith worship space that celebrates religious and cultural diversity by creating an inclusive environment where residents from all backgrounds can practice, interact, share, and develop together. We seek to assist the immigrant and refugee population to feel empowered to use their existing strengths and unique perspectives to enrich the city’s diverse and inclusive community.
Our Village Farm at Stanley is a 1.5 acre urban farm dedicated to increasing access to fresh and culturally relevant produce while serving as a gathering space for cultural exchange, education, and celebration. We see the farm as a classroom that can support our community to learn important life-skills, build community, and engage with the natural world in a fun and welcoming way. Our Urban Farming Immersion program is a 22-week vocational training program for immigrants and refugees. Participants are paid to learn how to grow food using sustainable practices, develop job readiness skills, and cultivate personal and professional connections through hands-on and classroom-based instruction.
The primary role of the Village Farm Compost Intern is toassistwith maintaining a productive compost pileand upkeep of our composting systems.
This is a great opportunity for an individual who is interested in being more involved in the nexus of sustainable farming, local food production, and local issues impacting communities that VEC serves. We will work with you to develop a meaningful internship that allows you to cultivate valuable skills aligned with your personal and professional interests.
Responsibilities
Compost Maintenance
Assist with maintaining an active compost pile, including collecting, adding, mixing, turning and applying compost.
Assist with collecting and delivering compost from our main office to the farm.
Assist with maintaining vermicomposting systems.
Help develop and maintain signage for composting bins.
Assist with educating the Village Farm team and community members on composting practices.
Flatten cardboard, remove tape, shred, and bag for mulching
BENEFITS:
This is a non-paid opportunity. However, interns will receive a share of vegetables from the farm each week, a flower bouquet share, and access to finished compost.
LOCATION: Village Farm at the Stanley Marketplace and the Village Exchange Center main office in Aurora, Colorado.
