New Roots Farm & Community Garden Volunteer or Intern

SCOPE OF WORK

The New Roots program operates a five-acre urban farm in West Sacramento that supports refugee and immigrant farmers and program participants to grow culturally relevant crops for local markets. Support a variety of work at the New Roots program’s farm and community gardens, including regular farm work, farm and garden maintenance, and small projects. 

Intern duration: 4 months minimum, 240 hours total  
Volunteer duration: 3 – 4 months minimum, HOURS: 2 hours/week/site

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The farm requires a high level of regular maintenance to ensure participants can be successful; the farm maintenance intern/volunteer will be a critical asset to the successful operation of the farm. In addition, the IRC manages three community gardens in Sacramento which also require regular support and maintenance. Weekly activities might include: 

• General maintenance of gardens and demonstration plots, keeping pathways cleared of weeds and mulched, watering plants, and doing light gardening work.
• Weeding and maintaining plant beds when applicable.
• Planting seeds and maintaining crops for market production. 
• Harvesting crops in the field and washing and packing produce for market sales. 
• Helping the Markets and Garden Specialist maintain the irrigation system on the farm. This may include repair work, and installing new lines as needed. 
• Completing small building and repair projects, such as building a small storage shed, repairing a hoop house, etc. 
• Mowing grass and weeds to keep the farm and gardens clear of tall weeds.  
• Performing basic maintenance on the young fruit-tree orchard (adding amendments, managing irrigation, mulching, protecting from frost, etc.)  

REQUIREMENTS

Previous knowledge and/or experience in sustainable farming is ideal, but not required for this internship. Training will be provided. Candidate must be willing perform physically demanding work in an outdoor setting in all weather conditions and be able to lift up to 35lbs. This position works in-person at different sites across Sacramento. Must have reliable transportation. 

SCHEDULE

Any workday Mon-Fri; Preferred availability on Mondays, Fridays, and/or Saturdays. 

TO APPLY

Complete an online application at https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer. Please submit a cover letter (including desired position, availability and motivation for applying) and resume. All volunteer and internships are part-time, unpaid positions, and contingent upon clearing the IRC's required $40 background check. If your school requires any documentation or agreement for a volunteer or internship position, please reach out to [email protected] prior to your phone screening.