Urban Farming Intern

The Urban Farming Intern will support the SPY Garden Team in growing the SPY Garden, including planting, watering, weeding, composting, harvesting, and distributing. The intern will also participate in activities and discussions around garden-related topics, garden walks, and workshops.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the SPY Garden Team in growing the SPY Garden
• Participate in activities and discussions around garden-related topics
• Help plan and co-facilitate garden-related workshops for youth and community members
• Support management in tracking plant and volunteer data, as needed
• Attend SPY Garden team meetings

Requirements:

• Demonstrated interest in gardening or urban farming
• Active listener; uses reflection techniques when working with others to learn their needs and interests
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment; willing to work as part of a team
• Takes initiative; sets high standards for personal and team performance
• Open to learning; willing to take a patient and consistent approach to one's own development and growth
• Takes direction easily and responds well to feedback
• Thoughtful communicator; seeks to provide feedback in constructive ways
• Welcoming personality; able to encourage and promote group and service participation
• Is authentic and respectful of other members' authenticity; appreciates diverse perspectives
• Able to maintain a safe atmosphere for all people in the SPY environment

Background:

• Candidates who apply must be a youth member that is currently receiving services from Safe Place for Youth (SPY) to be considered for this position
• Must be between 16-24 years of age
• Must be engaged in either Education & Employment OR Case Management at SPY
• Has interest in exploring gardening/urban farming in a professional capacity
• Has a reliable method of communication
• Willing to complete a live scan (background check)
• Is punctual and organized
• Able to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment
• Can utilize a harm reduction, trauma-informed approach when working with young people
• Experience providing peer education and knowledge of issues relating to youth homelessness preferred

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary-up to 15-20 pounds at times

Special Conditions:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee's introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor's responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the 'at-will' employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application