SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:
New Roots brings refugees together to share their agricultural skills and connect with their new home and community by placing families in community garden and farm sites across Salt Lake Valley. In addition to creating the opportunity to produce supplementary food, community gardens and farms can also act as access points for health, nutrition, and other educational services. The Farmer Business Development Intern supports the growth and success of small-scale and beginning farmers by assisting with market operations, client services, and agricultural business development. This role involves hands-on experience in coordinating farmers markets, organizing educational events, supporting greenhouse management, and helping farmers access critical resources, training, and technical assistance. The intern will also engage in digital system improvements, documentation, and direct client support to enhance overall program effectiveness and impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participate in and coordinate operations of the farmers market to ensure smooth execution of benefits distribution, vendor participation, space allocations, and logistical details. Assist with organizing and coordinating workshops and events including handling invitations, coordinating with the interpreters, and speaker coordination. Collaborate with the team to shadow and learn from colleagues, enhancing knowledge of farming business operations.Propose and implement digital contract signing systems to improve communication and clarity with farmers, ensuring streamlined documentation and readiness for future interactions. Assist with client case management, including taking notes during business planning meetings and managing a caseload of clients.Support farmers by identifying appropriate resources, workshops, and technical assistance tailored to their individual goals.Offer logistical and administrative support to ensure smooth operations and project completion.Connect clients with emergency food assistance resources, ensuring they receive timely support in times of need.Make sure all the documents are updated in timely manner.COMMITMENT:
Length of Service: 3-4 months.Compensation: This is an unpaid internship. Hours: 15-20 hours per week, flexible schedule including some evenings and Saturdays. Supervisor: New Roots Client Services Coordinator.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the internship, the Farmer Business Development Intern:
Will gain hands-on experience in coordinating farmers market operations. Gain knowledge of the business goals for refugee and New American farmers and how best to support them. Develop skills in client communication, workshop planning, and case management.Learn best practices in sustainable farming and digital documentation.Build cultural competency, deepen understanding of local food systems, and contribute to the success of small-scale farmersMinimum Qualifications:REQUIREMENTS:
Background in nutrition, public health, health promotion, social work, or environmental and sustainability studies with gardening, farming, or business operation experience preferred, or a desire to learn.Motivated, creative, flexible, and able to work independently.Strong organization and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds.Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy and access to reliable transportation.Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions and lift 30 pounds.Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.