Food and Land Access intern

International Rescue Committee
United States, Utah, West Valley City
1149 West 2240 South (Show on map)
Apr 16, 2025
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non- profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. 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 Food & Land Access Intern will work across New Roots garden and farm sites to assist with community engagement programming and promote food access opportunities. RESPONSIBILITIES: Infrastructure and land maintenance: * Assist New Roots SLC team in maintaining garden and farm sites including: cultivation, weed and invasive species mitigation, infrastructure projects, and irrigation systems. * Support with garden visits to maintain functional sites and positive partner organization relationships. Curriculum Assistance: * Assist with development of curriculum materials and facilitate logistics for participant workshops that cover cultivation, pest mitigation, food safety, and other topics. * Assist in workshop facilitation with farm participants. * Assist in gardener and farmer communications, trainings, and meetings. Markets and Food Access: * Assist in set up, customer support and coordination of Sunnyvale Farmers Market (occasional Saturdays) Other duties as assigned LEARNING OBJECTIVES: * By the end of the internship the Intern will demonstrate knowledge about the benefits of community gardening, farming, and related programming for refugee and New American populations. * By the end of the internship the Intern will demonstrate an ability to communicate with limited English speakers and people from different cultures. * By the end of the internship the Intern will show an increased knowledge of best gardening and farming practices including irrigation systems, planting and plant health, and soil preparation. * By the end of the internship the Intern will demonstrate knowledge of New Roots and how best to promote the program to potential new clients. * By the end of the internship the Intern will demonstrate knowledge of community food systems in Salt Lake City. Minimum Qualifications: REQUIREMENTS: * Background in nutrition, public health, health promotion, social work, or environmental and sustainability studies with gardening or farming 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. POSITION LOGISTICS: * 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: Vy Ho, New Roots Youth Agriculture Specialist, vy.ho@rescue.org 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.