Washington Youth Garden seeks an Education Intern

Location: Washington, D.C.

Deadline: April 5, 2010

Using the garden cycle as a tool, the mission of the Washington Youth Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum is to inspire children and families to engage in selfdiscovery, explore relationships with food and the natural world, and contribute to the health and well-being of their communities.

The Washington Youth Garden, a project of the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), is a one-acre organic garden featuring production area, herb garden, fruit section, butterfly garden, and themed educational gardens located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA). WYG offers year-round gardening and nutrition education through one school based program and three outdoor garden programs: Garden Science, SPROUT, Growing Food…Growing Together, and Seed to Supper.

Responsibilities
The Education Intern is responsible for assisting with the development and facilitation of gardening and nutrition education activities for the Growing Food…Growing Together and Seed to Supper programs. The intern is also expected to learn general organic gardening techniques and provide some assistance with the maintenance of the garden. An approved individual project must be developed and presented by the intern during the course of the summer. The intern works closely with WYG, FONA, and USNA staff, program participants, volunteers, and parents.

Qualifications
Degree or comparable experience in Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, or another related field. Experience working with children and young adults in an outdoor setting.

General knowledge and interest in vegetable gardening and food, good communication skills, creativity, willingness and enthusiasm to learn
about the youth gardening movement and help children master basic gardening skills are expected.

Musical, theatrical, and arts and crafts experience is helpful.

First Aid/CPR certification is a plus. Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and lift 50 lbs.

Time Commitment
35 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday. Mid-June through mid- August 2010. Flexible start and end dates. Eight weeks minimum.

Compensation
A $2,500 stipend is available. Salary is subject to FICA and income taxes. University credits could be fulfilled depending upon individual’s course of study.

To Apply
Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Kacie Warner, Education Coordinator at Kwarner@washingtonyouthgarden.org by April 5, 2010. Email is preferred, mailing address is below.

Washington Youth Garden
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002-1958
Phone 202-245-2709 Fax 202-544-5398