Farm to Early Care and Education – Garden Internships
Learn about planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting of gardens in childcare centers and family child care homes. This internship provides hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, garden management, and environmental education. The intern will work closely with staff and students to promote a healthy, educational, and collaborative gardening experience. Join us for one of the following internship experiences, both located at Wake County Smart Start in Raleigh, NC:
- Spring Semester 2025 Internship (20 hrs/week for 10 weeks)
- Summer 2025 Internship (40 hrs/week for 8 weeks)
Professional development opportunities are included for the summer internship. Participants will be paid $16/hour. Travel to Wake County Smart Start and housing are not included.
For more information, please contact Shironda Brown at sewilli3@ncsu.edu
The application period is open until positions are filled.
Internship Dates: May 19 – July 25, 2025
For spring and summer 2025, we are looking for Student Garden Interns to assist Wake County Smart Start with planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting of gardens in childcare centers and family child care homes. This internship provides hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, garden management, and environmental education. The intern will work closely with staff and students to promote a healthy, educational, and collaborative gardening experience.
Duties will include:
- Support the organization and execution of gardening activities, including soil preparation, composting, and harvesting crops.
- Work with students, staff, and volunteers to educate about gardening, sustainability, and nutrition.
- Monitor plant health and provide basic care, including pest management, pruning, and disease prevention.
- Maintain garden tools and equipment, ensuring they are in good working order.
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of garden produce, including harvesting, sorting, and packaging.
- Help plan and implement educational programs and activities related to gardening, environmental sustainability, and healthy eating.
- Keep records of garden activities, crop growth, and harvest yields.
- Participate in regular team meetings with Wake County Smart Start and collaborate with other interns, volunteers, and staff.
- Assist in the creation of signage, promotional materials, and social media posts to highlight garden events and activities
Interns will be paid $16/hr.
Internship Site:
Wake County Smart Start (Raleigh, NC)
Minimum Experience/Education:
- Currently enrolled in a 4 year or community college program, preferably in environmental science, horticulture, education, or related fields.
Required Skills:
- Interest in gardening, sustainable agriculture, environmental sustainability, or nutrition.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially with students and community members.
- Physical ability to perform outdoor work, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
- Knowledge of gardening techniques, plant care, or interest in learning more is a plus.
- A positive attitude, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
- Enthusiasm for local foods and a respect for farmers and producers from diverse rural communities
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience with technology and online platforms
- Good communication skills and self-motivated
- Knowledge of, or experience working with farmers and rural communities
- Personal laptop