Intern at The Plant this Summer!
We are now accepting applications for Summer 2013 internships. The deadline for applying is February 15, 2013. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of contact information for three references to: info@plantchicago.com. Please note: all internships are unpaid. Please see the Note about Funding, below. All applications received without indication as to which specific internship is being applied for will be disregarded.
Aquaponics Design and Construction
This intern will work with our Growing Systems Manager and Farm Manager to help design and construct aquaponic systems for production. Tasks include:
- Basic design and construction work;
- Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work; and
- Monitoring fish filtration.
The ideal candidate would have experience in each of the aforementioned areas. This intern will ideally be able to work 15 to 20 hours per week from 10am – 5pm on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, beginning in April and ending in October. Lunch is provided during work hours.
Indoor Farming
This intern will work with our Farm Manager to help grow and prepare aquaponically-raised food for market. Tasks include:
- Seeding, transplanting, and harvesting for market;
- Optimizing the aquaponic farm system;
- Monitoring pest control and nutrient needs;
- Assisting with farmers market sales; and
- Collecting and interpreting data for optimized plant and fish production.
The ideal candidate would have plant growing and pathology experience, retail experience, the ability to run biological tests and analyze basic data, and must be able to work both independently and oversee volunteers. This candidate would be able to work 15-20 hours per week, including either Saturday or Sunday from 9am to 4pm, beginning in April and ending in October. Lunch is provided during work hours.
Outdoor Farm
This intern will work with our Farm Manager to help grow and prepare food in outdoor growing beds for market. Tasks include:
- Raising seedlings to be transplanted to outdoor grow beds,
- Harvesting for market and restaurants,
- Monitoring pest control and nutrient needs,
- Building and maintaining raised beds and other farming structures,
- Working with drip irrigation systems,
- Overseeing volunteer workers, and
- Assisting with farmers market sales.
The ideal candidate would have organic plant growing and retail experience, and must be able to work both independently and oversee volunteers. This candidate would be able to work 15-20 hours per week, including either Saturday or Sunday from 9am to 4pm, beginning in April and ending in October. Lunch is provided during work hours.
Mycology/Mushroom Farm
This position will work with our Mycology Manager on all aspects of growing mushrooms. Tasks include sterilization of growing medium, innoculation of medium, controling room conditions, and harvesting. The ideal candidate will have a biology or ecology background with a strong interest in mycology. This candidate would be able to work 10-15 hours per week on a flexible schedule. Lunch is provided during work hours.
Construction
This position will work with our Executive Director and help guide volunteers in deconstruction of the building. Two to three years of demonstrated construction work is required; the ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership, plus knowledge of OSHA standards and best safety practices. This intern would need to work 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, plus one to two of the following days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, beginning in April and ending in October. Lunch is provided during work hours.
Business/Customer Relations Management
This position will work with our Director of Operations to build a customer base using CiviCRM or a similar system and, if time is available, develop plans for implementing and growing membership. The ideal candidate will have a proven interest in non-profit management and significant experience in database management is strongly recommended. This internship requires 10 dedicated hours per week, one to two of which will be spent meeting with the Director of Operations in a mutually convenient location. Interns must commit to 16 week work period.
Public Relations
The ideal candidate would be enrolled or have completed a communications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and have a strong, proven interest in sustainability, and of course excellent communication skills. Tasks include developing regular blog posts for current and future use, updating WordPress website, Facebook and Twitter, and possibly press releases. Intern will also develop a press kit and will include initial fielding of media and tour requests. This internship requires 10 dedicated hours per week. Interns must commit to a 16 week work period.
Note about Funding
While we strongly regret it, all internships are currently unpaid. We encourage students to seek additional funding from their schools, and also gladly allow interns to work outside their internship.
