Youth Farm Intern

JOB TITLE: Youth Farm Crew Intern

DEPARTMENT: Frayser Youth Farm

REPORTS TO: Farm Educator

STATUS: Seasonal, Part-Time (Paid Internship)

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
Girls Inc. of Memphis inspires girls ages 6–18 to be strong, smart, and bold. At the Frayser Youth Farm, participants engage in hands-on learning that connects agriculture, entrepreneurship, environmental justice, and leadership. Youth gain real-world experience while helping operate a working urban farm that serves the community.

JOB PURPOSE:
The Youth Farm Crew Intern is a hands-on learning and leadership opportunity for youth interested in agriculture, food systems, and community impact. Interns will learn how to grow food, care for the land, and use tools, equipment, and technology to support sustainable farming practices.

Through this experience, interns will build skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and advocacy while contributing to the daily operations of the farm. Interns will also explore food justice and environmental justice, understanding how access to healthy food impacts communities.

Youth will earn a monthly stipend while gaining valuable job readiness and leadership experience.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in daily farm operations, including planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, and general farm maintenance


• Learn and apply agricultural practices such as soil preparation, composting, crop rotation, and seasonal planting


• Assist in preparing the farm for production and ensuring crops are healthy and market-ready


• Learn how to safely use farm tools, equipment, and agricultural technology (including irrigation systems and basic farm machinery)


• Support post-harvest processes, including washing, sorting, grading, packaging, and storage of produce


• Help operate and manage the Girls Inc. Farmers Market booth, including setup, sales, and customer engagement


• Educating customers and community members about the food grown on the farm


• Participate in workshops on food systems, environmental justice, and community health


• Engage in entrepreneurship activities, including crop planning, pricing, marketing, and business development


• Support and help lead farm tours, volunteer groups, and community events


• Work as part of a team with a positive attitude, strong effort, and willingness to learn


• Assist with organizing tools, maintaining workspaces, and caring for farm equipment


• Communicate effectively with supervisors and peers regarding progress, challenges, and needs


• Attend all required training sessions, meetings, and program sessions

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Interns will:

• Gain hands-on experience in urban agriculture and sustainable farming


• Develop leadership and teamwork skills


• Learn how to use tools, equipment, and technology in agriculture


• Understand food systems, food justice, and environmental justice


• Build entrepreneurship and job readiness skills


• Increase confidence in public speaking, customer engagement, and community leadership


• Learn culinary skills and cooking

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a girl participant age 14–18


• Reliable transportation to and from the farm site


• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions


• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds


• Strong interest in agriculture, environment, or community work


• Willingness to learn, participate, and contribute as part of a team


• Effective communication skills (oral and written)

SCHEDULE:

• 30 hours/week (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
  Summer Session: May 26 – July 25


• 5-10 hours during the week & Saturdays during the academic year: between 7 am-noon, or 3-7 (schedule dependent on group agreements)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Monthly stipend (equivalent to $10-13/hour


• Breakfast, snacks, and water are provided daily; lunch is provided during the summer


• Hands-on job training and workforce development experience


• Exposure to careers in agriculture, business, and environmental fields


• Opportunity to work with a diverse group of peers, farmers, and community leaders


• Access to fresh, healthy food

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Girls Inc. of Memphis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants.