Sustainable Food Center Farm Development Services Internship – Summer 2021
Organization: Founded in 1993, with roots dating back to 1975 as Austin Community Gardens, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is involved in every step of our local, Central Texas, food system. Our mission is to cultivate a just and regenerative food system so people and the environment can thrive.
Why intern at SFC?
At SFC, we are passionate about our work and share a commitment to expanding access to locally grown food raised with integrity and care, for all members of our community. Join us if you are driven to build and create lasting change that supports people and the planet.
We’re on a journey
SFC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity on our staff and in our community. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work. To that end, we have organized multiple all-staff trainings, created internal working groups that celebrate our diverse community, and integrated equity principles into every aspect of our work.
We uphold the following Core Values:
- Connectedness: We are community-focused and believe that relationships are powerful tools for building community.
- Equity: We support the right of all people to grow, access, sell, and consume healthy and culturally-appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and regenerative methods.
- Sustainability: We know humans have a profound responsibility to treat our planet with care and respect, and we are committed to ensuring that diverse species may thrive on Earth for generations to come.
Description:
This is a part-time paid summer internship at approximately 20-25 hours per week.
The Farm Development Services intern will engage in a National Organic Program standards research and planning project with SFC Farm Viability staff. Other activities include farmer interviews, building farmer profiles, and working at the weekly Saturday Farmers’ Markets.
Job Duties:
- Research National Organic Program standards through USDA and third-party certification organizations
- Organize and schedule interviews with agricultural producers for feedback on third-party certification programs
- Create matrices of organic, certified naturally grown, humanely raised livestock standards
- Support for execution of new customer relationship management system, including database creation, upkeep
- Support for outreach efforts for newsletter signups and awareness of farm viability programming
- Create farmer profiles to be used in promotional materials
About you:
You are interested in farming and food systems and want to be a part of a new farmer support initiative. You are energized by meeting new people and building relationships with a variety of different people. You are organized and can work independently with plenty of energy and commitment to carry projects through. You also have a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and creativity, and enjoy being outdoors.
You will also bring expertise and demonstrated capacity in:
- Writing and editing
- Database management
- Outreach, conducting interviews, and synthesizing results
- MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and use of web-based applications
- Using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) a plus (can train if necessary)
Eligibility & Benefits:
Internships at SFC are hourly wage positions at $15-$20/hour (commensurate with experience). Except, if a student applies for work-study program that is 100% funded by the institution.
Timing, Duration & Hours Requirements:
Start in early June. Interns will establish a regular weekly work schedule of 20-25 hours per week. Commitment through the end of August preferred.
If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to agallo@sustainablefoodcenter.org with subject title FDS Summer Internship. Within your cover letter, tell us about your lived experience working with diverse communities.
Note: Currently, all SFC staff and interns are working from home due to the pandemic.
