Farm Operations Intern (Urban Roots, Pack Intern, Spring '26)
**This internship is hosted by Urban Roots and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio and ASUN.
Students are highly encouraged to visit the Nevada Career Studio in-person Fridays from 12:00 to 4:00 or use our Virtual Resume + Cover Letter Tune Up service BEFORE applying for these positions. Students are welcome to by any time during our drop-in hours, but we’ll have dedicated staff on Fridays! Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS expectations will not be included in applicant packages to employers.
About Urban Roots:
Urban Roots is mission drive to change the way communities eat and learn through garden education. We are founded on the idea that food is a powerful tool for science and nutrition education when it is fully integrated into the classroom and accessible to the community. Our staff is passionate about helping our community and work together to support each other and the mission. We make our decisions based on six values: community engagement, sustainability, equity, inclusion, growth mindset, and continuous improvement.
Internship Description:
The Farm Operations Intern will work closely with the Education team and the Farm Manager to research and learn about sustainable and organic farming practices, crop management, pest management, and food production on a small-scale. They will help care for the crops, livestock, and seedlings. They will be assigned two garden beds to design a crop plan for and care for. They will also be in charge of creating standard operating procedures and educational signage for each compost system, as well as the farm chickens and seedlings.
Learning Objectives
- Successfully work in a dynamic space with other coworkers to accomplish company goals.
- Maintain a work schedule through communicating with administrative staff and participating in team meetings.
- Develop and maintain weekly tasks that will support the success of the farm.
- Work 1:1 with site manager to complete needed hours and fulfill delegated roles.
- Create physical learning tools that can be implemented with a diverse range of participants.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Caring for the seedlings and creating a standard operating procedure for their care
- Researching, managing, creating educational signage, and developing the standard operating procedures for each compost system: worm bins, piles, and compost tea
- Designing the crop plan for the upcoming seasons for 2 garden beds and then planting, harvesting, and caring for those 2 beds
- Caring for the farm chickens and honeybees, and creating educational signage about them
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
- Complete 120 hours of work as an intern (8-15 hours per week, 15 weeks total)
- Maintain positive attitude
- Work closely with a small team
- Improve gardening and farming skills
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno during the Spring ‘26 semester
- Passion for the Urban Roots' mission
- Experience and/or strong interest in environmental education and sustainable agriculture
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to lift 50lbs and work in all weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with youth education or environmental programming.
- Interest in sustainable food systems or nonprofit work.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Experience with developing teaching tools and curriculum.
Capstone Project or Portfolio Piece
- Designing and building a physical educational installation on the farm with a topic of their choosing.
- Work as a lead educator during our Spring Farm Camp.
- Designing a garden bed plan.
- Creating a composting guide.
- Leading a mini-workshop for students.
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants must be available to work during regular hours Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. They must work shifts that are at least 4 hours at a time
PIGP internships require interns to complete 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.