Learning Gardens College Intern

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION  

City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in public parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. At CPF, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives -- located in more than 350 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City -- reach 425,000 people each year. 

• We present the largest free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC through SummerStage, presenting artists of the highest quality across multiple disciplines and genres, and marionette puppet theater in all five boroughs with our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and the roving PuppetMobile.
• Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, supports and champions a growing network of leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of their neighborhood parks.
• We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment with education programs that provide learning experiences through classroom and hands-on activities in parks, urban forests, coastal areas, gardens, and recreation centers.
• Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.

Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks reflect thriving communities.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Learning Gardens brings year-round, field and school-based garden science learning to NYC school children and community members. Our gardens are outdoor classrooms that provide vibrant green space in some of New York City’s most densely populated neighborhoods. We operate four gardens in three boroughs. Using our four community gardens, CPF presents engaging interdisciplinary lessons to expand student learning around urban ecology, horticulture, soil science, and sustainable urban food systems. Students in 2nd – 8^th grade and their teachers receive resource materials, curricula, and tools to enhance their understanding of ecosystem services and address the unique challenges of growing food in an urban environment. High School interns are trained in garden-based instruction and horticultural techniques throughout the spring and then work alongside Learning Gardens staff throughout the summer.  

The Horticulture Interns will work alongside Learning Garden staff in day-to-day field operations in at least one of the Learning Gardens sites which are located in Brownsville, South Jamaica, and the South Bronx.  Primary responsibilities will be to help maintain garden areas, conduct general maintenance, and provide mentorship to the existing high school Interns .   Some prior knowledge is required but there will be on-the-job training and guidance provided. The ideal candidate will be able to follow instructions, work as a team member and practice effective communications.

This position is for college students or young professionals.  Work days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 3 days per week for six weeks (hours dependent on program)  beginning July 14th, 2025 in addition to a full day orientation.   This position will be reporting to the Program Manager of High School Internships. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly support and assist Site Supervisor with administrative and operational duties
• Provide logistical support for program planning and implementation
• Support the gathering of materials, photos, and anecdotes of the program
• Mentor and assist with supervision of High School Interns 
• Assist with facilitation of Summer Groups’  lessons and activities
• Perform general garden maintenance as it relates to the site including upkeep of: compost systems, perennial pollinator areas, perennial fruits, annual vegetables, flowers and herbs,, pruning, and weeding.   
• Assist with seeding and transplanting, greenhouse monitoring, harvesting and data collection of produce.
• Assist to maintain and repair garden tools and equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in education, ecology, biology, environmental science, or related field OR demonstrated strong interest in environmental STEM relevant to urban agriculture
• Some knowledge of and interest in non-profit operations, environmental education, community gardening, urban agricultural as well as current environmental issues and passion for socio-environmental change
• Interest in working with a diverse team
• Willingness and ability to commit to the program schedule and times
• Willingness to explore and develop in versatility, resourcefulness and creativity 
• CUNY CareerLaunch

ABOUT CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming New York City parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through arts, environmental education, sports, and community building programs for all New Yorkers. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Community engagement includes Partnerships for Parks, a public-private program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks, which supports and champions a growing network of community leaders who care and advocate for the transformation of our neighborhood parks and the Parks and Open Space Partners-NYC coalition of conservancies and alliances. We also administer the NYC Green Fund, a regranting program for parks and open space nonprofits and grassroots organizations.

We produce SummerStage, the iconic free, outdoor performing arts festival in NYC, presenting world-class artists from across the globe and our own neighborhoods on our mainstage in Central Park and in local parks in all five boroughs, and our Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and roving PuppetMobile present marionette puppet theater throughout New York City.

We connect youngsters to nature in the urban environment through progressive, experiential teaching. Using parks as classrooms, we provide learning experiences and hands-on activities in urban forests, coastal areas, and gardens.

Free golf, tennis, track & field, soccer, and fitness programs bring high-quality instruction and equipment into areas where few organized athletic opportunities exist. We offer leveled training, year-round scholarship coaching, and special pro events.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. City Parks Foundation does not offer visa sponsorship.