Greenhouse & Garden Internship – Growing Gardens

Last Updated On: May 7th, 2026 at 07:38PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
1630 Hawthorn Avenue
Boulder, Colorado, 80304

Primary Contact: Lauren Festa
Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: 3034439952
    Email: laurenfesta@growinggardens.org

Website: https://www.growinggardens.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: We farm a total of 3 acres of vegetables and 2 acres of orchard crops, run three large greenhouses with an impressive nursery operation, and rotationally graze a small herd of dairy goats all in the heart of Boulder and Longmont, Colorado. We are always striving toward regenerative and ecologically sound growing practices and are constantly learning and evolving as land stewards. We offer a variety of programs to get people of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and abilities involved in growing and cooking their own food. These educational opportunities are paired with seed, plant start, and produce donations, as well as gardening space, to impart greater food security and hunger relief in our community.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/2/2026
Internship Ends: 5/29/2026
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 2/1/26 but applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted as received
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 months

Internship Details:

Organic Greenhouse and Garden Internship

Spring 2026

March 2 – May 29, 2026

 

Reports to: Greenhouse and Facilities Manager

Job Status: Seasonal Intern, 15 hours per week 

Compensation: Qualifies for credit at the university level, includes $400 upon completion

Location: Boulder, CO

Check out our Internship Digital Booklet!

Growing Gardens’ mission is to cultivate community through regenerative urban agriculture. Our programs empower people of all ages, income levels, and abilities by connecting them with their local food system, each other, and the environment.  

Our organization values the diverse skills and individuals that come together to create a thriving community and workplace. We are committed to the work we do, and bring our best selves each day, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, have fun, and enjoy the process of doing good in our community.  We take care of each other and put people at the center of everything we do.

The focus of this internship will be to support the organic greenhouse production for all aspects of Growing Gardens’ programs. Greenhouse production consists of growing for our Children’s Peace Garden programs, the Cultiva Youth Farm, our annual Plant Sale, and donation program for low income individuals and families. Interns will also be an integral part of training, and working alongside volunteers in the greenhouse and gardens. The Greenhouse Internship is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing work in the nursery, farming, or horticulture industries. The magic of growing food for the community is a powerful experience; come and be a part of the growing season at Growing Gardens.

 

Greenhouse and Garden Intern Duties

General Overview of Responsibilities:

• Assisting the Growers in all phases of plant growth in a greenhouse environment:
  • seeding
  • transplanting
  • fertilizing
  • watering
  • pest control
  • record keeping
  • general tending and organizing
• Learn about organic gardening and its required skills
• Compile and update records

• Assist, teach and oversee volunteers and groups of volunteers with greenhouse tasks
• Watering and care for the greenhouse plants during agreed upon weekend shifts
• Assist with Plant Sale production and be available to work 3-4 weekend Plant Sale shifts throughout the month of May
• Gain an understanding of the Growing Gardens programs and their needs and contributions

Knowledge and Skills the Intern May Acquire:

• Gain skills and understanding of organic food starts, heirloom tomatoes and veggies
• Small scale organic vegetable production techniques
• The ability to work in a team environment
• The ability to work in a dynamic environment: this includes being comfortable changing tasks, working/leading diverse groups and feeling confident with a diverse population 
• Organic greenhouse practices, working with greenhouse equipment, production methods and marketing
• Create positive atmosphere for the interaction of diverse populations
• Ability to organize work and volunteer groups
• Develop an ability to anticipate work and volunteer needs and gain the confidence needed to lead groups and individuals

 

Structure of Internship

• • Internship duration is March 2 – May 29, 2026
  • Interns receive $400 stipend at the end of the internship
  • This internship is 15 hours per week. Note: hours may vary between weeks; however the average number of hours per week will be 15 hours. Hours primarily take place during the week, however there are required weekend shifts, and full weekend days during the month of May.
  • To apply for this internship you MUST be available for at least three, 4-hour morning shifts per week, or two full week days.

• Intern must attend orientation on Monday, March 2nd from 8:30AM-1:00PM.

• Intern will be working closely with a mentor from GG staff who will oversee all daily activities; an intern supervisor is available upon request for meetings and provides general oversight of Growing Gardens’ internship program
• Learning Objectives Contract – Developed within the first month of internship. This includes: position description, educational objectives, learning activities, and skill development
• Evaluation – A midpoint evaluation and end of internship evaluation will include intern self-evaluation, supervisor, and mentor evaluation

 

Benefits of Interning with Growing Gardens

• Experience working on and managing work groups in a commercial greenhouse setting
• Hands-on experience making a positive impact in the lives of children, teens and adults
• Friendly environment
• Good experience; develops marketable teaching and group leading skills
• Additional training offered through Growing Gardens classes
• Access to a wide variety of discounted organic seeds and plant starts including 50% off at our Plant Sale
• Garden is easily accessible with public transportation
• This internship qualifies for college credit.

 

Qualifications:

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about learning how to grow food and community.  The programs of Growing Gardens depend on the plants and food produced in the greenhouse and fields as earned income for our programs. The Greenhouse Grower must be responsible, dedicated and organized.  While some growing experience is desired it is not required for this position.

 

Growing Gardens prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment and will take affirmative measures to ensure against them, especially if they are carried out on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, neurodiversity, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation or political affiliation. This policy applies to all employees or potential employees, volunteers, participants, members of the Growing Gardens Board of Directors, people who serve on Growing Gardens’ committees, and anyone attending Growing Gardens’ events.  This policy extends to all aspects of employment at Growing Gardens, including hiring, transfer, promotion, training, working conditions, policies, compensation, evaluation, discipline, and termination.

   

 

To apply:

Applications are due by February 1, 2026 but positions will remain open until filled. 

Send an email with subject line including your name and “Spring Greenhouse Intern” with a resume and a cover letter, including a rough schedule of your preferred 15 hours a week, to Lauren Festa at laurenfesta@growinggardens.org

Educational Opportunities: Experiential learning, learning seminars and workshops, Growing Gardens classes

Skills Desired: We are looking for individuals who are passionate about learning how to grow food and community. The programs of Growing Gardens depend on the plants and food produced in the greenhouse and fields as earned income for our programs. The Greenhouse Grower must be responsible, dedicated and organized. While some growing experience is desired it is not required for this position.

Meals: No

Stipend: $400 upon completion

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: Email