Community Garden Steward

Description

The City of Mishawaka Parks Landscape & Forestry Department is seeking a motivated intern to lead the management of Grandma Barker’s Garden, a premier "you-pick" community resource dedicated to local food security. Our department is a cornerstone of city beautification and agricultural education, overseeing diverse initiatives from park stewardship to the Mishawaka High School CTE Agriculture program. As an intern, you will serve as the primary steward for an expansive site featuring 30 raised beds, a small fruit orchard, and 1,200 square feet of vegetable gardens, all centered around a high-production, four-seasons greenhouse. This role offers a unique, seed-to-harvest experience where you will be an integral part of the planning and design process, managing everything from greenhouse propagation and crop maintenance to harvesting and tracking produce analytics to ensure we are meeting the needs of the community.

While all technical skills will be thoroughly modeled and trained by our expert Landscape Department staff, this position is designed for an individual who thrives on autonomy. Following initial training, you will work independently for the majority of the day, managing the garden’s daily operations with structured check-ins at lunch and shift-end. This internship is more than just horticultural maintenance; it is a professional development opportunity to run a productive agricultural operation that provides free produce to those in need. It is an ideal fit for a student looking to master the complexities of urban farming while making a tangible, compassionate impact on the Mishawaka community.

Responsibilities

• Water and irrigate all crops within the greenhouse and community garden daily.
• Plant all crops in the community garden, raised beds, and floral areas surrounding the greenhouse.
• Sow annual crops according to the seasonal planting schedule.
• Perform pest management within the greenhouse and community garden using chemical-free, organic methods.
• Weed and maintain landscape and garden beds surrounding the greenhouse and community garden.
• Harvest produce and manage the "you-pick" output.
• Mulch and tend to soil health within the community garden spaces.
• Perform general maintenance on raised garden beds and structural garden elements.
• Coordinate with Landscape Department staff to assist with large-scale projects and volunteer groups.
• Maintain a clean and organized greenhouse
• Engage with the public to facilitate a welcoming environment for garden visitors.
• Educate the community on different types of produce and sustainable gardening.
• Design and install educational signage to enhance the visitor experience.

Qualifications

• Physical Mobility: Ability to safely traverse uneven agricultural terrain.
• Strength Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Environmental Adaptability: Ability to work outdoors comfortably in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with agricultural plants, processes, and general gardening procedures.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with team members, volunteers, and city staff.
• Growth Mindset: A strong willingness to learn new skills and expand agricultural knowledge.
• Digital Proficiency: Competency in computer applications, including Canva, email, and Microsoft Office (or equivalent software).

Contact Information