New Roots Farm & Garden Volunteer or Intern

SCOPE OF WORK

The New Roots program operates a five-acre urban farm in West Sacramento that supports refugee and immigrant farmers and program participants to grow culturally relevant crops for local markets. Support a variety of work at the New Roots program’s farm and community gardens, including regular farm work, farm and garden maintenance, and small projects. 

Intern duration: 4 months minimum, 240 hours total  
Volunteer duration: 3 – 4 months minimum, HOURS: 3-6 hours/week

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The farm requires a high level of regular maintenance to ensure participants can be successful; the farm maintenance intern/volunteer will be a critical asset to the successful operation of the farm. In addition, the IRC manages three community gardens in Sacramento which also require regular support and maintenance. Weekly activities might include: 

• Preparing land for planting and crop production; adding compost to planting beds; 
• Shoveling, raking, and spreading compost and mulch in the field ; 
• Harvesting crops, and washing and packing produce for markets; 
• Weighing produce and recording inventory for markets; 
• Supporting staff with irrigation repairs and installing new water lines as needed; 
• Working with power tools to support staff with small building and repair projects as needed; 
• Mowing and using a weedwhacker to clear weeds; 
• Performing basic maintenance on the young fruit-tree orchard (adding amendments, managing irrigation, mulching, protecting from frost, etc.); 
• Manual removal of large weeds by hand or digging with a shovel; 
• Using a wheelbarrow to move soil and green waste; 
• Supporting staff with farmstand market set up, customer service, and produce sales at the New Roots Farmstand Market, which runs weekly at the farm on Saturdays (9 AM - 2 PM). 

REQUIREMENTS

• Previous knowledge and/or experience in agriculture or gardening is ideal, but not required; 
• Must be willing to do physically demanding work outdoors in all weather conditions; 
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50lbs; 
• Must have reliable transportation; 

SCHEDULE

Work schedule can include any workday Mon-Fri; preferred availability on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

TO APPLY

Complete an online application at https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer. Please submit a cover letter (including desired position, availability and motivation for applying) and resume. All volunteer and internships are part-time, unpaid positions, and contingent upon clearing the IRC's required $40 background check. If your school requires any documentation or agreement for a volunteer or internship position, please reach out to volunteersacramento@rescue.org prior to your phone screening.