Grow with us.

Application Opening Date: November 1st, 2026

Application Deadline: December 3rd, 2026

Compensation: $15/hour for 5 hours per week; additional unpaid hours are available if pursuing course credit 

Organization Overview

Working Food is a community-rooted nonprofit growing a just, resilient food system in North Central Florida. In partnership with growers, families, educators, and neighbors, we share skills and resources for thriving growing spaces, engage youth in hands-on learning, and strengthen connections to fresh, local food. By weaving together shared knowledge, cultural traditions, and local leadership, we strengthen the web of people and lands that sustain us. These efforts nourish community health, support gardeners and farmers, and build long-term economic resilience. Together, we help grow a thriving ecosystem of care, equity, and connection.

Apprenticeship Overview

Working Food is seeking a Farm Apprentice to support urban farm and youth community garden efforts from January 11, 2027 to May 28, 2027. This is an exciting opportunity for a student interested in sustainable agriculture, community food systems, and hands-on learning. Apprentices will gain valuable experience in growing food, supporting food access initiatives, and working within a nonprofit team committed to community resilience.

This position offers a flexible opportunity to tailor your internship around your interests—whether that’s farming and food production, plant propagation, greenhouse work, food distribution, or community outreach.

Essential Functions

• Support weekly harvests for the Giving Garden Farm’s Crop Share program and walk-up produce distributions

• Learn and practice proper crop harvesting, washing, and handling techniques

• Assist with daily farm and garden tasks, including:

  • Weeding and organic fertilizing

  • Planting seeds and transplants

  • Greenhouse and nursery management

  • Watering and general upkeep

• Participate in produce distribution to both paying customers and community members who receive our produce free of charge (TBD based on schedule)

• Support, guide, and collaborate with community members who come out to volunteer at our farm.

Qualifications

• Interest in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and nonprofit community work

• Ability to work outdoors in variable conditions, including rain and Florida heat

• Reliable transportation (car, bike, or bus) to Working Food’s Giving Garden Farm or the Working Food office

• Availability to work consistently on Mondays from 9 AM–12 PM and/or 4 PM–6 PM

• Ability to receive constructive feedback with a positive, productive attitude

• Ability to collaborate with volunteers; representing our farm and our team in a kind, compassionate, and professional way to community members who volunteer 

• Ability to guide volunteers with learned practices at the farm, such as harvesting or planting techniques

Apprenticeship Options

• Paid Practical Hours: 5 hours/week at $15/hour

• For-Credit Internship: 10 hours/week, with 5 paid hours and 5 additional hours for course credit (unpaid) available 

To Apply

• Applications Open November 1st. Complete the form to apply.

• For questions, please email Jesse@WorkingFood.org 

Youth Program Overview

Despite the natural abundance of our region, many young people feel disconnected from the land, community, and each other. Without access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces, they miss out on the hands-on learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. By growing, sharing, and preparing food, youth reconnect with the land and their communities. It is a window to help youth see their role in a larger ecosystem and grow a future rooted in care and connection.

We create safe, inclusive spaces where young people learn about, care for, and take part in our local food web—building confidence, agency, skills, and a lifelong investment in food and community.  

We do this through offering free, weekly in-garden enrichment classes for elementary and middle school students concentrating on seed saving, soil building, herbalism, and cooking classes at six community sites. We also offer leadership and life skills through paid internships and mentorship for high school students.  Enrichment opportunities are also available for all community youth, through camps, after school programs, and field trips.

The Youth Programs Intern will assist with all aspects of Working Food’s Youth Programs.  

Internship Overview

The Youth Programs Intern will assist the Youth Programs team (Youth Programs Coordinator, Manager, and Director) in providing high quality enrichment classes.  This will include assisting in at least one, but preferably two, of six weekly gardening classes for pre-K through middle school students, acting as an aide in teaching as well as assisting youth with hands-on projects.  The Intern will be responsible for assisting with the set-up and break-down of classes, which are often held outdoors. The Intern may also assist with youth day camps or workshops.  

Depending on availability and interest, the Intern may assist with class preparation and research in the Working Food office, greenhouse work at GROW HUB, and/or garden maintenance at various community centers around town.

Reports To: Working Food’s Youth Programs Director

Start Date and Schedule: Flexible

Internship Expectations:

• Provide general guidance and instruction during activities, ensuring that participants understand the rules and objectives.  Provide one-on-one assistance for students who may need extra attention.

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for participants, offering support and encouragement during classes.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants at all times.  The intern will never be expected to provide supervision alone, but will be an additional responsible adult in garden and kitchen classes.

• Foster a fun and inclusive atmosphere where participants feel motivated and excited to participate.

• Respect and appreciate cultural diversity among participants and colleagues.

• Mediate conflicts among participants diplomatically and fairly.

• Be prepared to administer basic first aid and respond to emergencies as needed, typically by promptly notifying Working Food Staff. 

• Assist with logistical tasks such as setting up equipment, organizing supplies, and cleaning up after activities.

• Be flexible and adaptable to changes in schedules, weather conditions, or participant needs.

• Maintain open and clear communication with Working Food staff.

• Work respectfully under the direction of community partners and their staff - ie City of Gainesville, Cultural Arts Coalition, Greater Duval Neighborhood Association, Chef Empowerment, Project Youthbuild, and Southwest Advocacy Group.

• Perform basic gardening tasks with supervision including, but not limited to, weeding, watering, applying soil amendments, trellising, and pruning.

• Perform basic greenhouse tasks with supervision including, but not limited to, seeding trays, up-potting, thinning seedlings, watering.

• Perform basic kitchen prep tasks with supervision including, but not limited to, cutting vegetables, cooking, and baking.

To Apply

• Complete the Application Form.

• If accepted for an internship, Working Food requires a level two background check for all interns working with children. 

  • The background check will be completed at the expense of Working Food.

  • Working Food will only disqualify prospective interns with past charges that pose a threat to children. Non-violent offenses will not prevent participation in the program. 

  • The results of the background check are not shared with UF/SFC, if they are the institution sponsoring the internship.

• For questions, please email jesse@workingfood.org