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POSITION TITLE: 

La Colina Garden Intern

FLSA/CA STATUS: Non-exempt

MANAGER JOB TITLE: 

Associate Director of Education Programs

RATE: $4,000 Stipend

DEPARTMENT: 

Education

DATES:  8/28/26 - 12/18/26

The La Colina Garden Intern will support SEEAG’s efforts to develop and maintain the La Colina Junior High School Farm Hub as a hands-on center for agricultural and STEM education. This internship provides practical experience in sustainable agriculture, garden management, environmental education, nonprofit programming, and community engagement.

The intern will be primarily based outdoors at La Colina Junior High School, working in the garden and learning landscape. They will assist with vegetable production, composting and food waste diversion, irrigation, garden maintenance, and care of specialized learning areas. The intern will also help prepare the outdoor learning areas for student visits and support SEEAG educators with experiential lessons focused on food systems, soil health, water, plants, sustainability, and agricultural careers.

As part of SEEAG’s STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture framework, the internship offers experience in both the practical and educational sides of agriculture. The intern will work alongside SEEAG staff, school personnel, groundskeepers, and community partners to help maintain a productive, welcoming, and engaging environment. The intern will be expected to work independently on assigned projects while communicating regularly with SEEAG staff about garden needs, student programming, and site maintenance. The intern should expect to work 3–4 days per week onsite at La Colina, for approximately 12-16 hours per week, completing 200 hours over the course of 15 weeks. 

This internship will have a main focus on maintaining La Colina’s outdoor space over 12 weeks.

Research, Planning & Project Development

  • Research plants, materials, tools, equipment, and other resources needed to develop and maintain the La Colina Farm Hub.
  • Help identify potential suppliers, agricultural partners, educational resources, and materials.
  • Assist with creating project plans, materials lists, timelines, and operational procedures for new garden and learning spaces.
  • Help develop systems for the long-term maintenance, organization, and use of the new landscapes.
  • Brainstorm and propose new ideas for educational features, research projects, student activities, and improvements to the Farm Lab.
  • Document completed projects and help create resources that can support the continued operation and expansion of La Colina Farm Hub.

Garden & Site Maintenance 

  • Support the year-round management of vegetable and herb production areas, including planting, transplanting, pruning, watering, weeding, harvesting, and seasonal crop planning.
  • Assist with crop rotation, soil amendment, mulching, and other practices that promote healthy and sustainable soil.
  • Monitor plants for signs of pests, disease, nutrient deficiencies, and other growing concerns and communicate issues to SEEAG staff.
  • Maintain the succulent garden, herb spiral, pollinator area, fruit trees, and other specialized learning zones throughout the garden.
  • Keep garden beds and surrounding areas organized, healthy, safe, and visually appealing for student use.
  • Monitor worm bins and compost systems and assist with troubleshooting, harvesting, and incorporating finished compost into garden areas.

Garden Infrastructure & Equipment

  • Assist with maintaining and organizing the lathe house, equipment storage room, garden tool shed, and other garden infrastructure.
  • Support the construction and installation of garden beds, research plots, pathways, planting areas, signage, and other site features. 
  • Keep tools, supplies, and equipment clean, organized, and properly stored.
  • Monitor the main garden irrigation system and identify maintenance needs, working closely with La Colina groundskeepers and SEEAG staff.
  • Assist with routine repairs, upkeep, and improvement projects as appropriate.

Student Education & Program Support

  • Help prepare the garden and learning spaces for visiting student groups and educational programming.
  • Support SEEAG educators during hands-on lessons and activities related to agriculture, plants, soil, water, composting, sustainability, and STEM.
  • Assist with setting up, organizing, and cleaning up educational materials and learning stations.
  • Help maintain an engaging and student-friendly environment where students can safely explore agricultural concepts through hands-on experiences.
  • When appropriate, help lead or demonstrate basic garden activities under the guidance of SEEAG education staff.

Professional & Program Development

  • Maintain regular communication with SEEAG staff regarding completed work, upcoming priorities, and challenges or needs at the La Colina site.
  • Document garden progress, projects, and student activities through notes, photos, or other materials as requested.
  • Participate in SEEAG staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities when applicable.
  • Gain exposure to nonprofit operations, agricultural education, community partnerships, and STEM career pathways through participation in SEEAG programs and projects.
  • Complete assigned projects and contribute ideas for improving the La Colina Farm Lab and its educational programming.

These projects represent the primary responsibilities for the fall term. Depending on workload and pacing, interns may complete one or more of the listed responsibilities. Additional tasks or extended responsibilities may be offered if earlier tasks are finished ahead of schedule.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum age 18; is currently working towards a high school, GED, or collegiate certificate or degree.
  • This internship is supported through Work-Based Learning grant funding, which is intended to expand access to career opportunities for students facing economic barriers. Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
    • Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
    • Previously or currently experiencing homelessness or have foster youth status
    • Be a recipient of a Pell Grant or Promise Grant
  • Demonstrated interest in agriculture, environmental education, communications, or nonprofit work.
  • Reliable transportation required for on-site activities across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
  • Prior volunteer or community engagement experience preferred but not required.

Physical Conditions of Employment: 

The position will perform the majority of work outdoors, at La Colina Junior High School. The intern should be able to:

  • Stand and/or walk for approximately 95% of the workday.
  • Kneel, crouch, reach, climb, walk, and frequently use hands.
  • Speak, hear, read, and write in English.
  • Lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds frequently and heavier objects occasionally, with appropriate assistance when needed.
  • Work outdoors on a farm in varying weather conditions.
  • Perform routine farm maintenance and other physically active program duties.

Environmental Conditions of employment: 

When working outside on farms, the incumbent can expect exposure to a variety of  environmental conditions, which may include:  

• Noise: When working on farms or in schools, the incumbent may be exposed to loud noises from machinery,  equipment, or students.  

• Dust: When working on farms, the incumbent may be exposed to dust and other particulate matter from  farming activities.  

• Heat: When working outside in the summer months, the incumbent may be exposed to high temperatures and  heat stress.  

• Cold: When working outside in the winter months, the incumbent may be exposed to cold temperatures and  inclement weather.