Birdhouse Farmers Market

Since 2007, Birdhouse Farmers Market (BFM) has worked to strengthen our local food system to improve the health and well-being of the Richmond community. In addition to offering outstanding local produce, fruit, meat, eggs and specialty food products, the market hosts youth programming, a community space, music, and more at each market. Birdhouse proudly accepts SNAP/EBT and, through the Virginia Fresh Match Program, doubles each SNAP dollar spent.

BFM is looking for a student intern with a passion for local food to join us for an internship during the summer. The intern positions will support our market operations and youth programming. The internship will last from approximately the first week of May to mid-August.

Responsibilities:

• Support the BFM Market Manager and Market Assistant as needed during market hours.

• Review the “Power of Produce” youth curriculum and other educational resources to prepare engaging youth activities for the markets.

• Lead youth activities during market hours. These activities may occur in the garden or in a dedicated market ent, depending on the nature of the activity.

• Work with the Market Assistant to identify garden maintenance needs and work to align the garden needs with planned youth activities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Willingness to learn new skills and information related to the position's responsibilities

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Experience with youth programs and/or youth education

• Able to lift and carry market tents, gardening equipment, tool buckets and produce bins

• Able to work outside for extended periods of time (up to 6 hours in a session), including during hot and/or humid days.

• Able to sit, squat, stand and perform other physical tasks associated with outdoor market and garden work.

Hours: The candidate must be available to work at least 2 markets per month and attend monthly garden activities. The market operates on Tuesdays from 3pm-6:30pm starting in the first week of May. Garden work days occur during the first Saturday each month from 9am-12pm. Summer interns will also work outside of market operation hours to plan and prepare youth programming activities. Interns can expect to work approximately 20-25 hours per month.

Compensation: Intern is compensated through a stipend, paid monthly. Additionally, the BFM staff and Board are prepared to work with students to ensure that this internship experience can be used to fulfill course and/or program requirements. Lastly, interns will be included in the BFM “Friends of the Market” program, and will be able to enjoy the perks of this program.

To Apply: Please send an email introducing yourself along with your resume to birdhousefm.assistant@gmail.com. After we receive your email, we will be in touch about scheduling an interview!