Company description

Boston Medical Center deeply understands that our environment impacts our health. With two rooftop farms, BMC is working to strengthen at-risk local food systems, reduce our carbon footprint, and increase green space. The farms also support our innovative clinical program, the Preventative Food Pantry, where physicians “prescribe” supplemental foods that facilitate health and recovery for many clinical diagnoses, including cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. 

Between our longstanding Power Plant Farm and our newer Newmarket Farm, BMC hosts nearly 8,000 square feet of growing space, producing fresh, nutritious, and culturally informed foods for our patients and community members.

Internship description

This internship is a rare opportunity to learn the ins and outs of operating rooftop farms for a hospital. The interns will support the Farm Manager and Education and Outreach Manager in all aspects of farm operations including vegetable production, weekly farmer’s markets, and educational programming on the farm. Interns will receive regular guidance and support from farm staff, with increased responsibility and independence as the season progresses. 

Responsibilities include: 

● General organic farm work: planting, seeding, pruning, pest control/monitoring, harvesting, soil amendment/bed prep. 

● Running a weekly farmer’s market hosted by the hospital, and food deliveries to the hospital food pantry and cafeteria. 

● Delegate farm tasks to volunteers and other farm staff. 

● Collaborate on planting schedule, soil management, and pest management. 

● Work with farm staff to develop and implement educational programming on the farm including staff/patient gardening and nutrition classes, and two weeks of farm summer camps. 

● Work with the farm staff and Communications team on recording weekly social media updates on the farm. 

● Support farm staff in hosting regular tours of the farm. 

Intern will gain: 

● Organic production farming skills and knowledge including harvesting, planting, seeding, pest and disease management, and soil fertility management. 

● The opportunity to develop additional skills in beekeeping and vermicomposting, if interested. 

● An understanding of the unique aspects of urban, rooftop farming at a hospital, including relations with cafeteria, food pantry, and other hospital staff. 

● Networking opportunities with other local urban farms and food justice nonprofits. 

Requirements/Qualifications: 

● Ability to repeatedly lift up to 40 pounds. Should be prepared to do strenuous physical work in all weather conditions. Should have an awareness of body mechanics and their own physical capabilities and limits. 

● Capacity to respond to occasional last minute communications outside of working hours for time sensitive matters.

● Capacity to be onsite at the farm at least 4 days/week. The farm is accessible by public transportation. 

● Production farming or education experience is preferred, but not required.

● Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or another language is also a plus. 

Compensation & Time commitment 

4-6 months depending on availability 

Approximately 27 hours per week 

Pay is $20 per hour 

 

Please note 

All workers and volunteers on the farm are required to follow all COVID protocols put forth by the hospital.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

February 05, 2025