Farmer Technical Assistance Intern - New Roots at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

NOTE ABOUT COMPENSATION:

Internships at the IRC are unpaid. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available. Reimbursement is available for mileage when using a personal vehicle. Eligible interns will also receive a nominal per diem reimbursement aligned with current intern reimbursement policies.

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non- profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

New Roots brings refugees together to share their agricultural skills and connect with their new home and community by placing families in community garden and farm sites across Salt Lake Valley. In addition to creating the opportunity to produce supplementary food, community gardens and farms can also act as access points for health, nutrition, and other educational services. The Technical Assistance Intern supports the growth and success of small-scale and beginning farmers by assisting with market operations, client services, and agricultural business development. This role involves hands-on experience in organizing educational events, on-site field work, technical assistance for farmers, and helping plan continuing education workshops. The intern will also engage in digital system improvements, documentation, and direct client support to enhance overall program effectiveness and impact.

MINIMUM COMMITMENT:

15 – 20 hours per week for 10-12 weeks, flexible scheduling including some evenings and Saturdays.

START DATE:

January 12, 2027 (final start date to be confirmed)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Seasonally) Participate in and coordinate operations of the farmers market to ensure smooth execution of benefits distribution, vendor participation, space allocations, and logistical details.
Assist with organizing and coordinating workshops and events including handling invitations, coordinating with the interpreters, and speaker coordination.
Collaborate with the team to shadow and learn from colleagues, enhancing knowledge of farming business operations.
Assist the Senior Specialist in infrastructure projects and record keeping.
Assist with client case management, including taking notes during business planning meetings and managing a caseload of clients.
Support farmers by identifying appropriate resources, workshops, and technical assistance tailored to their individual goals.
Offer logistical and administrative support to ensure smooth operations and project completion.
Connect clients with emergency food assistance resources, ensuring they receive timely support in times of need.
Make sure all the documents are updated in a timely manner.
Other duties as assigned & relevant.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the internship, the Farmer Business Development Intern
Will gain hands-on experience in coordinating and building infrastructure at farm and garden sites.
Gain knowledge of the business goals for refugee and New American farmers and how best to support them.
Develop skills in client communication, workshop planning, and case management.
Learn best practices in sustainable farming and digital documentation.
Build cultural competency, deepen understanding of local food systems, and contribute to the success of small-scale farmers.
Trouble shooting and flexibility skills.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate program, or have graduated less than 6 months ago.
Background in nutrition, public health, health promotion, social work, or environmental and sustainability studies with gardening, farming, or business operation experience preferred, or a desire to learn.
Motivated, creative, flexible, and able to work independently.
Strong organization and communication skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy and access to reliable transportation.
Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions and lift 30 pounds.
Complete IRC background check & all related orientations/trainings.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at volunteerSLC@rescue.org to request any needed accommodation.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.