INTERN; Parslow Lacy Garden and Food Pantry Intern

Anticipated

Start Date:

5/11/26

Anticipated End Date: 8/23/26

Anticipated Hours Per Week: 20

Schedule:

Flexible schedule, with firm commitment for regular Monday and Thursday work sessions.

Salary/Wage Range:
Hourly $18.00 to $18.00

Number Of Positions: 1

Are you a passionate college student or graduate student eager to make a difference in your community? Do you dream of getting your hands dirty and making a tangible impact on local food production and distribution? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

This is a valuable agricultural and food-share learning opportunity that offers an intern the chance to join an organization producing and sharing high-quality, nutritious, culturally relevant produce for neighbors in need in Dane County, WI. The Intern will gain hands‑on skills in vegetable and vine crop production, small‑scale farming techniques, soil health, and volunteer/youth coordination at the Lacy Garden, 5897 Whalen Road, Fitchburg, WI.

Food pantry operations experience will also be gained at the Middle camp Center for Vincentian Charity, 2033 Fish Hatchery Rd., Madison, WI. The ability to speak conversational Spanish is helpful in this role, but not required. The intern could expect to improve their language skills while working in this position. Additional skill demonstration, development, and networking will also be involved in special work sessions for corporate/youth groups.

This internship isn’t just about gaining skills – it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives while learning and growing in a supportive and collaborative environment. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, dig in, and be part of something truly impactful, we want to hear from you!

Part‑time non‑exempt/up to 20 hours per week mid‑May through late August (flexible). Flexible schedule, with firm commitment for regular Monday and Thursday work sessions.

If you are interested in being part of a team in the overall operation of the Food Pantry Gardens; please apply with a cover letter and resume.

• Gain practical experience and knowledge of establishing/maintaining vegetable and vine-plots.
• Apply skills in site preparation, seeding, transplanting, weeding, watering, mulching, and trellising.
• Provide harvesting and post‑harvest handling, and implement crop rotation/soil conservation practices.
• Assist in the installation and use of solar‑powered irrigation equipment.
• Apply multiple weed control/suppression techniques (including tarp/trellising systems, traditional tractor cultivation, traditional hand cultivating tools, and use of rotational burlap/coffee bean bag weed suppression techniques).
• Assist in a creative, welcoming, learning, and work environment for youth groups /volunteers.
• Lead occasional youth groups in gardening activities and farm‑related learning activities.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend work opportunities.
• Participate in creating and prioritizing a weekly task list.
• Assist in the transport of vegetables to the food pantry, and assist in established food share/pantry protocols for handling/processing/distribution of vegetables.
• Assist Service Center staff with pantry operations, donation distribution, and other duties as assigned, 2‑3 shifts each week.
• Work with garden leaders in selecting/developing a special “keystone” project according to your growth needs and garden or pantry needs.
• Support the effort to create a more inclusive and equitable organization.
• Adhere to the Safeguarding Policy by ensuring timely completion of mandatory training, staying updated on relevant training modules, and undergoing the necessary background checks to maintain compliance.

Requirements

• Education and/or experience in agriculture, plant science/pathology, entomology, soil science, or horticulture‑related fields.
• Experience working with volunteers and familiarity with social media and Microsoft applications are highly desired.
• Tractor and equipment training provided, but familiarity with their operation is preferred.
• Display a willingness to communicate and interact…