About the role
Details Schedule: 20 hours per week, from May 2026 to October 2026 Salary: $17 / hour, for the duration of 6/15 - 8/21. This is a paid internship through the Center for Economic Justice and Action at UCSC. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
Description The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking intern who will support our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in the Spring and Summer. The CSA Intern will lead member pick-up and u-pick hours and will develop the weekly newsletter to members. *CSA:* CSA members provide crucial support to HGP by investing in the farm by making a commitment to buy produce from HGP each week during the harvest season and paying in advance for the produce. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and transitional jobs enhances HGP's planning and financial stability and creates a community of people who are deeply committed to HGP's success.
In return, we seek to provide CSA members with quality and diverse organic produce, tips and recipes for using the produce, and news and stories about the farm, trainees and our programs that enhance their community experience. HGP also operates its Feed 2 Birds program which donates CSA shares to local agencies serving individuals who may not otherwise have access to fresh organic produce.
Responsibilities *Farm* Manage and check off CSA customer pick-up and u-pick Manage and check off Feed 2 Birds agency pick-ups Welcome and engage CSA members and visitors at the farm Assist in harvest, wash/pack, and quality control of produce Perform farm work as needed to support farm and CSA production Manage any additional farm stand purchases during CSA pick-up and u-pick hours *Administrative* Create a weekly CSA newsletter *(interview staff/trainees, write farm narratives, take regular photos of the farm and the work, promote HGP events, research recipes, etc.)* Support CSA record keeping using Excel and Google sheets.
Qualifications Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines Dependability, flexibility and ability to maintain confidentiality Superb communication skills, both written